Skagit Valley College

Catalog Course Search Details

 Course Title:   Beginning Algebra

 Title Abbreviation:   BEGINNING ALGEBRA

 Department:    MATH

 Course #:    97

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    5

 CIP:    330101

 EPC:    n/a

 REV:    2018


 Course Description  

This is the beginning course in algebra, building on topics introduced in math 096. Topics include: algebraic expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities, graphing linear equations, solving systems of linear equations and inequalities, mathematical modeling, and functions. A non-CAS graphing calculator is required.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: MATH 096 with a grade of C or higher, or equivalent math placement score.

Additional Course Details

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 55

Lab: 0

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0


Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Academic N/A  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Other Institution Equivalencies Table
Institution Course # Remarks
N/A

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the structure of the real number system.
  2. Use sets and set notation when appropriate.
  3. Solve linear equations containing integers, decimals and/or fractions.
  4. Solve linear inequalities containing integers, decimals and/or fractions and
    • State solutions using interval and set notations.
    • Graph solutions on a number line.
  5. Work with linear equations in two variables by
    • graphing linear equations.
    • determining the slope.
    • finding the intercepts.
    • finding equations of lines.
  6. Solve systems of linear equations by
    • graphing.
    • using the elimination method.
    • using the substitution method.
  7. Solve systems of linear inequalities by graphing.
  8. Demonstrate an understanding of mathematical modeling by
    • Creating scatter plots.
    • Determining an exact linear relationship.
    • Determining an approximate linear relationship.
  9. Simplify expressions.
  10. Apply the commutative, associative, distributive properties.
  11. Determine if a relation is a function.
  12. Use function notation.
  13. Solve applications relevant to course content.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

2. Critical Thinking

Definition: The ability to think critically about the nature of knowledge within a discipline and about the ways in which that knowledge is constructed and validated and to be sensitive to the ways these processes often vary among disciplines.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
2.1 Identify and express concepts, terms, and facts related to a specific discipline.

8. Mathematical Reasoning

Definition: Understanding and applying concepts of mathematics and logical reasoning in a variety of contexts, both academic and non-academic.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
8.1 Analyze problems to determine what mathematical principles apply.
8.2 Correctly apply logical reasoning and mathematical principles to solve problems.
8.3 Interpret information and reasoning expressed mathematically (for example in spreadsheets, diagrams, charts, formulas, etc.).
8.4 Communicate mathematical information effectively.

10. Technology

Definition: Understanding the role of technology in society and using technology appropriately and effectively.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
10.3 Use technology appropriate to the context and task to effectively retrieve and manage information, solve problems, and facilitate communication.

Course Contents

  1. Real numbers
    • Using exponents.
    • Applying the order of operations.
  2. Mathematical modeling
    • Creating scatter plots
    • Determining the exact linear relationship.
    • Determining an approximate linear relationship
    • Determining a linear equation of a model.
  3. Linear equations in two variables
    • Graphing equations in slope-intercept form.
    • Graphing linear models.
    • Determining the slope of a line.
    • Determining the x-intercepts and the y-intercepts.
    • Graphing linear equations using slope.
    • Determining a linear equation.
  4. Expressions
    • Using the Commutative, Associative and Distributive properties
    • Simplifying expressions
  5. Solving linear equations in one variable.
  6. Solving systems of linear equations in two variables
    • Graphing method
    • Elimination method.
    • Substitution method.
  7. Linear inequalities in one variable.
    • Solving
    • Graphing solutions on a number line.
    • Stating solutions using interval and set notation.
  8. Solving systems of linear inequalities
  9. Functions
    • Determining if a relation is a function
    • Using function notation