Spring 2019 Course Syllabi

Welcome to Beginning Algebra! This three credit course will be 16 weeks. This class does not satisfy college graduation requirements for math but is the first of three required courses needed to graduate from the NDUS colleges and universities. The first two courses are review and the third course, college algebra, is the course which is taken for credit and satisfies the math requirement. Topics covered in this course include properties of numbers, fundamental operations, factoring, fractions, exponents, radicals and equations. This course will utilize the MyMathLab system for homework, while quizzes and tests will be taken on paper in the classroom. Course Objectives: In this class you will learn techniques to analyze and solve various types of beginning algebra problems. Calculators are not allowed in this introductory course during exams, therefore you are encouraged to practice your skills and not rely on a calculator to get the answer during class and at home. Student Outcomes: Students will acquire the skills necessary to communicate mathematical ideas and procedures using appropriate mathematical vocabulary and notation. In addition, students should develop the skills necessary to understand and proficiently solve problems related to the material introduced in the text and by lecture. The use of technology will allow students to enhance their mathematical thinking and understanding, solve mathematical problems and applications, and judge the reasonableness of their solutions. Ultimately, students should gain confidence in their abilities to develop numerical reasoning and flexibility in applying conceptual understanding to make sense of, and solve, problems. Students will acquire number sense abilities, mathematical vocabulary, and notation required for Intermediate Algebra. Required Materials: Textbook Tobey, Slater, Blair and Crawford. Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, 5 th edition, Pearson, 2017. ISBN-13: 978-0-13-418962-8. This book can be ordered directly through the publisher, and it will include the online access to MyMathLab, the online math program for the textbook’s homework. You have the option of purchasing the online only text with MyMathLab, or the textbook with the online MyMathLab component separately. Instructions for logging into this course will be given separately, and access to the website can be found here: https://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com/northamerica/mymathlab/ Course requirements Learning algebra is an investment of time. Algebra is learned best by practicing, reflecting and practicing some more. You should be able to look at a problem, know how to proceed and be able to carry out the steps without assistance.