STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AT BUFFALO
Department of Mathematics

I. Number and Title of course

MAT 110  Intermediate College Algebra and Trigonometry
 

II.  Reasons for Revision

We have updated the bibliography to reflect the resources we currently use to teach the course, and we have redefined the major objectives in terms of student outcomes.  The course continues to serve the following purposes in our program:

A. To help students become more proficient in algebra and trigonometry.

B. To give students the overall background beyond the level of MAT 098 needed for additional mathematics courses.

C. To provide students who are mathematically weak with some of the necessary algebraic skills needed for courses in other majors.
 

III.   Major Objectives of the Course

A. Students will demonstrate competence with the topics from intermediate algebra and right triangle trigonometry.

B. Students will acquire the background knowledge in algebra and trigonometry necessary to undertake additional college level courses that require those skills.
 

IV. Topical Outline

A. Review

1. Basic definitions
2. Real numbers, absolute value, number line
3. Properties and operations of real numbers
4.  Rules of algebra

B. Exponents and polynomials

 1. Properties of exponents
 2. Sums and differences of polynomials
 3. Multiplication and division of polynomials
 4. Factoring by grouping and factoring trinomials
 5. Operations on rational expressions
 6. Complex fractions
 7.  Equations involving rational expressions

C. Equations and inequalities

 1. First degree equations and inequalities
 2. Solving quadratic equations
 3. The quadratic formula
 4. Equations with absolute values
 5.  Word problems

D. Rational exponents and roots

 1. Rational exponents
 2. Addition and subtraction of radical expressions
 3. Multiplication and division of radical expressions
 4.  Equations with radicals

E. Linear equations and inequalities in two variables

 1. Graphing in two dimensions
 2. Slope of a line
 3. Equation of a straight line
 4. System of equations in two variables
 5.  Word problems

F. Introduction to relations and functions

 1. Relations and functions
 2. Function notation
 3. The algebra of functions
 4.  The inverse of a function

G. Logarithms

 1. Definition of logarithms
 2. Properties of logarithms
 3. Exponential equations and change of base
 4.  Word problems

H. Introduction to right triangle trigonometry

 1. Degrees, radians and special triangles
 2. Trigonometric functions
 3. Right triangle problems
 4. Graphing trigonometric functions
 5. Pythagorean identities
 6. Sum and difference formulas
 7. Double angle and half angle formulas
 8.  Word problems

V. Bibliography

Angel, Allen. Intermediate Algebra for College Students. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1996.
Demana, Franklin; Waits, B.; Clemens, S.; and Greene, M. Intermediate Algebra: A Graphing Approach. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley, 1994.
Koshy, Thomas. College Algebra and Trigonometry. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1986.
Larson, Roland; Hostetler, Robert; and Neptune, Carolyn. Intermediate Algebra: Graphs and Functions. Lexington, MA: D.C. Heath, 1994.
McKeague, Charles. Intermediate Algebra with Trigonometry. New York, NY: Academic Press, 1983.
Nancil, Chris. College Algebra and Trigonometry. New York, NY: MacMillan, 1983.
Sobel, M., and Lerner, N. Algebra and trigonometry. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1987.
Swokowski, E. Fundamentals of Algebra and Trigonometry. Boston, MA: Prindle, Weber, and Schmidt, 1987.
 

 VI. Presentation and Evaluation

A. Presentation by lectures and class discussions.

B. Evaluation by quizzes, written exams and class participation.
 

VII. Prerequisites

3 years of Regents high school mathematics or equivalent.
 

VIII. Credit

3 credits:  (3:0)
 

IX. Departmental Approval

This course was examined in accordance with recommended procedures and approved
by the Department of Mathematics Curriculum Committee on
_____________________.  _____________________________________
Signature of Department Chair Date
 

X. Catalog Description

A course that provides concepts and skills in intermediate algebra and right triangle trigonometry.  Topics include: equations, inequalities, polynomials, exponents, radicals, logarithms, systems of equations, functions, and trigonometry of the right triangle.
 

XI. Statement of Qualifications

A. An M.A. or M.S. in Mathematics or a related field.

B. All mathematics faculty are qualified to teach this course.
 

XII. Support Services Required

 Present classroom facilities are adequate.