Math 115 - College Algebra

Credits: 3

Course Description: Designed primarily but not exclusively for students seeking a stronger foundation in algebra before taking MATH 129 or MATH 130. Topics include basic algebra concepts, linear equations and inequalities, properties of functions, linear and quadratic functions, absolute value equations and inequalities, systems of equations.

Pre-Requisites: A suitable score in Math Placement Test A or Math Placement Test B or MATH 125.

Frequency:

Current Textbook: College Algebra UMass Package, by Bittinger, published by Prentice Hall, ISBN 9780536344472 Check with your instructor to make sure this is the textbook used for your section.

Chapter 1

1.1 Sets. Real numbers, Operations and Distributive law
1.2 Exponential, scientific, and absolute-value notation
1.3 Addition and subtraction of algebraic expressions
1.4 Multiplication of algebraic expressions
1.5 Factoring
1.6 Rational expressions
1.7 Radical notation
1.8 Rational exponents

Chapter 2

2.1 Solving linear equations and inequations
2.2 Rational equations formulas
2.3 Formulas and problem solving
2.4 Complex numbers
2.5 Solving quadratic equations
2.6 Formulas and problem solving
2.7 Solving radical equations
2.8 Equations reducible to quadratic

Chapter 3

3.1 Graphs of equations: linear and non-linear
3.2 Distance formula; circles
3.3 Distance formula: functions
3.4 Lines and linear functions
3.5 Graphs and applications of functions
3.6 Symmetry
3.7 Sums, differences, products, quotients, composition of functions

Chapter 4

4.1 Parabolas and their graphs
4.2 Sets: intersections, union and compound inequalities
4.3 Absolute value inequalities

Chapter 6

6.1 Systems of equations in two variables