Elementary Algebra:
Competencies: Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1. Add, subtract, multiply and divide integers.
2. Solve equations and inequalities.
3. Add, subtract, multiply and divide expressions with exponents.
4. Add, subtract, multiply and divide, and factor polynomials.
5. Add, subtract, multiple and divide algebraic fractions.
6. Determine linear equations in two unknowns utilizing information
based on their graphs.
7. Graph linear inequalities in two unknowns.
8. Analyze, design, and execute the solutions to word problems.
9. Use calculators and computers to solve mathematical problems.
10. Make reasonable estimates and calculate approximations.
11. Utilize the general and specialized vocabularies of mathematics.
Intermediate Algebra:
Competencies: Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
A. Reinforce skills taught in Basic Math and Elementary Algebra
1. Evaluate algebraic expressions by substitution.
2. Perform arithmetic operations on real numbers.
3. Simplify algebraic expressions by using rules for the order
of operations.
4. Simplify expressions containing exponential notation.
5. Translate numbers in decimal notation to scientific notation
and vice versa.
6. Solve linear equations and inequalities.
7. Solve application problems involving linear equations and
inequalities.
8. Solve formulas for a given variable.
9. Graph linear equations and inequalities.
10. Find the slope of the line containing two given points.
11. Find the equation of a line given its slope and a point on the
line or given two points on the line.
12. Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of
polynomials.
13. Factor polynomials by removing the greatest common factor and by
grouping.
14. Factor trinomials of type xx+c, axx+c, trinomial squares
and difference of squares.
15. Simplify, add, subtract, multiply and divide rational
expressions.
16. Solve quadratic equations by factoring.
B. Introduce new algebraic skills.
1. Use scientific notation for calculation purposes.
2. Solve equations containing absolute value expressions.
3. Determine whether two given lines are parallel, perpendicular
or neither.
4. Given an equation of a line and a point not on the line, find
the equation of a line parallel or perpendicular to the line and
containing the point.
5. Solve a system of two equations in two variables by graphing,
the substitution method, and the elimination method.
6. Solve application problems involving two equations in two
variables.
7. Graph systems of two linear inequalities in two variables.
8. Factor the sum or difference of two cubes.
9. Solve equations involving rational expressions.
10. Simplify complex rational expressions.
11. Simplify, add, subtract, multiply, and divide radical
expressions.
12. Rationalize the denominator of radical expressions.
13. Write radical expressions as expressions with rational exponents
and vice versa.
14. Use laws of exponents to simplify expressions with rational
exponents.
15. Given the lengths of two sides of a right triangle, use
the Pythagorean theorem to find the length of the unknown side.
16. Write radical expressions with negative radicand as an imaginary
number using i.
17. Solve quadratic equations by the square root method and the
quadratic formula.
18. Graph quadratic equations of type a(x-h) and type axx+c.
19. Solve quadratic inequalities.
Note: Our classes for Elementary and Intermediate Algebra carry 5 semester
hours or institutional credit each. The credit is not degree credit.
However, students who place into these classes must successfully complete
them before they can enroll in any college level math class.
The classes are calculator based but the extend of the calculator use is
left to the instructor. Graphing calculators are available for use in the
classroom.
Joye Elaine Gowan
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Roane State Community College
Cumberland County Higher Education Center
49 Cumberland Plaza
Crossville, Tennessee 38555
615-456-9880
e-mail: gowan_j@a1.rscc.cc.tn.us