This course provides a review of elementary algebra for students who need further preparation for pre-calculus. Students enroll in this course on the basis of a placement examination. The course covers the basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division involving algebraic expressions; factoring of polynomial expressions; exponents and radicals; solving linear equations, quadratic equations and systems of linear equations; and applications involving these concepts. This course does not satisfy the General Distribution Requirement in Mathematics and Science.

This course is a review of intermediate algebra and has few prerequisites other than elementary familiarity with numbers and simple geometric concepts such as: finding the least common multiple of two or more numbers, manipulating fractions, calculating the area of a triangle, square, rectangle, circle, etc. Its objective is to prepare students for Pre-calculus.

Upon completing this course students should be able to:

1. Solve different types of algebraic equations and write down their solution sets.

2. Produce solutions to first-degree inequalities, using th interval notation to represent solution sets.

3. Solve systems of linear equations and write down their solution sets.

4. Demonstrate the use of elementary graphing techniques.

5. Factor polynomials and simplify simple rational expressions.

Assessment Guidelines for assigning main letter grades: A, B, C, D and F.

A:  Work of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument, displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.

B:  This is a highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised. There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluate theory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture and reference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.

C:  This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.

D:  This level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material. Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included. In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.

F: This work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

Final grades will be determined by the evaluation of homework and quizzes (the lowest quiz grade will be dropped), one mid-term written examination, a comprehensive final examination, and by attendance.
The final grade is obtained by converting the weighted mean grade according to the following table:

A  100 - 94 
A-  93 - 90
B+  89 - 87
B    86 - 83 
B-   82 - 80
C+  79 - 77
C    76 - 73
C-   72 - 70
D+  69 - 67
D    66 - 63
D-   62 - 60  
F     59 - 0

Full credit for attendance will be given to students with three or fewer unexcused absences. Four or more absences will result in a proportional reduction of the grade. Coming late to class or leaving early will be possible only with permission of the instructor.