MAT 090X - Arithmetic and Algebra Fundamentals
Credits: 5
5 Lecture Hours
Prerequisites: MAT 080 Minimum grade C or placement test.
Description
In this course, students learn the fundamentals of arithmetic and the fundamental skills and concepts of algebra. Included are operations with whole numbers, fractions and decimals, percents, operations on polynomial expressions containing variables, word problems, special products and factoring, and solution sets of equations and inequalities in one variable. Students also study rational expressions and are introduced to the rectangular coordinate system. The course helps students build a strong algebraic foundation as they learn techniques for representing and solving problems numerically, graphically and symbolically. Students are able to apply core algebraic methods to translate, analyze and solve a variety of mathematical and real-world scenarios. Students must earn a “C” grade or better to register for the next course in this discipline or to use this course as a prerequisite for a course in another discipline.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:
- Perform operations on whole numbers.
- Perform operations on integers.
- Perform operations on rational numbers.
- Convert between percents, decimals and fractions.
- Simplify numerical expressions involving rational numbers.
- Evaluate polynomial expressions.
- Perform operations on polynomial expressions.
- Solve linear equations, linear inequalities, and literal equations in one variable.
- Solve application problems leading to linear equations in one variable.
- Graph linear equations in two variables by plotting solutions (using a graphing tool is optional).
- Apply factoring methods to polynomial expressions.
- Simplify rational expressions and solve rational equations.
- Apply the Pythagorean theorem.
Listed Topics
- Real number system, order of operations with rational numbers and evaluating algebraic expressions
- Prime factorization of whole numbers
- Linear equations in one variable
- Translating word problems into equations
- Converting between percents, decimals and fractions
- Operations on polynomial expressions including special products and factoring
- One-variable linear equations, literal equations and one-variable linear inequalities
- Linear equations in two variables
- Operations on rational expressions
Reference Materials
Each student will be required to have access to the textbook, ebook or online homework platform adopted by the Mathematics Department at the specific campus. Calculator use is at the discretion of the instructor.
Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals: - Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning
Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 01/02/2025
Last Reviewed: 01/02/2025
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