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 Structure and Policies

Instructor and Contact Information

• Instructor: Richard Maupin

• Office: Martin Hall 373A

• Email: [e-mail]

• Office Hours: Multiple times weekly and by appointment (see syllabus for details)

• Zoom: Meeting ID and passcode provided for remote access

Course Materials

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

• MyLab Math: Required for homework and course resources

• Calculator: Use is prohibited unless otherwise specified by the instructor

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance is mandatory; excessive absences may result in withdrawal.

• Active participation is expected, including engagement in lectures and problem-solving activities.

• Electronic devices should be silenced and used only for class-related activities.

Assignments and Grading

• Homework: Assigned and graded via MyLab Math; late submissions may incur penalties.

• Quizzes: Periodic, with multiple attempts allowed; lowest quiz score may be dropped.

• Tests: Three cumulative tests and a comprehensive final exam.

• Grading: Pass/Fail (MP/MN) based on total points from tests, quizzes, and assignments.

Academic Integrity

• Strict adherence to university policies on academic misconduct is required.

• Violations result in zeros for affected work and may lead to course failure.

Accommodations

• Students with disabilities should contact the Services for Students with Disabilities office for support and accommodations.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Perform operations on fractions and signed numbers

• Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable

• Analyze and graph linear equations in two variables, including:

  • Plotting coordinates on the Cartesian plane

  • Finding and plotting x- and y-intercepts

  • Calculating and interpreting slope

  • Writing equations in slope-intercept form

• Translate word problems into mathematical expressions and solve them

• 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

Course Content and Tentative Schedule

The course follows a structured progression through foundational algebra topics. Below is a summary of the main chapters and sections covered:

Chapter	Main Topics	Key Sections
R: Prealgebra Review	Fractions, Decimals, Percents	R.1, R.2
1: The Real Number System	Exponents, Order of Operations, Variables, Real Numbers, Properties	1.1 – 1.7
2: Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable	Solving Equations, Applications, Ratios, Proportions, Inequalities	2.1 – 2.9
3: Linear Equations in Two Variables	Graphing, Slope, Forms of Linear Equations	3.1 – 3.5
7: Graphs, Linear Equations, and Systems	Solving Systems of Equations (Graphing, Substitution, Elimination)	7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.7
4: Exponents and Polynomials	Exponent Rules, Polynomial Operations, Scientific Notation	4.1 – 4.7 (as time permits)
5: Factoring and Applications	Factoring Methods, Applications	5.1 – 5.4

Sample Weekly Schedule (Abbreviated)

• Week 1: Fractions, Decimals, Percents (R.1, R.2)

• Weeks 2-3: The Real Number System (1.1 – 1.7)

• Weeks 3-5: Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable (2.1 – 2.9)

• Weeks 7-9: Linear Equations in Two Variables (3.1 – 3.5)

• Weeks 10-11: Systems of Equations (7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.7)

• Weeks 11-12: Exponents and Polynomials (4.1 – 4.7, as time permits)

• Weeks 13-14: Factoring and Applications (5.1 – 5.4)

Key Algebraic Concepts Covered

Fractions, Decimals, and Percents

• Fractions: Numbers expressed as a ratio of two integers. Operations include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

• Decimals: Another way to represent fractions, especially those with denominators that are powers of 10.

• Percents: Expresses a number as a part of 100. Conversion between fractions, decimals, and percents is a key skill.

• Example: Convert $\frac{3}{4}$ to a decimal: $\frac{3}{4} = 0.75$; as a percent: $0.75 \times 100 = 75\%$

The Real Number System

• Real Numbers: All rational and irrational numbers, including integers, fractions, and decimals.

• Order of Operations: PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction)

• Properties: Commutative, Associative, Distributive, Identity, and Inverse properties.

• Example: Simplify $2 + 3 \times (4^2 - 1)$

  • First, $4^2 = 16$

  • Then, $16 - 1 = 15$

  • Next, $3 \times 15 = 45$

  • Finally, $2 + 45 = 47$

Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable

• Linear Equation: An equation of the form $ax + b = c$

• Solving: Use properties of equality to isolate the variable.

• Linear Inequality: Similar to equations but with inequality signs ($<, >, \leq, \geq$)

• Example: Solve $2x - 5 = 9$

  • Add 5 to both sides: $2x = 14$

  • Divide by 2: $x = 7$

Linear Equations in Two Variables

• Standard Form: $Ax + By = C$

• Slope-Intercept Form: $y = mx + b$

• Point-Slope Form: $y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)$

• Graphing: Plot points, find intercepts, and use slope to draw the line.

• Example: Graph $y = 2x + 1$ by plotting the y-intercept (0,1) and using the slope 2 (rise 2, run 1).

Systems of Linear Equations

• Definition: Two or more linear equations with the same variables.

• Methods: Graphing, Substitution, Elimination

• Example: Solve the system:

  • $x + y = 5$

  • $x - y = 1$

  • Add equations: $2x = 6 \Rightarrow x = 3$

  • Substitute: $3 + y = 5 \Rightarrow y = 2$

Exponents and Polynomials

• Exponent Rules: Product Rule, Power Rule, Quotient Rule

• Polynomials: Expressions with multiple terms (e.g., $3x^2 + 2x - 5$)

• Operations: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division (as time permits)

• Example: Simplify $(x^2)(x^3) = x^{2+3} = x^5$

Factoring

• Factoring: Writing a polynomial as a product of its factors.

• Methods: Greatest Common Factor (GCF), grouping, trinomials, special techniques

• Example: Factor $x^2 + 5x + 6 = (x + 2)(x + 3)$

Student Success Tips

• Practice regularly—aim for at least an hour a day, five days a week.

• Stay organized with a dedicated notebook for notes and assignments.

• Be open to learning new methods and ask questions when needed.

• Utilize MyLab Math resources and the Math Tutoring Lab for additional support.

• Check your email frequently for course updates and communication.

Additional Resources

• Math Tutoring Lab: Martin 201 (no appointment necessary)

• Disability Services: Schwitzer Center 001, (317-788-3536), www.uindy.edu/ssd

Note: The schedule and point distribution are subject to change as needed to accommodate the class.