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Course Overview

Course Description
MTH 131: Intermediate Algebra emphasizes simplifying expressions, solving equations, and graphing functions, including linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic.  Problem solving and mathematical modeling are integrated throughout.  Appropriate technology includes a graphing calculator.  Prerequisite: MTH 120: Beginning Algebra or equivalent.

Conceptual Organization
The concepts or STRANDS are 1) functions, 2) the language of algebra (numbers and algebraic expressions), and 3) equations and inequalities.

The TOPICS (specific patterns) are studied across the STRANDS.
The TOPICS are 1) basic concepts/definitions, 2) linear, 3) absolute value, 4) exponential, 5) logarithmic, 6) quadratic/polynomial; 7) rational, and 8) radical. For example, as you consider the quadratic pattern you will study quadratic functions and model them, simplify and operate with quadratic expressions, and solve quadratic equations. Modeling of data in the world around us is a major focus of the course. Connections among the STRANDS are imbedded in the course.

As you read the chart you will find notations such C1, which indicates that idea is addressed in Chapter 1. A1 means Appendix A, 1st topic.

The STRANDS (CONCEPTS) of Intermediate Algebra

The TOPICS	Functions	Language of Algebra	Equations & Inequalities
Basic concepts/definitions	¨ Qualitative graphs C1 ¨ Definition C1 ¨ Inverse functions C5	¨ Number sets A2 ¨ Laws of exponents C4 ¨ Order of operations A8 ¨ Rational exponents C4 & C9 ¨ Imaginary numbers C11
Linear	¨ Linear -> slope and intercepts C1 ¨ Model linear functions C2		¨ Solve linear equations A9 ¨ Find the equation of a line C2 ¨ Solve linear inequalities C3 ¨ Solve linear inequalities in two variables C11 ¨ Solve linear systems C3 ¨ Solve linear inequalities systems C11
Absolute Value		¨ Definition C11	¨ Solve absolute value equations/     inequalities C11
Exponential	¨ Definition and characteristics C4, C11 ¨ Model exponential functions C4		¨ Solve exponential equations C4, C11
Logarithmic	¨ Definition and characteristics C5 ¨ Model logarithmic functions C5	¨ Laws of logarithms C5	¨ Solve logarithmic equations C5
Quadratic/Polynomial	¨ Definition and characteristics C6 ¨ Model quadratic functions C7	¨ Add/subtract/multiply/divide polynomials C6 ¨ Factor C6	¨ Solve quadratic equations C6, C7, C11 ¨ Solve polynomial equations C6 ¨ Find quadratic equation C7
Rational	¨ Definition and characteristics C8 ¨ Model rational functions C8	¨ Multiply/divide rational expressions C8 ¨ Add/subtract rational expressions C8	¨ Solve rational equations C8
Radicals	¨ Definition and characteristics C9 ¨ Model radical functions C7	¨ Work with radical expressions C9	¨ Solve radical equations C9