Course Information
M010 - Intermediate Algebra

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:

  1. Improve your algebraic skills and understandings
  2. Be able to read, interpret, and construct graphs
  3. Improve your problem-solving skills
  4. Develop your ability to read and learn mathematics from a textbook
  5. Learn more about where and how mathematics is used in the real world

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