MATH 1203 - College Algebra

Description
An overview of the fundamental concepts of algebra, with an emphasis on functions and equation solving. Functions and equations covered will include (but may not be limited to) absolute value, square root, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic. Systems of linear equations and inequalities as well as quadratic inequalities will also be covered. Technology will be used throughout the course to supplement and enhance understanding.

Pre-Requisite
Corequisite: MATH 0112 (Foundations of College Algebra) OR

Prerequisites: MATH 0103 (Intermediate Algebra) or MATH 0214 (Foundations of Algebra: STEM) with a grade of “C” or better, or appropriate placement test scores.

3 Credit Hour(s)

Contact Hours
45 lecture hours

3 Faculty Load Hour(s)

Semesters Offered
Fall, Spring, Summer

ACTS Equivalent
MATH1103 (ACTS) - College Algebra

Grade Mode
A-F

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of MATH 1203 students should be able to do the following, using appropriate vocabulary and incorporating technology where applicable:

Solve Equations and Inequalities
quadratic equations, radical equations, rational equations, exponential equations, logarithmic equations, systems of linear equations with matrices, quadratic inequalities, systems of inequalities
Solve Applications
linear, quadratic, exponential, systems of equations
Analyze Functions and/or their Graphs
transformations of functions, quadratic functions, rational functions, absolute value functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, polynomial functions
Perform Function Operations
arithmetic operations, difference quotient, composition of functions, inverse functions, domain and range of functions, function values

General Education Outcomes Supported

Students can achieve mathematical literacy.

Standard Practices
Topics list

Relations and functions and their graphs
Characteristics and key attributes of functions and their graphs
Function transformations
Operations and compositions with functions, including the difference quotient
Inverse functions and graphs
Slopes and rates of change
Equations of lines
Linear function applications
Piecewise functions and graphs
Systems of linear equations with matrices
Systems of linear inequalities
Quadratic equations
Characteristics and key attributes of quadratic functions and their graphs
Quadratic function applications
Quadratic inequalities
Characteristics and key attributes of higher-order polynomial functions and their graphs
Zeros and graphs of higher-order polynomial functions
Rational equations
Characteristics and key attributes of rational functions and their graphs
Radical equations
Characteristics and key attributes of root functions and their graphs
Characteristics and key attributes of exponential functions and their graphs
Characteristics and key attributes of logarithmic functions and their graphs
Properties of logarithms
Exponential and logarithmic equations
Exponential function applications

Assessments

Each instructor will include a set of departmental final exam questions on their final exam. Approval to include the questions on another end-of-semester assessment tool may be granted if inclusion on the final exam is not possible.
These questions will be in direct support of the Learning Outcomes. Department-wide results for these questions will be reported when final grades are submitted.
Results from a subset of these questions will be used in the General Education Outcomes report.

Grading guidelines

At least 70% of the student’s final course grade should come from proctored work.