Introduction:
The information and materials presented here are intended to provide a description of the course goals for current and prospective students as well as others who are interested in our courses. It is not intended to replace the instructional policies and course materials presented in class.
Every effort is made to update this information on a routine basis. However, if you have questions about enrollment, purchasing materials, and prerequisite skills, please check with your advisor or instructor.
Online Catalog Course Description Link: http://primus.nss.udel.edu/CourseDesc/info.action?rml=Y&searchKey=2010|MATH010
Current Sections Link: http://primus.nss.udel.edu/CoursesSearch/search-results.jsp?course_sec=MATH010
Additional Course Description:
This is a non-college credit mathematics course designed to help you prepare for future mathematics courses, specifically Math 115, Math 117 and Math 114. In this course you will have the opportunity to acquire both a conceptual and procedural understanding of algebra. This knowledge will serve you well because algebra is the basic language through which all mathematical and scientific concepts are communicated. While this course does not count toward your required credits for graduation (it is a remedial course), your course grade does appear on your transcript and will indicate your efforts toward acquiring a degree at the University of Delaware.
The major goals of this course are to:
Course Content:
The following list illustrates the topics intended for coverage in a typical semester. Your instructor may cover these topics in a different order or may add topics if necessary.
Some Basics of Algebra
Operations and Properties of Real Numbers
Solving Equations
Introduction to Problem Solving
Formulas, Models, and Geometry
Properties of Exponents
Scientific Notation
Graphs and Functions
Graphing Relations
Functions
Linear Functions: Slopes, Graphs and Models
Equations of Lines
Systems of Equations in Two Variables
Solving by Substitution or Elimination
Inequalities
Linear Inequalities and Applications
Intersections, Unions and Compound Inequalities
Absolute-Value Equations and Inequalities
Introduction to Polynomials and Polynomial Functions
Multiplication of Polynomials
Common Factors and Factoring by Grouping
Factoring Trinomials
Factoring Perfect-Square Trinomials and Differences of Squares
Factoring Sums and Differences of Cubes
Applications of Polynomial Equations
Rational Expressions and Functions
Multiplying and Dividing
Adding and Subtracting
Complex Rational Expressions
Solving Applications Using Rational Equations
Division of Polynomials
Synthetic Division
Radical Expressions and Functions
Rational Numbers as Exponents
Multiplying and Dividing Radical Expressions
Adding and Subtracting Radical Expressions
Geometric Applications
Quadratic Functions and Equations
Quadratic Equations
The Quadratic Formula
Applications Involving Quadratic Equations
Quadratic Functions and their Graphs
Distance and midpoint formula
Sigma Notation
Current Syllabus: General Syllabus - Fall 2009
Links to sample exams
Exam 1 - 07F
Exam 2 - 07F
Exam 3 - 07F
Final Exam - 07F
Minimum Math Placement Test Level: 2
Additional Prerequisite Discussion:
In order to succeed in this course, students must have some basic algebra and arithmetic skills. Experience has shown those students who enroll without some basic knowledge will not succeed.
The following document indicates the types of problems you should be able to complete. Much of this material is covered in an arithmetic or Algebra I high school math course. However, high school curriculums vary so you may find this document helpful when making a decision.
If you do not have these skills or need more information, you may need to enroll in a community college math course with a course title of Algebra.
Prerequisite Skills Example Document: MATH 010 Prerequisite Skills Examples
Textbooks: The following are the textbooks typically used in this course. Other University of Delaware campuses may use different textbooks. Students should wait until the first day of class to ensure the appropriate textbook and other course materials are purchased.
Miller, O’Neill, Hyde, Intermediate Algebra, McGraw-Hill, Third edition with MathZone software.
Angel, Intermediate Algebra for College Students, Prentice Hall, Seventh edition.
Calculator Requirement:
A scientific calculator is required. Graphing calculators such as the TI-83 or TI-83 plus are optional and may be allowed on exams and other course assessments. Graphing calculators are required in many of the one-hundred level courses so students may want to think about becoming familiar with the graphing calculator as they work through this material.
Course Format:
Fall/Spring semester: In most cases, during the fall and spring semesters, course meets three hours per week in either a MWF or Tues/Thur course format. Course enrollments are usually at most 40 students per class with some very small classes during the spring semester (less than 20).
Assessment activities generally include tests or quizzes or other course activities as determined by the instructor. The number of exams can vary but it generally two or three exams and a final exam. Usually a cumulative final exam is administered and may be a common final if a number of sections of the course are offered. Other assessment activities such as quizzes, textbook assignments may also be required. An example can be found in the sample or current syllabus.
Winter/Summer semester: This course is usually not offered during the winter and summer sessions. If it is, it may require daily course meetings or a three hour course session once a week.
Tutorial Resources:
There are several campus resources that provide additional assistance.
Math Tutorial Site: Located in 106 EWG, this site provides free drop-in tutorial assistance for students enrolled in this course. It is staffed by qualified math and math education majors. Students are encouraged to use this resource to get assistance on mathematical questions. More information about the Math Tutorial Site can be found at the webpage http://www.math.udel.edu/resources/ugrad/tutorial_site.html.
Academic Enrichment Center: Located at 148-150 South College Avenue, this site provides a number of different course resources for students. Please visit their web site for more information: http://ae.udel.edu/
Satellite Campus Information: Students enrolled at other campuses should contact the math faculty for the specific campus for additional information about this course.
Dover Campus:
Carla C. Morris - cmorris [at] udel [dot] edu
Georgetown Campus
:
Nancy S. Hall - nhall [at] udel [dot] edu
Norman Passmore - passmore [at] udel [dot] edu
Wilmington Campus:
John Anderson - jandersn [at] udel [dot] edu
William Boyer - 06127 [at] udel [dot] edu