Anne Arundel Community College

MAT 011: Beginning Algebra


CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
Study beginning algebra topics. Topics include properties of the real numbers and the arithmetic of signed numbers and fractions; solving equations, inequalities and application problems; graphing; simplifying exponential forms, literal and rational expressions; polynomials and factoring; solving single variable linear equations and systems of two variable equations.

Prerequisite: Completion of MAT 010 with a grade of at least C or scoring at an appropriate level on the Mathematics Placement Test.

Note: You must receive a grade of at least C in MAT 011 in order to enroll in MAT 012. If you receive a grade of D or F in MAT 011, you must repeat the course.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Perform basic operations on fractions and signed numbers.
  2. Solve linear and rational equations and systems of linear equations and associated applications.
  3. Use the definitions and properties of exponents to evaluate, simplify, and transform expressions.
  4. Perform basic operations on polynomial and rational expressions.
  5. Determine the slope and equation of a line and graph linear equations.

COURSE OUTLINE:
Variables, Real Numbers, and Mathematical Models:
  • Introduction to Algebra: Variables and Mathematical Models
  • Fractions in Algebra
  • The Real Numbers
  • Basic Rules of Algebra
  • Addition of Real Numbers
  • Subtraction of Real Numbers
  • Multiplication and Division of Real Numbers
  • Exponents and Order of Operations

Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable:
  • The Addition Property of Equality
  • The Multiplication Property of Equality
  • Solving Linear Equations
  • Formulas and Percents
  • Introduction to Problem Solving
  • Problem Solving in Geometry
  • Solving Linear Inequalities
  • Problem Solving with Linear Inequalities

Linear Equations in Two Variables:
  • Graphing Linear Equations in Two Variables
  • Graphing Linear Equations Using Intercepts
  • Slope of a Line
  • The Slope-Intercept Form of a Line
  • The Point-Slope Form of a Line
  • Applications and Problem Solving with Linear Models

Systems of Linear Equations:
  • Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Graphing
  • Solving Systems of Linear Equations by the Substitution Method
  • Solving Systems of Linear Equations by the Addition Method
  • Problem Solving Using Systems of Linear Equations
  • More Problem Solving with Systems of Equations

Exponents and Polynomials:
  • Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
  • Rules of Exponents
  • Multiplying Polynomials
  • Special Products
  • Polynomials in Several Variables
  • Dividing Polynomials
  • Long Division of Polynomials
  • Negative Exponents and Scientific Notation

Factoring Polynomials:
  • The Greatest Common Factor and Factoring By Grouping
  • Factoring Trinomials Whose Leading Coefficient is One (x2+bx+c)
  • Factoring Trinomials Whose leading Coefficient is Not One
    (ax2+bx+c, a ≠ 1 )
  • Factoring Special Forms
  • A General Factoring Strategy
  • Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
  • Problem Solving Using Factoring

Rational Expressions:
  • Rational Expressions and Their Simplification
  • Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions

Back