College Algebra: Course Schedule and Key Topics Overview

Course Schedule Overview

This schedule outlines the sequence of topics, assignments, and assessments for a college algebra course. The topics align with foundational concepts in algebra, including graphing, functions, equations, and inequalities. Understanding this schedule helps students prepare for upcoming lessons and manage their workload effectively.

Key Topics and Subtopics

• Section 1.1A: Introduction to Graphing

• Section 1.1B: Distance and Midpoint

• Section 1.3: Linear Functions, Slope, and Applications

• Section 1.4: Equations of Lines

• Section 1.5: Linear Equations, Functions, Zeros, and Applications

• Section 1.6: Solving Linear Inequalities

• Section 3.5: Solving Equations and Inequalities with Absolute Value

Assignments and Assessments

• Orientation Quiz (Canvas): An introductory quiz to familiarize students with the course structure and online platform.

• Integrated Review 1: A review assignment covering prerequisite material.

• Assignments 01-07: Homework assignments corresponding to each section, reinforcing concepts learned in class.

• Quiz 1 (Sections 1.1 - 1.6): An assessment covering the first six sections, focusing on graphing, linear equations, and inequalities.

• Test 1 (Sections 1.1, 1.3 - 1.6, 3.5): A comprehensive test administered in the Math Lab, evaluating understanding of the main topics covered in the initial weeks.

Detailed Topic Descriptions

Section 1.1A - Introduction to Graphing

This section introduces the concept of graphing in the coordinate plane, including plotting points and interpreting graphs.

• Key Point: The coordinate plane consists of the x-axis (horizontal) and y-axis (vertical), intersecting at the origin (0,0).

• Key Point: Points are plotted as ordered pairs (x, y).

• Example: Plot the point (3, -2) on the coordinate plane.

Section 1.1B - Distance and Midpoint

This section covers how to calculate the distance between two points and find the midpoint of a segment connecting them.

• Distance Formula: $d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2}$

• Midpoint Formula: $M = \left( \frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2} \right)$

• Example: Find the distance and midpoint between (1, 2) and (4, 6).

Section 1.3 - Linear Functions, Slope, and Applications

This section explores linear functions, the concept of slope, and real-world applications.

• Definition: A linear function is a function of the form $f(x) = mx + b$.

• Slope Formula: $m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$

• Application: Slope represents the rate of change in various contexts, such as speed or cost per item.

Section 1.4 - Equations of Lines

This section focuses on different forms of linear equations and how to write the equation of a line given certain information.

• Slope-Intercept Form: $y = mx + b$

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

• Example: Write the equation of a line passing through (2, 3) with slope 4.

Section 1.5 - Linear Equations, Functions, Zeros, and Applications

This section examines how to solve linear equations, identify zeros (x-intercepts), and apply these concepts to real-world problems.

• Zero of a Function: The value of x for which $f(x) = 0$.

• Application: Finding break-even points in business scenarios.

Section 1.6 - Solving Linear Inequalities

This section covers techniques for solving inequalities and representing solutions graphically and algebraically.

• Key Point: When multiplying or dividing both sides of an inequality by a negative number, reverse the inequality sign.

• Example: Solve $-2x + 5 > 9$.

Section 3.5 - Solving Equations and Inequalities with Absolute Value

This section introduces absolute value equations and inequalities, including strategies for solving them.

• Definition: The absolute value of x, $|x|$, is the distance from x to 0 on the number line.

• Key Point: $|x| = a$ implies $x = a$ or $x = -a$.

• Example: Solve $|2x - 3| = 7$.

Course Schedule Table

The following table summarizes the course schedule, including dates, topics, homework, and due dates.

Date	Class	Homework	Due	Late
1/13	Introduction, Syllabus, Registration Orientation Quiz (Canvas) Integrated Review 1	Orientation Quiz Integrated Review 1	1/15	1/16
1/15	Section 1.1A - Introduction to Graphing Section 1.1B - Distance and Midpoint	Assignments 01, 02	1/20	2/21
1/20	Section 1.3 - Linear Functions, Slope, and Applications	Assignments 03	1/22	1/23
1/22	Section 1.4 - Equations of Lines Section 1.5 - Linear Equations, Functions, Zeros, & Applications	Assignments 04, 05	1/26	1/27
1/27	Section 1.6 - Solving Linear Inequalities Quiz 1 (1.1 - 1.6)	Assignment 06 Quiz 1	1/29	1/30
1/29	Section 3.5 - Solving Equations & Inequalities with Abs. Value Test 1 Review	Assignment 07 Test 1 Review	2/2	2/3
1/30, 2/2, 2/3	Test 1 (1.1, 1.3 - 1.6, 3.5) in the Math Lab