ALGEBRA EXPRESS

MA 099

Catalogue Description

This course is designed for students who received a grade of “R” in Math 098 but almost passed. Instructor recommendation is required. This course can also be taken by other students who almost passed the placement exam. Recommendation from the Testing Office and the Math Academic Foundations Coordinator is required. This is an intensive, one-week course which is usually offered during an intersession.

1 non-college credit

Goals

A. To improve the student's ability to simplify and to evaluate algebraic expressions.

B. To increase the student's ability to solve linear equations and inequalities.

C. To reinforce the student's knowledge of polynomials, rational expressions and roots.

D. To increase the student's knowledge of operations with polynomials.

E. To introduce the students to solutions of quadratic equations.

F. To increase the student's ability to solve word problems.

G. To prepare the student for Intermediate Algebra or Fundamentals of Math

Procedures

This course is taught for 3 days from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. according to the following format:

A. Lecture/Discussion

B. Computer assisted drill/tutoring

Course Content

A. Introduction/Real Numbers

B. Linear Equations/Inequalities

C. Polynomials

D. Factoring

E. Algebraic Fractions

F. Square Roots and Radicals

G. Quadratic Equations

H. Coordinate Geometry and Linear Systems

Evaluation methods at the discretion of the Instructor

1. Exams. There will be several exams that will include one or two chapters.

2. Final Exam.

In order to obtain a passing grade the students must attain a passing average on the exams and obtain at least a score of 19 on the NJCU Math Department Post-Test.

Bibliography

Required Text: Kaufmann, Jerome E., Elementary Algebra for College Students, 4th Ed., PWS-Kent, 1992.

Software

Expert Algebra Tutor - PWS-Kent