Mar 29, 2024  
2015-2016 Official General Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Official General Catalog [Archived Catalog]

MAT 096 - Elementary Algebra and Trigonometry


Polynomials; factoring; functions; rational expressions; linear, quadratic and rational equations; graphs of basic functions; row operations and linear systems; topics in geometry; general angles in degrees and radians; right triangle trigonometry.

Prerequisite- Corequisite
Prerequisite:  MAT 092 Foundations for College Mathematics I or MAT 093 Integrated Arithmetic and Basic Algebra, or equivalent

Credits: 0
Hours
4 Class Hours
Course Profile
Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
Perform skills in four categories: Algebra, Geometry/Trigonometry, Graphing and Problem Solving/Estimation.

Note:  Throughout the course the students are expected to solve applied problems related to the topics of the course.

Algebra

1.  Perform operations on polynomials.
2.  Simplify rational expressions and perform operations on rational expressions including complex fractions.
3.  Solve elementary rational equations.
4.  Evaluate square roots.
5.  Solve and evaluate literal equations.
6.  Define and evaluate functions using function notation.
7.  After a brief review, factor a monomial from a polynomial, factor trinomials, and factor special cases (difference of squares).
8.  Factor expressions in form, expressions that are sum and difference of cubes, and expressions that can be factored by grouping.
9.  After a brief review, solve quadratic equations by factoring and by using the quadratic formula.
10.  Completing the square to graph conic sections.
11.  Identify parallel and perpendicular lines from their equations.
12.  Solve systems of 3 or more linear equations in 3 or more variables.

Geometry/Trigonometry

13.  Classify angles and triangles using appropriate terminology.
14.  Relate the sides and angles of similar triangles.
15.  Convert between radians and degrees.
16.  Find reference angles for angles measured in degrees.
17.  Evaluate the six trigonometric functions of general angles measured in degrees.
18.  Understand and use right triangle trigonometry.
19.  Evaluate trigonometric and inverse trigonometric values.

Graphing

20.  Identify the following basic relations:
       a.     ax + by = c
       b.     y = ax2 + bx + c
       c.     (x - h)2 + (y - k)2 = r2
21.  Find equations of lines using point-slope form, slope-intercept form and general form.
22.  Graph a parabola by finding the vertex, intercepts, and additional points.
23.  Graph a circle given its equation in standard or general form.

Problem Solving/Estimation

24.  Solve applications problems involving 2 by 2 and 3 by 3 systems of linear equations.
25.  Solve application problems with linear and quadratic equations.
26.  Solve applications using right triangle trigonometry.
27.  Solve application problems with rational equations.

In the context of the course objectives listed above, upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Interpret and draw inferences from mathematical models such as formulas, graphs, tables and schematics.
2.  Represent mathematical information symbolically, visually, numerically and verbally.
3.  Employ quantitative methods such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, or statistics to solve problems.
4.  Estimate and check mathematical results for reasonableness.
5.  Recognize the limitations of mathematical and statistical methods.