Algebra in Middle School Mathematics
1. Title of Course, Course Number and Credits:
Algebra in Middle School Mathematics, MAEN 500, 3 credits.
2. Description of Course:
This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts of algebra using real
life and real data
applications. Topics include: real number system, solving algebraic equations
and inequalities,
polynomials, exponents, radicals, rational expressions.
3. Course Prerequisites:
None
4. Course Objectives:
To prepare student with the basic algebraic techniques needed for higher level
MAEN courses as well
preparing them to fully understand topics that they will be presenting to their
students at the middle and
high school level.
To introduce some basic techniques on the TI 83 graphing calculator.
5. Student Learning Outcomes. Students will be able to:
1.Effectively express themselves in oral form through
class participation, and project presentations;
communicate clearly and orderly in writing by translating a real life problem
into a mathematical
model,
which will be assessed through quizzes, exams, and projects.
2. Apply critical thinking skills and algebraic techniques
to problem solving, equations, and
inequalities; graphing in order to transform raw data into information
concerning real life applications;
which will be assessed through examination questions and project assignments.
3. Locate and use information in problem solving requiring
geometry, algebra, and graphing
techniques. This will be assessed through examination questions and project
assignments.
4. Work effectively with others on projects and homework assignments.
5. Students taking this course will be able to;
• Solve and graph linear and quadratic equations.
• Solve equations involving Polynomials, Rational and Radical Expressions.
• Factor polynomials.
• Solve and graph systems of linear equations and inequalities.
• Use the graphing calculator to graph functions.
• Applications of above topics
6. Topical Outline of the Course Content:
| Chapter 1 | Review of Real Numbers | .5 weeks |
| Section 1.1-1.7 | Review: Operations of Real Numbers | |
| Section 1.8 | Properties of Real numbers | |
| Section 1.9 | Reading Graphs | |
| Chapter 2 | Equations, Inequalities, and Problem Solving | 1.5 weeks |
| Section 2.1 | Simplifying Algebraic Expressions | |
| Sections 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 | Solving Linear Equations | |
| Sections 2.5, 2.6, 2.7 | Problem Solving | |
| Section 2.8 | Solving Linear Equations | |
| Chapter 3 | Graphing | 1.5 Weeks |
| Sections 3.1-3.4 | Slope, Intercepts, and Graphing Linear Equations | |
| Sections 3.5, 3.6 | Slope-Intercept and Point-Slope Forms | |
| Section 3.7 | Functions | |
| Chapter 4 | Solving Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities | 1,5 weeks |
| Sections 4.1-4.3 | Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Graphing, Substitution,and Addition | |
| Section 4. | Graphing Systems of Linear Inequalities | |
| Chapter 5 | Exponents and Polynomials | 1.5 weeks |
| Sections 5.1-5.4 | Exponents and Operations on Polynomials | |
| Section 5.5 | Negative Exponents and Scientific Notation | |
| Section 5.6 | Division of Polynomials | |
| Chapter 6 | Factoring Polynomials | 2 weeks |
| Sections 6.1-6.4 | Factoring Trinomials, Binomials, and by Grouping | |
| Section 6.5, 6.6 | Using Factoring to Solve Quadratic Equations; Applications | |
| Chapter 7 | Rational Expressions | 2 weeks |
| Sections 7.1-7.4 | Arithmetic of Rational Expressions | |
| Section 7.5 | Solving Equations using Rational Expressions | |
| Sections 7.6, 7.7 | Proportion, Variation, and Applications | |
| Section 7.8 | Simplifying Complex Fractions | |
| Chapter 8 | Roots and Radicals | 2 weeks |
| Sections 8.1-8. | Arithmetic of Radicals | |
| Section 8.5,8,6 | Solving Radical Equations and Problem Solving | |
| Section 8.7 | Rational Exponents | |
| Chapter 9 | Solving Quadratic Equations | 1 week |
| Sections 9.1,9.3 | Square Root Method and Quadratic Equation | |
| Sections 9.2, 4.9.5 | If time permits |
7. Guidelines/Suggestions for Teaching Methods and Student
Learning Activities:
Lectures, classroom discussions and student problem solving in class.
8. Guidelines/Suggestions for Methods of Student
Assessment (Student Learning Outcomes)
In Class: Weekly Quizzes, Midterm, Final.
Class Projects.
9. Suggested Reading, Texts and Objects of Study:
Beginning Algebra, by K. Elayne Martin-Gay, 4th edition, Prentice Hall.
10. Bibliography of Supportive Texts and Other Materials:
Algebra and Trigonometry, by Swokowski/Cole, 9th
TI 
calculator
11. Preparer’s Name and Date:
Dr. Diane Kalish, Spring, 2001.
12. Original Department Approval Date: Fall 1979