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Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Use advanced computation skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with real numbers.
2. Solve complex word problems involving multiple operations.
3. Solve pre-algebra problems including simple linear equations with real numbers.
4. Use formulas to solve problems with common geometric shapes (perimeter, circumference, area and volume).
5. Use a scientific calculator for multiple operations, including square roots and scientific notation.
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1. Advanced arithmetic skills development without a calculator
A. The four basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) of positive whole numbers, fractions and decimals
B. Order of operations (grouping symbols, exponents, multiplication and division, addition and subtraction)
C. Conversions and comparisons of fractions, decimals, percents
D. Translating words and phrases to set up and solve math expressions with positive numbers
2. Rational numbers
A. Introduction to the number line, integers, rationals, absolute value, and inequalities
B. Advanced skill development of the four basic operations as applied to the rational numbers without a calculator
C. Order of operations
D. Translating words and phrases to set up and solve math expressions with rational numbers
3. Exponents
A. Rules of exponents: zero exponent, product rule, quotient rule, negative exponents, power rule
B. Use of scientific calculator
C. Scientific notation
D. Square roots
i. Rational and irrational solutions
ii. Application of the Pythagorean Theorem
E. Word problems involving exponents (exponential growth and decay)
4. Geometry
A. Application of formulas to solve perimeter and area problems:
i. Four basic shapes (rectangle, square, triangle, and circle)
ii. Trapezoid and parallelogram
iii. Composite figures made from these shapes
B. Application of formulas to solve volume problems:
i. Prisms, cubes, cylinders, cones, and pyramids
ii. Composite figures made from these shapes
C. Solving word problems involving perimeter, area, and volume
5. Algebra expressions and equations
A. Introduction to algebraic vocabulary: variable, constant, term, coefficient, degree, expression, equation, polynomials
B. Simplifying and evaluating algebraic expressions
C. Solving linear equations:
i. Single-step equations (addition/subtraction or multiplication/division)
ii. Multi-step equations (addition/subtraction and multiplication/division)
iii. Equations with variables on both sides
iv. Equations with fractions, decimals, and percents
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Prealgebra for College Students, 2nd edition, Matthew Greaney, Thomson Publishing, 2006 (Classic)
Instructor prepared materials