Course Syllabus for Intermediate Algebra

PREREQUISITE
MAT 052 (or an appropriate score on OCC Mathematics Assessment Test) and MAT 053 (or geometry
proficiency). MAT 053 and MAT 120 may be taken concurrently.

COURSE (CATALOG) DESCRIPTION
Course covers algebraic principles at intermediate level. Content includes real and complex numbers, exponents,
polynomials, radicals; first- and second-degree equations; system of equations; inequalities and rational
expressions. Note: MAT 120 will not be counted towards an A.A., A.S., A.S.E., A.F.A., or A.A.T. degree, nor will
most senior colleges or universities accept MAT 120 credits for transfer.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
A. Demonstrate an understanding of the real numbers and their properties.
B. Extend the basic operations and factoring with polynomials.
C. Extend the basic operations of rational expressions.
D. Solve first and second degree equations and inequalities in one variable.
E. Perform the basic operations of complex numbers.
F. Demonstrate the ability to use the definitions and laws of exponents, roots and
radicals.
G. Graph equations and inequalities in two variables.
H. Solve systems of equations and inequalities.
I. Demonstrate an understanding of functions.
J. Apply concepts and techniques to problem solving.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity and
follow Oakton’s Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:
cheating,
plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
helping others to cheat,
unauthorized changes on official documents,
pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
any other behavior that violates academic integrity

There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton’s policies and procedures
provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy,
the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in
the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.

Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook

Outline of Topics:
A. Real Numbers
1. Properties
2. Operations
3. Real number system

B. Solving Equations and Inequalities in One Variable
1. Solving linear equations
2. Formulas
3. Solving linear inequalities
4. Compound inequalities
5. Absolute value equations and inequalities
6. Applications

C. Graphing Equations and Inequalities in Two Variables
1. Rectangular coordinate system
2. Distance, midpoint and slope formula
3. Graphing
4. Slope-intercept and point-slope formulas
5. Parallel and perpendicular lines
6. Graphing inequalities
7. Graphing circles with center at origin
8. Applications

D. Systems of Equations and Inequalities
1. Graphical solution
2. Algebraic solutions (elimination and substitution)
3. Solution of systems with three variables
4. Nonlinear equations
5. Systems of inequalities
6. Applications

E. Polynomials
1. Basic operations
2. Long division and synthetic division
3. Special products
4. Factoring
5. Using factoring to solve equations
6. Applications

F. Rational Expressions
1. Simplifying
2. Basic operations
3. Complex rational expressions
4. Solving equations with rational expressions
5. Formulas
6. Variation
7. Applications

G. Exponents, Roots and Radicals
1. Laws of exponents
2. Scientific notation
3. Rational exponents
4. Simplifying radical expressions
5. Operations with radical expressions
6. Rationalizing denominators
7. Solving equations with radical expressions
8. Applications

H. Complex Numbers
1. Definition
2. Simplifying powers of i
3. Basic operations

I. Quadratic Equations and Inequalities
1. Solving by factoring
2. Solving by completing the square
3. Solving by use of quadratic formula
4. Formulas
5. Algebraic solutions of nonlinear systems
6. Solving nonlinear inequalities
7. Applications

J. Functions
1. Definition
2. Function notation
3. Graphing linear and quadratic functions
4. Applications

K. Suggested optional topics: exponential and logarithm functions and equations.

ADDITIONAL OAKTON INFORMATION
Please note the following dates:

* Consult Registration & Records for deadlines on classes meeting less than 16 weeks.

** Students must make arrangements with individual faculty members regarding deadlines to submit required work for
Incomplete (I) grades.

*** Two days to be used for instruction or final student evaluations or culminating course activities. Classes not
scheduled to meet on these days and classes which do not meet for the duration of a semester will ordinarily use the last
class session(s) for instruction or final student evaluations or culminating course activities.

**** Faculty on campus and available to students at designated times.

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus on an as needed basis. Any such changes will be announced
in class. If you are not in class, it is your responsibility to find out about these changes from one of your classmates.

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
The following is intended to be an accurate outline of the course, but the instructor reserves the right to make
modifications dependent upon pace and progress, and potential class cancellations, e.g. snow days