MAT 100: Elementary Algebra

Course Description

This course will focus on the basics of algebraic notation and the foundation skills for higher-level mathematics courses. It is specifically designed for students who wish to refresh their algebra skills prior to or while simultaneously taking MAT 101, MAT 103, or MAT 105 at Charter Oak State College. Topics include: algebraic expressions, one-variable linear equations, slope and straight line formulas, graphs of linear equations and systems of linear equations, linear inequalities, and concepts of linear programming using systems of linear inequalities. This course cannot be used towards either the Math concentration or the Math general education requirements. (1 credit)

Prerequisite

  • High school Algebra

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  1. Use algebraic definitions, concepts, and techniques necessary for higher-level Mathematics courses (MAT 101, 103, 105 and 115)
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of symbolic notation in Mathematics.
  3. Demonstrate reading skills in Mathematics.
  4. Demonstrate skills in problem solving.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of the following elements of elementary algebra:
    1. Properties of real numbers. Introduction to Integers. Rational Numbers. Exponents and the Order of Operations.
    2. Evaluating Variable Expressions. Simplifying Variable Expressions. Translating Verbal Expressions into Variable Expressions.
    3. Solving one-variable linear equations and inequalities, and their applications.
    4. Graphs of Straight Lines. Slopes of Straight Lines. Equations of Straight Lines. Graphing Linear Inequalities.

Course Activities and Grading

This course will consist of three graded on-line module post-tests (one after weeks 2, 3 and 4 of the course), a mini-project, and required meaningful participation in threaded discussion for each week and for the mini-project. Students will be assessed in this course through the following:

AssignmentsWeight
Discussions (Weeks 1-5)

25%

WebAssign Homework (Weeks 1-4)

60%

Cumulative Final Exam (Week 5)

15%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak's online bookstore

  • Aufmann/Lockwood. Beginning Algebra - with Access Code. 8th ed. Cengage Learning, 2013. Looseleaf text with printed access code. ISBN-13: 9781285483771

Note: This is a Print Bundle which includes the textbook and the Access Code required for this course. Student must purchase these materials “New” from the Charter Oak State College bookstore.
Used materials or materials from any other source are not acceptable.

Additional Resources

  • Scientific Calculator

Course Schedule

Week

SLOs

Readings and Exercises

Assignments

1

1,4,5

Topic: Properties of Real Numbers (Pre-algebra Review)

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 1
    • Sections 1-4 (pp. 2-33)
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete Ch 1 WebAssign Homework

2

2,4,5

Topic: Variable Expressions

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 2
    • Sections 1-3 (pp. 57-82)
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete Ch 2 WebAssign Homework

3

3,4,5

Topic: Solving Equations and Inequalities

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 3
    • Sections 1-4 (pp. 89-132)
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete Ch 3 WebAssign Homework

4

1,2,4,5

Topic: Graphing

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 5
    • Sections 1 -5 (pp. 201-265)
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete Ch 5 WebAssign Homework

5

1,2,3,4,5

Topic: Cumulative Final Exam

  • Readings:
    • Review Chapters 1, 2, 3 & 5
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material for Ch 1, 2, 3, 5
  • Complete the Cumulative Final Exam

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.