MATH 087 - Essentials of Intermediate Algebra

5.0 Credits
Introduction to the concepts of linear, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Operations on polynomials, solutions to linear and polynomial equations, and rules of exponents. Registration permitted first seven weeks as space is available.
Prerequisite PREP 087, ABE 087, or HSC 087 with a minimum grade of 3.0; MATH 077 with a minimum grade of 2.0; or appropriate score on the math placement test.

Course-level Learning Objectives (CLOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Develop functional relationships presented in applications, words, tables, graphs, and symbols using function notation, and express domains and ranges using inequalities or intervals.
Graph linear equations in two variables using point-plotting, slope and a point, intercepts, and technology, and interpret the slope as a rate of change in the context of an applied problem.
Simplify expressions and solve linear equations, inequalities, and formulas, including applications involving ratios, percentages, and proportions.
Construct linear models using point-slope and slope-intercept methods, and use technology to find a linear regression equation.
Solve systems of two linear equations in two variables (including systems generated from an application) by graphing, elimination, and substitution.
Perform operations with polynomial expressions, solve quadratic equations using basic factoring techniques and the quadratic formula, and find approximate solutions to polynomial equations using technology.
Apply rules of exponents to simplify expressions involving integer and rational exponents, and simplify basic radical expressions.
Graph exponential functions and use properties of logarithms (or technology) to solve exponential equations and applied problems.
Demonstrate solutions to problems and interpret results.