MAT 103: College Algebra

Course Description

This course will focus on a study of the fundamentals of college level algebra. Topics include: algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities, function theory, linear and quadratic functions, polynomials, rational and radical expressions, quadratic equations and inequalities, exponentials and logarithms, and the Conic Sections. (3 credits)

Recommended Prerequisites

  • MAT 100: Elementary Algebra or High school Algebra

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  1. Use critical analysis and logical thinking skills in problem solving.
  2. Use algebraic concepts and techniques for higher-level mathematics courses and mathematically related business courses.
  3. Use algebraic procedures specifically suited to business applications, including two-variable linear programming.
  4. Demonstrate skills in problem solving.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of college algebra.
  6. Demonstrate an understanding of relations and functions.
  7. Demonstrate an understanding of linear and quadratic functions.
  8. Solve linear systems of equality and linear systems of inequalities.
  9. Solve problems using linear programming.
  10. Solve problems involving cost, profit functions, maximization and minimization

Course Activities and Grading

This course will consist of nine graded on-line post-tests (one after each of the nine chapters), required meaningful participation in threaded discussion for each chapter, and an on-line final exam. Students will be assessed in this course through the following:

AssignmentsWeight

Discussions (Weekly)

20%

Quizzes (Weekly)

20%

Assignments (Weekly)

30%

Final Exam (Week 8)

30%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak's online bookstore

  • Kaufmann, Jerome E. and Karen L. Schwitters. Algebra for College Students. 10th ed. Brooks/Cole Publishing, 2015. ISBN-10: 1-305-08116-1 or ISBN-13: 978-1-305-08116-1 [Loose-Leaf Version]

Course Schedule

Week

SLOs

Topics

Assignments

1

1,3,5,6
  • CHAPTER 1: BASIC CONCEPTS AND PROPERTIES
    • 1.0 Review of Fractions.
    • 1.1 Sets, Real Numbers, and Numerical Expressions.
    • 1.2 Operations with Real Numbers.
    • 1.3 Properties of Real Numbers and the Use of Exponents.
    • 1.4 Algebraic Expressions.
  • CHAPTER 2: EQUATIONS, INEQUALITIES, AND PROBLEM SOLVING
    • 2.1 Solving First-Degree Equations.
    • 2.2 Equations Involving Fractional Forms.
    • 2.3 Equations Involving Decimals and Problem Solving.
    • 2.4 Formulas.
    • 2.5 Inequalities.
    • 2.6 More on Inequalities and Problem Solving.
    • 2.7 Equations and Inequalities Involving Absolute Value.
  • Read Chapters 1 and 2
  • Complete Weekly Quiz
  • Complete Homework Assignment
  • Participate in Discussion Forum

2

1,4,5,7,8,9,10
  • CHAPTER 3: POLYNOMIALS
    • 3.1 Polynomials: Sums and Differences.
    • 3.2 Products and Quotients of Monomials.
    • 3.3 Multiplying Polynomials.
    • 3.4 Factoring: Greatest Common Factor and Common Binomial Factor.
    • 3.5 Factoring: Difference of Two Squares and Sum or Difference of Two Cubes.
    • 3.6 Factoring Trinomials.
    • 3.7 Equations and Problem Solving.
  • CHAPTER 4: RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS
    • 4.1 Simplifying Rational Expressions.
    • 4.2 Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions.
    • 4.3 Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions.
    • 4.4 More on Rational Expressions and Complex Fractions.
    • 4.5 Dividing Polynomials.
    • 4.6 Fractional Equations.
  • Read Chapters 3 and 4
  • Complete Weekly Quiz
  • Complete Homework Assignment
  • Participate in Discussion Forum

3

1,5,7
  • CHAPTER 5: EXPONENTS AND RADICALS
    • 5.1 Using Integers as Exponents.
    • 5.2 Roots and Radicals.
    • 5.3 Combining Radicals and Simplifying Radicals That Contain Variables.
    • 5.4 Products and Quotients Involving Radicals.
    • 5.5 Equations Involving Radicals.
    • 5.6 Merging Exponents and Roots.
    • 5.7 Scientific Notation.
  • CHAPTER 6: QUADRATIC EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES
    • 6.1 Complex Numbers.
    • 6.2 Quadratic Equations.
    • 6.3 Completing the Square.
    • 6.4 Quadratic Formula.
    • 6.5 More Quadratic Equations and Applications.
    • 6.6 Quadratic and Other Nonlinear Inequalities.
  • Read Chapters 5 and 6
  • Complete Weekly Quiz
  • Complete Homework Assignment
  • Participate in Discussion Forum

4

1,4,5,6,7,8,9,10
  • CHAPTER 7: EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES IN TWO VARIABLES
    • 7.1 Rectangular Coordinate System and Linear Equations.
    • 7.2 Linear Inequalities in Two Variables.
    • 7.3 Distance and Slope.
    • 7.4 Determining the Equation of a Line.
    • 7.5 Graphing Nonlinear Equations.
  • CHAPTER 8: FUNCTIONS
    • 8.1 Concept of a Function.
    • 8.2 Linear Functions and Applications.
    • 8.3 Quadratic Functions.
    • 8.4 More Quadratic Functions and Applications.
    • 8.5 Transformations and Some Basic Curves.
    • 8.6 Combining Functions.
    • 8.7 Direct and Inverse Variation.
  • Read Chapters 7 and 8
  • Complete Weekly Quiz
  • Complete Homework Assignment
  • Participate in Discussion Forum

5

1,4,7,8,9
  • CHAPTER 9: EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES IN TWO VARIABLES
    • 9.1 Synthetic Division.
    • 9.2 Remainder and Factor Theorems.
    • 9.3 Polynomial Equations.
    • 9.4 Graphing Polynomial Functions.
    • 9.5 Graphing Rational Functions.
    • 9.6 More on Graphing Rational Functions.
  • CHAPTER 10: EXPONENTIAL AND LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS
    • 10.1 Exponents and Exponential Functions.
    • 10.2 Applications of Exponential Functions.
    • 10.3 Inverse Functions.
    • 10.4 Logarithms.
    • 10.5 Logarithmic Functions.
    • 10.6 Exponential Equations, Logarithmic Equations, and Problem Solving.
  • Read Chapters 9 and 10
  • Complete Weekly Quiz
  • Complete Homework Assignment
  • Participate in Discussion Forum

6

1,2,3,5
  • CHAPTER 11: SYSTEMS OF EQUATIONS
    • 11.1 Systems of Two Linear Equations in Two Variables.
    • 11.2 Systems of Three Linear Equations in Three Variables.
    • 11.3 Matrix Approach to Solving Linear Systems.
    • 11.4 Determinants.
    • 11.5 Cramer’s Rule.
    • 11.6 Partial Fractions (Optional).
  • CHAPTER 12: ALGEBRA OF MATRICES
    • 12.1 Algebra of 2 X 2 Matrices.
    • 12.2 Multiplicative Inverses.
    • 12.3 _m_ X _n_ Matrices.
    • 12.4 Systems of Linear Inequalities: Linear Programming.
  • Read Chapters 11 and 12
  • Complete Weekly Quiz
  • Complete Homework Assignment
  • Participate in Discussion Forum

7

1,2,4
  • CHAPTER 13: CONIC SECTIONS
    • 13.1 Circles.
    • 13.2 Parabolas.
    • 13.3 Ellipses.
    • 13.4 Hyperbolas.
    • 13.5 Systems Involving Nonlinear Equations.
  • Read Chapter 13
  • Complete Weekly Quiz
  • Complete Homework Assignment
  • Participate in Discussion Forum

8

1,2,3,5
  • CHAPTER 14. SEQUENCES AND MATHEMATICAL INDUCTION.
    • 14.1 Arithmetic Sequences.
    • 14.2 Geometric Sequences.
    • 14.3 Another Look at Problem Solving.
    • 14.4 Mathematical Induction.
  • Read Chapter 14
  • Complete Weekly Quiz
  • Complete Final Exam
  • Complete Homework Assignment
  • Participate in Discussion Forum
  • Complete Course Evaluation

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.