Catalog Description: The first course in a two-semester sequence of intermediate algebra and trigonometry with technical applications offered on the Internet. Topics include units of measurement and approximate numbers, dimensional analysis, fundamental concepts of algebra, functions and graphs, systems of linear equations, the trigonometric functions, right triangle trigonometry and applications, vectors, graphs of sinusoidal curves and applications, and complex numbers. Any standard Texas Instrument scientific calculator will be supported in this course; however, students intending to take calculus should use either a TI-83 or TI-86 series.

Evaluation: There will be four one-hour examinations. The last hour examination will contain material covered previously as well as new topics and will function as the final examination. Homework problems sets will be available on the Internet. The course grade will be computed as follows:

When students are ready for an examination, they should email the instructors. Once the instructor emails the examination, the student will have three hours to complete it.

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Perform the fundamental operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) with algebraic expressions.
2. Write polynomials in factored form and perform fundamental operations on rational expressions..
3. Solve equations including linear, rational, quadratic, and literal.
4. Use units of measure, approximate numbers, scientific notation, and apply concepts of dimensional analysis in calculations.
5. Define and evaluate trigonometric functions of any angle.
6. Analyze and solve applications of right triangles.
7. Perform operations with vectors.
8. Graph linear, quadratic, rational, sine, and cosine functions.
9. Analyze and solve word problems that involve the use of linear and rational equations, vectors, and functions.
10. Perform basic operations with complex numbers.
11. Solve systems of linear equations using substitution, graphing, elimination, and Cramer’s Rule.
12. Read critically.
13. Write correctly and effectively.
14. Apply appropriate mathematical procedures and quantitative methods.
15. Identify and logically analyze problems and issues, and to propose and evaluate solutions.

Course Pace Guide

The following is intended as a sample guide to pace oneself through the course. Some students will progress at a faster rate.