Course Objectives for Introductory Algebra

MATH 101

Dr Rick Butterworth

  • Objectives:
    • The primary objective of Introductory Algebra is to give the student a good grounding in basic algebra and some of the concepts of statistics. Without algebra, a student will be unable to perform necessary algebraic manipulations in science, engineering and business courses. If a student wants to go on in science, math, engineering, business, and related fields, then (s)he must know algebra. Statistics has become a part of everyday life; you can't pick up a newspaper without seeing the results of a poll or a scientific report involving statistics. George Orwell said that a well-educated person must know statistics; I think we have reached a time when this is true.
  • Specific Objectives:
    • A student should be able to:
      • add, subtract, multiply, and divide signed numbers;
      • add, subtract, multiply, and divide integers and rational numbers;
      • convert between the fractional and decimal form;
      • use the order of operations to successfully evaluate algebraic expressions;
      • translate verbal expressions into variable expressions;
      • evaluate algebraic expressions and formulas;
      • simplify algebraic expressions and formulas;
      • solve various equations, e.g.
        • equations with one operation,
        • equations with more than one operation,
        • equations in which the variable appears on both sides of the equation, and
        • equations containing grouping symbols
      • solve formulas;
      • solve linear inequalities;
      • translate verbal expressions and sentences to the language of algebra;
      • utilize the various strategies to solve word problems;
      • solve number problems, percent problems, and ratio and proportion problems;
      • solve absolute value equations;
      • solve absolute value inequalities;
      • plot points on a Cartesian coordinate system;
      • find ordered pairs that satisfy linear equations in two variables;
      • graph straight lines;
      • find the slope of a line;
      • recognize and solve for the various forms of the equations of a line;
      • solve linear inequalities in two variables;
      • solve systems of equations by graphing, addition, and substitution;
      • use systems of equations in two variables to solve verbal problems.
  • The Department Outcomes may be accessed as a
Revised:  08-Oct-2007 .