MAT 121 - College Algebra

Credits: 4
Lecture Hours: 4
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: General

This course provides an intensified study of algebraic techniques and prepares students for future study in mathematics. The central theme of this course is the concept of a function and its graph. Topics include functions, exponents, logarithms, systems of equations, matrices, polynomials, conic sections and probability.
Prerequisite: Minimum ALEKS scores of 46% or MAT 073 with a C- or better
Competencies

Discuss equations, inequalities, and mathematical models
1. Graph equations and inequalities
2. Solve linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, radical, and absolute value equations
3. Describe real-world situations through math modeling
4. Simplify complex numbers
Discuss functions
1. Calculate slope of linear functions
2. Calculate midpoint and distance between two points
3. Identify domain and range
4. Apply vertical line test
5. Discuss properties of functions
6. Discuss transformations of functions
7. Analyze combinations of functions
8. Calculate inverse functions
Discuss and graph polynomial functions
1. Discuss and graph quadratic functions
2. Calculate zeros of polynomial functions
3. Divide polynomials using long division
4. Divide polynomials using synthetic division
Analyze rational functions and their graphs
1. Discuss and graph rational functions
2. Identify domain and range
3. Identify asymptotes
4. Calculate practical applications using variation
Analyze radical functions and their graphs
1. Discuss and graph radical functions
2. Identify domain and range
3. Apply radical functions to models
Calculate and graph exponential and logarithmic functions
1. Identify domain and range
2. Calculate values of logarithms
3. Solve exponential and logarithmic equations
4. Calculate and analyze practical applications, using exponential and logarithmic functions
Setup and solve systems of equations
1. Calculate solutions of linear systems
2. Perform partial fraction decomposition
3. Algebraically solve nonlinear equations in two variables
4. Graphically solve systems of linear inequalities
5. Solve linear programming involving objective functions
Use and understand matrices and determinants
1. Use Gaussian elimination to calculate matrix solutions to linear systems
2. Perform matrix operations
3. Calculate multiplicative inverses
4. Identify and solve matrix equations
5. Solve systems of equations, using Cramer’s Rule
Calculate conic sections: ellipse, hyperbola, and parabola
1. Transform equations to standard form
2. Identify centers, foci, and vertices
3. Graph conic sections