Elementary Algebra (MATH 090) Syllabus and Course Structure – University of Indianapolis

Course Overview

Elementary Algebra (MATH 090) is a preparatory course designed to review and strengthen foundational algebraic concepts. The course covers essential topics such as fractions, signed numbers, percents, linear equations and inequalities, exponent rules, polynomials, factoring, and systems of equations. This course does not count toward degree credit but is required for students needing further preparation for college-level mathematics.

Course Objectives

• Perform operations on fractions and signed numbers

• Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable

• Analyze and graph linear equations in two variables

• Plot coordinates and find intercepts on the Cartesian plane

• Find and interpret the slope of a line

• Write equations in slope-intercept form

• Translate word problems into mathematical expressions

• Simplify and evaluate expressions using polynomials and order of operations

• Simplify expressions using exponent rules

• Factor polynomials using appropriate methods

• Solve systems of equations in two variables using algebraic methods

Required Materials

• Textbook: Beginning & Intermediate Algebra, Lial, Hornsby, McGinnis, 8th edition (Pearson/Addison Wesley, 2024)

• MyLab Math Access: Required for homework and course resources

• Calculator: Use is prohibited unless specified by the instructor

Course Policies

• Attendance: Mandatory; excessive absences may result in withdrawal

• Electronic Devices: Cellphones must be silenced; laptops/tablets only for class-related activities

• Academic Integrity: Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of misconduct will result in penalties

• Accommodations: Available for students with documented disabilities through the SSD office

Course Content and Tentative Schedule

The course is structured around the following chapters and sections, each corresponding to key algebra topics:

Chapter	Topics	Key Concepts
R: Prealgebra Review	R.1 – Fractions R.2 – Decimals and Percents	Basic arithmetic, fraction operations, decimal and percent conversions
1: The Real Number System	1.1 – Exponents, Order of Operations, and Inequality 1.2 – Variables, Expressions, and Equations 1.3 – Real Numbers and the Number Line 1.4 – Adding and Subtracting Real Numbers 1.5 – Multiplying and Dividing Real Numbers 1.6 – Properties of Real Numbers 1.7 – Simplifying Expressions	Order of operations, properties of real numbers, basic algebraic manipulation
2: Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable	2.1 – The Addition Property of Equality 2.2 – The Multiplication Property of Equality 2.3 – Solving Linear Equations 2.4 – Clearing Fractions and Decimals 2.5 – Applications of Linear Equations 2.6 – Formulas and Geometry Applications 2.7 – Ratio, Proportion, and Percent 2.8 – Further Applications 2.9 – Solving Linear Inequalities	Solving equations and inequalities, applications, ratios and proportions
3: Linear Equations in Two Variables	3.1 – Linear Equations and Rectangular Coordinates 3.2 – Graphing Linear Equations 3.3 – The Slope of a Line 3.4 – Slope-Intercept Form 3.5 – Point-Slope Form and Modeling	Graphing, slope, forms of linear equations
7: Graphs, Linear Equations, and Systems	7.3 – Solving Systems by Graphing 7.4 – Solving Systems by Substitution 7.5 – Solving Systems by Elimination 7.7 – Applications of Systems (two variables)	Systems of equations, solution methods, applications
4: Exponents and Polynomials	4.1 – Product and Power Rules 4.2 – Integer Exponents and Quotient Rule 4.3 – Scientific Notation (if time) 4.4 – Adding, Subtracting, and Graphing Polynomials 4.5 – Multiplying Polynomials 4.6 – Special Products 4.7 – Dividing Polynomials (if time)	Exponent rules, polynomial operations, scientific notation
5: Factoring and Applications	5.1 – GCF; Factoring by Grouping 5.2 – Factoring Trinomials 5.3 – More on Factoring Trinomials 5.4 – Special Factoring Techniques	Factoring methods, applications

Assessment and Grading

• Tests: Three in-class tests (15 points each) and a cumulative final exam (30 points)

• Quizzes: At least six quizzes; best five count toward grade (10 points total)

• Homework and Assignments: MyLab Math and written assignments (15 points total)

Performance Ratings:

Percentage	Rating
90% – 100%	A-/A
80% – 89%	B-/B/B+
70% – 79%	C-/C/C+
Below 70%	Not proficient (MN)

To move on to the next math course, a minimum of 70% (proficient) is required.

Study and Success Tips

• Work on algebra regularly (at least 1 hour/day, 5 days/week)

• Stay organized with a dedicated notebook

• Be open to new methods and approaches

• Ask questions and seek help from the instructor or Math Tutoring Lab

• Utilize all MyLab Math resources (videos, practice problems, quizzes)

• Check email regularly for course updates

Important Dates

• Last day to withdraw with a full refund: Friday, January 16

• Last day to withdraw from the course: Friday, March 20

• Final Exam: Thursday, April 30, 10:00 – 11:55

Additional Resources

• Math Tutoring Lab (Martin 201): Walk-in tutoring available

• SSD Office for accommodations: Schwitzer Center 001

Course Schedule (Sample Weeks)

Date	Topics/Sections	Notes
Tuesday, Jan 13	Section R.1	Fractions
Thursday, Jan 15	Sections R.1, R.2	Decimals and Percents
Tuesday, Jan 20	Sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.3	Exponents, Variables, Real Numbers
Thursday, Jan 22	Sections 1.3, 1.4; Quiz 1	Quiz covers R.1, R.2, 1.1
Tuesday, Feb 12	Section 2.7; Test 1	Test 1: R.1, R.2, 1.1-1.7, 2.1-2.4
Thursday, Mar 5	Test 2	Sections 2.4-2.9, 3.1-3.5
Tuesday, Apr 7	Section 5.1; Test 3	Sections 3.5, 7.3-7.5, 7.7, 4.1-4.6
Thursday, Apr 30	Final Exam	10:00 – 11:55

Summary of Main Algebra Topics Covered

• Fractions, Decimals, Percents: Operations and conversions

• Real Numbers: Properties, operations, and the number line

• Linear Equations and Inequalities: Solving, applications, and graphing

• Polynomials and Exponents: Operations, simplification, and scientific notation

• Factoring: GCF, trinomials, special techniques

• Systems of Equations: Graphing, substitution, elimination, and applications

Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure, expectations, and content for a beginning-intermediate algebra course. Students are encouraged to use all available resources and maintain consistent study habits for success.