Algebra (101-DL-20)
Instructors
Dustin Belt
Dustin Belt has taught undergraduate level mathematics professionally for 6 years. He has taught courses ranging from College Algebra to Calculus and Differential Equations at Northwestern University and the University of Missouri at Columbia, where he currently works as a full time Instructor and Academic Advisor for the Department of Mathematics. Dustin received a PhD in Mathematics from Purdue University in 2012, where he studied Number Theory. He currently lives in Columbia Missouri with his wife, Tracy, and five adorable children.
Meeting Info
Online: TBA
Overview of class
This course is designed to provide an overview of core mathematical concepts that permeate business, science and everyday life. The primary focus is on mathematical tools needed in a variety of degree programs. Topics include: functions and graphs, linear, polynomial and rational equations, inequalities and their applications, modeling, variation, and systems of equations. The course does not count for credit if taken after any higher mathematics course.
This course is conducted completely online. A technology fee will be added to tuition.
Science distribution course for BSGS, BPhil, or BPhilComm degrees. Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning distribution course for BS degrees.
Registration Requirements
High school level algebra.
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to use algebraic techniques to solve a variety of mathematical problems.
Students will use the notions of functions and their graphs to communicate mathematical ideas.
SBy the end of this course students will be able to...
Use properties of the the real numbers and order of operations to evaluate and simplify algebraic expressions
Evaluate and simplify expression involving exponents
Evaluate and simplify expressions involving radical and rational powers
Perform algebraic operations and polynomials.
Plot points in cartesian (rectangular) coordinate systems.
Understand and use information presented in a graph
Graph linear equations in one variable
Solve linear equations in one variable
Setup and use linear equations to solve real-world applications.
Factor Polynomials
Add, subtract, multiply and divide complex numbers.
Solve quadratic equations using factoring, completing the square and the quadratic formula.
Solve polynomial, radical and rational equations
Use interval notation to describe certain subsets of the real numbers
Solve linear inequalities
Solve equations and inequalities involving absolute values
Understand the concepts of functions and differentiate between relations and functions
Identify when a function is one-to-one
Identify the domain and range of a function
Evaluate and identify the basic properties of the composition of two functions
Use transformations to graph functions
Use slope to identify information about rate of change
Use linear functions to model real-world problems
Solve systems of linear equations in 2 variables
Solve real-world problems using systems of equations
Identify the basic characteristics of quadratic functions such as the vertex and axis of symmetry.
Graph quadratic functions
Solve problems that can be represented by quadratic functions, including optimization problems.
Solve problems involving direct, inverse and joint variation
Students will solve quadratic and higher degree polynomial equations using factoring and the quadratic formula.
Students will model real world problems using systems of linear equations and use various techniques to solve such systems.
Teaching Method
Readings
Video examples and explanations
Online homework
Evaluation Method
Homework
Weekly Quizzes:
Video Assignments
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Class Materials (Required)
Required:
Knewton Alta online homework system: https://www.knewton.com/
The cost of accessing Knewton Alta depends on your needs. Unless you anticipate needing access to this course for longer than the usual duration of the quarter, the monthly pricing plan will be the cheapest.
Optional:
College Algebra by Openstax
ISBN-13: 978-1680920376
ISBN-10: 1680920375
Class Attributes
Asynchronous:Remote class-no scheduled mtg time