COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE NAME AND NUMBER: Elementary Algebra – DSPM 0800
SEMESTER AND YEAR:
INSTRUCTOR:
Mathematics Division Fax: 423-585-6873
Division Secretary: 423-585-6864
Office Hours: Posted on office door. Office hours are times the instructor is on
campus.
It is recommended that students make an appointment.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:
Beginning and Intermediate Algebra with Applications and Visualization,
Second edition by Gary K. Rockswold and Terry A. Krieger, published by
Pearson/Addison Wesley
REQUIRED TECHNOLOGY: TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator required for
course – discuss with
instructor if you own a different graphing calculator
You will also need pencils, a straight edge and graph paper.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION OF COURSE:
This course extends the topics of DSPM 0700 and includes problem solving with
algebraic expressions
including simple trinomial factoring, and linear equations, inequalities, and
functions. Satisfactory completion
of this course allows the student to exit to DSPM 0850 Intermediate Algebra.
(Prerequisite: admission is only
by the college assessment and placement procedure or successful completion of
DSPM 0700 Basic Mathematics)
3 credits
COURSE OUTCOMES: The student will develop and demonstrate the ability to:
1) Create a table of values and a graph for a given relation.
2) Identify a function given multiple representations of a relation and identify
the domain and range.
3) Analyze the graph of a line: identifying the x-intercepts, y-intercepts, and
slope including identification of
parallel, perpendicular or coinciding lines.
4) Solve linear equations of one variable using multiple approaches - numeric,
graphic, and symbolic,
including equations that involve simplifying first degree algebraic expressions.
5) Solve linear absolute value equations of one variable using multiple
approaches.
6) Model linear equations of two variables when given information graphically,
numerically or symbolically.
7) Solve systems of linear equations graphically and algebraically (by using
substitution and elimination).
8) Solve a linear inequality in one variable.
9) Graphically solve systems of linear inequalities of two variables.
10) Solve real-world application problems that are integrated throughout the
course content including
geometric applications as well as formulas and literal equations for a specified
variable.
11) Use graphing calculators and/or computers in learning and doing mathematics.
COURSE CONTENT:
Chapter 1: Introduction to Algebra
1.3 Exponents and Order of Operations
1.4 Real Numbers and the Number Line (Optional – treat as review as needed)
1.5 Addition and Subtraction of Real Numbers (Optional - treat as review as
needed)
1.6 Multiplication and Division of Real Numbers (Optional - treat as review as
needed)
1.7 Properties of Real Numbers
1.8 Simplifying and Writing Algebraic Expressions
Chapter 2: Linear Equations and Inequalities
2.1 Introduction to Equations
2.2 Linear Equations
2.3 Introduction to Problem Solving
2.4 Formulas
2.5 Linear Inequalities
Chapter 3: Graphing Equations
3.1 Introduction to Graphing
3.2 Linear Equations in Two Variables.
3.3 More Graphing of Lines
3.4 Slope and Rates of Change
3.5 Slope-Intercept Form
3.6 Point-Slope Form (final equations need to be in slope intercept form)
Chapter 4: Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
4.1 Solving Systems of Linear Equations Graphically and Numerically
4.2 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Substitution
4.3 Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Elimination
4.4 Systems of Linear Inequalities
Chapter 8: Introduction to Functions
8.1 Functions and Their Representations
8.2 Linear Functions
8.3 Compound Inequalities
8.5 Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities (equations only)
Upon successful completion of DSPM 0800, the student will enroll in DSPM 0850 -
Intermediate Algebra
**Please take DSPM 0850 as soon as possible. Some students delay and forget what
they have learned in DSPM 0800. However, state rules do not allow students to
drop back and re-take DSPM 0800 after they have passed the course.**
COURSE GROUND RULES:
All students attending Walters State Community College, regardless of the time
and location of the class, must abide by the rules and regulations outlined in
the current Walters State Catalog/Student Handbook and the current Walters State
Timetable of Classes. A copy of the Catalog /Handbook and the Timetable of
Classes may be obtained from the admissions office on the main campus or at any
of our off-campus sites.
You may also access the Catalog/Handbook on-line at the following web address: