Pre-College Algebra (Intermediate Algebra)

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Class
MATH 0314
This course prepares students to enroll in MATH 1314, College Algebra, and other higher level mathematics courses. This course presents terminology, concepts, and techniques needed to begin a study of college algebra. Topics include: polynomials and factoring, rational expressions and equations, solving absolute value equations and inequalities, solving systems of equations and inequalities, radical expressions and equations, and solving quadratic equations. This course is designed for students whose placement scores indicate that they would have difficulty passing a more advanced course. This course will not transfer to a senior college; however, it will count for non-degree credit from Weatherford College. Attendance is required and is accrued from the first day of class.

Campus Resources for Students

  • Weatherford: The Academic Support Center - A free public tutoring service provided by the college, offered in LART- LL Room 2, 817-598-6278
  • Video tapes
  • Computer assisted instruction
  • Instructor’s office hours
Course Learning Objectives

After completing the course, the student should be able to demonstrate competency in:

  1. Polynomials and Factoring
  2. Rational Expressions and Equations
  3. Solving Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities
  4. Systems of Equations and Inequalities
  5. Roots, Radicals, and Radical Equations
  6. Solving Quadratic Equations

Course Competencies

  1. To demonstrate competency in polynomials and factoring, a student should be able to:
    1. Use order of operations.
    2. Simplify exponential expressions.
    3. Identify parts of polynomials and types of polynomials.
    4. Add, subtract, multiply and divide polynomials.
    5. Factor using the greatest common factor.
    6. Factor by grouping.
    7. Factor trinomials.
    8. Factor using special formulas.
  2. To demonstrate competency in rational expressions, a student should be able to:
    1. Determine when a rational expression is undefined.
    2. Find the numerical value of a rational expression.
    3. Simplify a rational expression.
    4. Identify the least common denominator of rational expressions.
    5. Add, subtract, multiply and divide rational expressions.
    6. Simplify complex fractions.
    7. Solve rational equations.
    8. Solve applied problems using rational equations.
  3. To demonstrate competency in solving inequalities, a student should be able to:
    1. Use interval notation.
    2. Graph solutions on the real number line.
    3. Solve absolute value equations and inequalities.
    4. Graph systems of linear inequalities in two variables.
  4. To demonstrate competency solving systems of equations, a student should be able to:
    1. Solve linear systems in two variables by graphing.
    2. Solve linear systems in two variables by using substitution and elimination.
    3. Solve application problems involving systems of equations.
    4. Graph systems of linear inequalities in two variables.
  5. To demonstrate competency in roots and radicals, a student should be able to
    1. Evaluate expressions with radicals and rational exponents.
    2. Simplify radical expressions and expressions with rational exponents.
    3. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide radical expressions.
    4. Rationalize expressions with radicals in the denominator.
    5. Solve radical equations.
  6. To demonstrate competency in solving quadratic equations, a student should be able to:
    1. Solve quadratic equations and inequalities using factoring, square root property, completing the square, the quadratic formula, and substitution.
    2. Use the discriminant to describe solutions to quadratic equations.
    3. Solve applied problems involving quadratic equations.
Lab Fee
$24.00
Required Textbooks
Prealgebra & Introductory Algebra, Fourth ed., Lial, Hestwood, Hornsby, and McGiniss, Pearson-Addison-Wesley, 2014. MyLabsPlus access code.
ISBN-10
9781323111031
Evaluation Standards

These course objectives and student learning outcomes will be assessed through the administration of a minimum of 3 in-class exams (60%), quizzes and/or homework (including MyLabsPlus) (15%), required tutorials (5%), and a comprehensive final exam (20%)

Notes, textbooks, note cards, formula sheets, or any other additional materials will NOT be approve for use on exams. Any use will be an academic integrity violation.

Grading Key: Co-requisite Section

70-100 = P
60 and below = F not continuing on to MATH 1314

Grading Standards

P - Student’s work is acceptable. Majority of assignments meet the minimum required standards.

F - Student’s work is clearly unacceptable. Student either did not attempt the work or failed to meet any of the minimum required standards.

Grading Key: Stand Alone Section

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
59 and below = F

Required Materials
No calculators will be used on in-class exams or the final exam. Purchase of MyLabsPlus access code is required. See instructor for information.
Grading Standards

A - Student’s work is exceptional and consistently above average.
B - Student’s work is above average. Required assignments were completed in a timely manner and have met at least the minimum required standards.
C - Student’s work is acceptable. Majority of assignments meet the minimum required standards.
D - Student’s work fails to meet the minimum requirements for a grade of "C." Overall performance was sub-standard in comparison to normal expectations for this class.
F - Student’s work is clearly unacceptable. Student either did not attempt the work or failed to meet any of the minimum required standards.

To enroll in the next higher mathematics course that has a College Algebra prerequisite, a student must earn a grade of C or better in this course. A student can take the Compass test to also indicate competency for placement in a higher mathematics course.

Disabilities

ADA Statement:

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.

Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is fundamental to the educational mission of Weatherford College, and the College expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials including unauthorized use of Generative AI. Departments may adopt discipline specific guidelines on Generative AI usage approved by the instructional dean. Any student who is demonstrated to have engaged in any of these activities will be subject to immediate disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.
Hope Statement
Any student who faces challenges securing basic resources such as food, clothing, or housing and believes this may affect their performance in their course of study is urged to contact the Director of Student Resources, Dr. Deborah Cregger, for support at (817) 598-6444. Her office is on the first floor of Student Services. If the student prefers, they may contact their instructor, who can reach out on their behalf. Weatherford College also provides the Coyote Pantry. The Pantry maintains boxed and canned foods for students in need. The location of the Coyote Pantry is two blocks west of the Weatherford campus at the Baptist Student Ministry (118 E. Park Ave., Weatherford). Pantry hours are Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Fri. 8.30 am-12:00 pm (817-599-6586).
Student Intellectual Property Rights

A student shall retain all rights to work created as part of instruction or using College District technology resources.

Revised
Fall 2021
Last Modified
Wednesday, September 8, 2021, 12:40 PM