This enrichment course begins with a review of signed numbers, rational numbers, and exponents. Major topics include variables, expressions and linear equations and inequalities, word problems, algebraic absolute value, polynomial, radical, rational with a special emphasis on linear and quadratic expressions and equations and operations with polynomials. This course is designed as an introduction and preparation for MATH 110, MATH 120 and MATH 250. Credit hours received for MATH 094 may count toward removal of provisional status, but may not be used to satisfy any institutional degree requirements.
Prerequisites
- Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of properties of functions, which include evaluation, domain and range, related equations, and basic operations.
- Graph linear equations and inequalities, including systems of each; also quadratic functions, absolute value functions, and circles.
- Perform operations involving whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, signed exponents, scientific notation, ratios and proportions.
- Simplify numerical and variable expressions using commutative properties, associative properties, distributive properties, order of operations, exponents, and combining like terms.
- Simplify, factor, and perform basic operations on algebraic expressions, including polynomials, rational and radical expressions, complex fractions, and complex numbers.
- Solve applied problems by defining variable expressions, writing a linear equation, solving the equation, and writing an answer to the question in context. Problems requiring quadratic equations, single linear equations, systems of linear equations, direct and inverse variation are also included.
- Solve one-variable linear, two-variable linear, absolute value, rational, radical, and quadratic equations by symbolic methods including completing the square, and solving linear inequalities.
- Use appropriate forms of linear equations to identify slope, intercepts, and to graph lines.
- Find linear equations from given points and graphs of lines. Find solutions to systems of two equations by graphing.
- Use mathematical language, symbols, and notation to communicate mathematical concepts, demonstrate reasoning, and solve problems.
- Using binary operations, demonstrate the ability to solve real numbers, polynomials, algebraic fractions, and radical expressions.
- Identify their own areas of weakness/confusion and learn how to take responsibility for seeking out help.
- Make sense of problems, develop strategies for solving them, and persevere in solving them and interpreting the meaning of their solutions.
- Describe their thinking using appropriate mathematical language and critique the reasoning of others.
- Develop and demonstrate good mathematical study habits.