MTH 208 College Mathematics I

Course Description

This course begins a demonstration and examination of various concepts of basic algebra. It assists in building skills for performing specific mathematical operations and problem solving. These concepts and skills serve as a foundation for subsequent quantitative business coursework. Applications to real-world problems are emphasized throughout the course. Specific applications to disciplines such as statistics, accounting, finance, and economics are demonstrated and discussed. A variety of other applications, such as geometry, personal finance, science, and engineering, are also presented. This course is the first half of the college algebra sequence, which is completed in MTH 209, College Mathematics II.

Topics and Objectives

Properties of the Real Number System

· Define real numbers and all relevant properties and operations.

· Develop an understanding of basic mathematical operations as concepts and laws, and translate real-life problem situations into algebraic expressions.

· Define basic mathematical operations and properties of numbers.

· Develop the process of evaluating algebraic expressions involving fractions and exponents.

· Develop an understanding of solutions to basic mathematical expressions involving real numbers using a calculator as well as hand calculations.

· Develop problem-solving strategies for real-life problems.

Linear Equations and Inequalities

· Solve linear equations.

· Develop a positive approach to the comprehension of mathematical concepts and solving quantitative problems.

· Establish the importance of the linear model and its application in business.

· Define and discuss the benefit and limitation of the slope of linear equations in business disciplines.

Applications of Algebra and Problem Solving

· Develop the ability to translate a problem into a mathematical expression and obtain the solution.

· Develop an understanding of formulas.

· Translate word problems into mathematical formulas.

· Develop an understanding of the use of a calculator to solve algebraic problems.

· Establish algebra's relationship to quantitative business disciplines and real-world situations.

Graphing Linear Equations

· Discuss the importance of graphing in mathematics.

· Discuss different types of charts and interpret them.

· Introduce the concept of the Cartesian coordinate system.

· Develop skills in solving linear equations analytically and graphically.

· Establish the importance of a linear model and its application in business.

· Establish algebraic relationships using real-world cases, and develop methods of computing the slope of linear equations involving graphical and computational methods.

· Define functions and use function notation.

System of Linear Equations

· Learn how to express problems as a system of linear equations.

· Establish the relationship between variables.

· Establish the relationship of using systems of linear equations, using real-life cases, and develop methods of implementing the solutions.

· Solve systems by using graphing and computational methods.