Course Outline for Mathematics 104
Prealgebra

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 10/25/2021

Catalog Description:

MTH 104 - Prealgebra

4.00 Units

Brief review of arithmetic, including fractions, decimals, percentages; order of operations, and geometric formulas. Introduction to algebraic concepts, including signed numbers, properties of real numbers, algebraic expressions, linear equations, and graphs.
CB03: TOP Code 1701.00 - Mathematics, General
Course Grading: Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 4.00 72.00 144.00 216.00
Laboratory 0.00 18.00 0.00 18.00
Total 4.00 90.00 144.00 234.00

Measurable Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. perform computations with signed numbers without a calculator;
  2. apply the commutative, associative and distributive laws;
  3. apply order of operations in evaluating algebraic expressions;
  4. simplify exponential expressions with natural number exponents;
  5. interpret operations and variables in algebraic expressions;
  6. translate between words and the mathematical symbols for variables and operations;
  7. create, interpret, and solve simple linear equations;
  8. convert numbers between fractional, decimal and percent notation;
  9. solve applications using percentages;
  10. find area, circumference, diameter and radius of a circle;
  11. find the areas and perimeters of rectangles and triangles;
  12. find volumes of boxes;
  13. determine the appropriate unit in the U.S. Standard Customary System and the metric system for a situation;
  14. graph rational numbers on a number line;
  15. interpret bar graphs;
  16. solve multi-step applications.

Course Content:

Course Content (Lecture)

  1. Review of arithmetic
    1. Decimals
      1. Place value names
      2. Currency
      3. Rounding
    2. Ratios and rates
    3. Fractions
      1. Operations
    4. Graphing rational numbers on number line
    5. Percents
      1. Definition
      2. Notation
    6. Conversions between mixed numerals, fractions, decimals, and percents
  2. Laws
    1. Associative, Commutative, and Distributive
    2. Identity
    3. Inverse
  3. Expressions
    1. Translating from words to algebraic expressions
    2. Combining like terms
    3. Removing parentheses
    4. Evaluating 
    5. Simple variable expressions
  4. Equations
    1. Linear equations in one variable
    2. Solving ax + b = c
    3. Translating from words to linear equations
    4. Applications
  5. Signed Numbers  
    1. Interpreting signed numbers
    2. Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing 
    3. Using order of operations
    4. Graphing on number line
    5. Fractions
    6. Decimals
    7. Applications
  6. Natural Number Exponents 
    1. Interpreting natural number exponents
    2. Simplifying
  7. Percentages
    1. Solving basic percent problems using equations
    2. Applications
  8. Graphing
    1. Describing authentic relationships using graphs 
    2. Using the Cartesian coordinate system
    3. Plotting points
  9. Geometry 
    1. Area and perimeters of rectangles and triangles
    2. Volumes of boxes
    3. Calculating area, circumference and diameter or radius of a circle
    4. Knowing and using approximations for pi 
  10. Applications
    1. Multi-step
    2. With and without use of calculator
    3. Involving data from tables and graphs

Course Content (Laboratory)

  1. Laboratory activities may include, but not limited to, computer programs, problem sessions, and collaboratives, reinforcing course content from the lecture or study skills.

Methods of Instruction:

  1. Computer software
  2. Lecture/Discussion
  3. Group Activities
  4. Problem Solving
  5. Distance Education

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments
  1. A circle has a diameter of 6 meters. Find the area, circumference and radius of the circle.
  2. A business person ordered a salad and a glass of iced tea for lunch. If the salad cost $5.98 and the iced tea cost $1.49, how much did the business person pay if the tax rate is 7.25% and a 15% tip was left?
  3. You bought a 20 ounce package of strawberries for $2.71. What was the price per pound for the strawberries?
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  1. Quizzes
  2. Home Work
  3. Midterm Examination
  4. Collaboratives
  5. Final Examination
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. critically analyze mathematical problems using a logical methodology;
  2. communicate mathematical ideas, understand definitions, and interpret concepts;
  3. increase confidence in understanding mathematical concepts, communicating ideas and thinking analytically.

Textbooks (Typical):

  1. Lial, M., D. Hestwood (2018). Prealgebra (6th). Pearson.
  2. Marecek, L., M. Anthony-Smith, A. Mathis (2020). Prealgebra 2e OpenStax.
Additional Materials:
  • Scientific calculator may be required.
  • MyMathLab access code may be required.

Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:

Brief review of arithmetic, including fractions, decimals, percentages; order of operations, and geometric formulas. Introduction to algebraic concepts, including signed numbers, properties of real numbers, algebraic expressions, linear equations, and graphs.

Discipline:
Mathematics*