College of Micronesia-FSM
P. 0. Box 159 Kolonia
Pohnpei FM 96941

Course Outline

Course Title Department and Number
Transition to Algebra Division of Natural Science and Mathematics MS 098

Course Description: This is intended as a preparatory course for Algebra. It is designed to review basic algebraic concepts before enrolling in MS 100 College Algebra.

Course Prepared by: Ray Verg-in
State/Campus: Pohnpei/National

Hours per Week No. of WeekTotal HoursSemester Credits
Lecture3x16x48/16=3
Laboratory*3x16x24/16=1
Workshop
Study
Total Semester Credits:=4

Purpose of Course

Degree Requirement: ______
Degree Elective: ______
Certificate: ______
Remedial: __X___
Other: ______

Prerequisite Course:"C" grade in MS 095 or by placement.

* This course does not require a laboratory fee

Date approved by Committee: 16 November 2000
Date approved by President: 12 November 2000

  1. General Objectives:Students will acquire the basic mathematical tools that will enable them to develop long-range intellectual abilities including:
    1. Engaging in substantial mathematical problem solving.
    2. Learning mathematics through modeling real-world situation.
    3. Expanding their mathematical reasoning skills.
    4. Developing the view that mathematics is a growing discipline, interrelated with human culture, and understand its connections to other disciplines.
    5. Acquiring the ability to read, write, listen to, and speak mathematics
    6. Using appropriate technology to enhance their mathematical thinking and understanding and to solve mathematical problems and judge the reasonableness of their results
    7. Developing mathematical expertise by engaging in experiences that encourage independent, nontrivial exploration in mathematics, develop and reinforce confidence in their abilities use mathematics, and inspire them to pursue the study of mathematics and related disciplines as related to their personal life-time goals.
  2. Specific Objectives: Students will demonstrate acquisition of basic mathematical tools listed in the Course Content category below. The students will demonstrate by successful (70% accuracy or better) performance in:
    1. Classroom discussion and practice of the mathematical tools
    2. Homework used to reinforce classroom discussion
    3. Projects (including computerized projects) used to expand on and synthesize the tools discussed
    4. Multiple test or quizzes (as a minimum, one per chapter) covering the course content
    5. Mid-Term and Final that will be a comprehensive assessments of students’ understanding of the course content.
  3. Course Content:
    1. Graphs and Linear Equations
      1. Rectangular coordinate system
      2. Solutions of Linear Equations in two variables<
      3. Graph equations of the following forms:
        1. y = mx + b
        2. Ax + B = C
      4. The slope of a straight line
      5. Graph a line using the slope and y-intercept
      6. Find the equation of line given:
        1. a point and a slope
        2. two points
      7. Solve a system of linear equations by:
        1. graphing
        2. substitution method
        3. addition method
      8. Apply the above concepts with real problems
    2. Polynomials
      1. Operation with Polynomials:
        1. Addition
        2. Subtraction
        3. Multiplication, concentrating on methods for
          1. monomials
          2. binomials
        4. Division, concentrating on methods for
          1. monomials
          2. long division of polynomials
      2. Working with Exponents
        1. Negative and zero exponents
        2. Positive exponents
        3. Scientific notation
      3. Applications of polynomials
    3. Factoring Polynomials
      1. Finding the greatest common factor of two or more monomials
      2. Factoring a monomial from a polynomials
      3. Factoring a trinomial of the forms
        1. Perfect squares
        2. Difference of squares
        3. Multi-step factoring completely
      4. Solving equations by factoring
      5. Application using factoring
    4. Algebraic Fractions
      1. Simplifying fractions
      2. Multiplication of fractions
      3. Division of fractions
      4. Addition/Subtraction using the Least Common Multiple
      5. Solving equations (and applications) containing fractions
        1. Variation problems
        2. Literal equations
        3. Unit rates and proportions
        4. Similar triangles
        5. Work problems
        6. Uniform motion problems
    5. Radical Expressions
      1. Operations on radical expressions
        1. Addition/subtraction of radical expressions
        2. Multiplication/division of radical expressions
      2. Equations with radical expressions<
      3. Solving right triangles
    6. Quadratic Equations
      1. Solving quadratic equations by the following methods:
        1. Factoring
        2. Taking square roots
        3. Completing the square
        4. Quadratic formula
      2. Graphing quadratic equations in two variables
  4. 0618226893_md (5K)Required Textbook: Introductory Algebra: An Applied Approach 6/e , Aufmann, Houghton Mifflin, ©2003
  5. Required Course Materials: The following is a minimum. Additional materials may also be used: Notebook, preferably spiral, for class notes and assignments.
  6. Reference Materials: Crossroads in Mathematics: Standards for Introductory College Mathematics Before Calculus, American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC), 1995.
  7. Instructional Cost: Costs will be associated with printing handouts for student use, buying and/or creating overhead transparencies, instructor-annotated textbooks/answer keys/test generation tools, printed test/quizzes for assessments, computers and computer-assisted instructional tools if there are none currently available, and instructor-generated teaching aids/models. The actual costs to the different campuses of COM-FSM will vary depending on what is currently on hand. The additional 1 credit hour (3 contact hours) will increase faculty workload for those faculty teaching this course and probably require additional teachers to cover the same number of MS 098 sections.
  8. Methods of Instruction: The instructor, in addition to lecture, will:
    1. incorporate appropriate levels of technology (computer, calculator, etc.)
    2. foster interactive learning through student writing, reading, speaking, and collaborative activities so that students can learn to work effectively in groups and communicate both orally and in writing.
    3. actively involve students in meaningful mathematics problems that build upon their experiences and build connections with other disciplines that are relevant to the students.
    4. model the use of multiple approaches: numerical, graphical, symbolic, and verbal, to help students learn a variety of techniques for solving problems.
    5. provide learning activities, including projects, that promote independent thinking and develop student confidence in their ability to access and use mathematics and other technical information.
  9. Evaluation: To advance to the next level of mathematics, the student must demonstrate proficiency to at least the "C" level. The student will be evaluated in a variety of ways including: homework, classwork, work in small groups, projects, quizzes, a midterm test and a comprehensive final test.
  10. Credit by Examination: None
  11. Attendance Policy: As presented in the COM-FSM catalogue.

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P. O. Box 159, Kolonia, Pohnpei, FSM 96941 - (691) 320-2480

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