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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
MATHD210.
Course Title (CB02)
College Math Preparation Level 1: Pre-Algebra
Course Credit Status
Credit - Not Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Course Description
Use of basic arithmetic in application problems, estimation, the real number system, variables and linear equations, graphs of linear equations and the Cartesian coordinate system, the concept of function.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

This is a stand-alone course. This course is part of °®¶¹´«Ã½ College's developmental sequence of basic skills courses in preparation for transfer-level work that ultimately prepares students for MATH D114., which satisfies the mathematics proficiency requirement for the °®¶¹´«Ã½ AA/AS degree. This course focuses on the use of basic arithmetic in application problems, estimation, the real number system, variables and linear equations, graphs of linear equations and the Cartesian coordinate system.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Letter Grade
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
0

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Not transferable
°®¶¹´«Ã½ GEArea(s)StatusDetails
2SUMDA Support Course Math-CB26Approved

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
5.0
Maximum Credit Units
5.0

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours5.010.0
Laboratory Hours0.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
60.0
Laboratory
0.0
Total
60.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
120.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
120.0

Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

ESL D272. and ESL D273., or ESL D472. and ESL D473., or eligibility for EWRT D001A or EWRT D01AH or ESL D005.

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

General Course Statement(s)

Methods of Instruction

Lecture and visual aids

Discussion and problem solving performed in class

Quiz and examination review performed in class

Collaborative learning and small group exercises

Computer lab assignments

Assignments

  1. Reading of text explanations and examples
  2. Written assignments which may include
    1. Problem solving exercises from the text
    2. Problems requiring written explanations of key concepts, analysis of problem solving strategies and use of mathematical vocabulary
    3. Projects such as labs or "big problems" that require research or data collection
    4. Problem journals
    5. Portfolios
  3. Class Participation which may include
    1. Collaborative activities
    2. Oral presentations

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Periodic quizzes and/or problem assignments from the text which will be evaluated for accuracy and completion in order to assess student’s comprehension of material covered in lecture and to provide feedback to students on their progress. Questions may also require the student to

    communicate ideas and conclusions in short essay format.
  2. Examinations will be composed of both computational and concept-based questions which will require the student to demonstrate ability in integrating the methods, ideas and techniques learned in class. Questions may also require the student to communicate ideas and conclusions in short essay format.
  3. Portfolios evaluated by a rubric created by the instructor
  4. Problem-solving journals assessed on completeness and accuracy of notation
  5. Two hour comprehensive final examination composed of both computational and concept based questions which will require the student to demonstrate ability in integrating the methods, ideas and techniques learned in class. Questions may also require the student to communicate ideas and conclusions in short essay format.
  6. Projects/activities, group or individual, that include written descriptions of methods and results, and justification of conclusions, Projects/activities may be based upon real, simulated, or collected data, or other methods. They will be assessed on proper use of methods and accuracy of results.

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • None.
Essential College Facilities:
  • None.

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
Prealgebra, 6th Ed.; Aufmann and Lockwood, Cengage, 2014
Prealgebra Textbook. 2nd Ed. College of the Redwoods, 2012-2013. Online text: http://msenux2.redwoods.edu/PreAlgText/Prealgebra.pdf

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisher
Singapore Math Dimensions 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B
Beckmann, Peter, "A History of Pi." 3rd Edition, 1976. St. Martin Griffins
Blatner, David, "The Joy of Pi." 1999, Walker and Company.
Crump, Thomas, "The Anthropology of Numbers." 1992, Cambridge University Press.
Gerdes, Paulus, "Geometry from Africa, Mathematical and Educational Explorations." MAA 1992
Gerdes, Paulus, "Women, Art and Geometry in Southern Africa." 1998, Africa World Press.
Joseph, George Gheverghese, "The Crest of the Peacock: Non-European Roots of Mathematics." 2010, Princeton University Press
Lumpkin, Beatrice, "Algebra Activities from Many Cultures." 1997, J. Walch Education
McLeish, John, "Number, the History of Numbers and How They Shape Our Lives." 1991, Fawcett Columbine.
Moses, Robert P and Cobb Jr., Charles E.; "Radical Equations, Math Literacy and Civil Rights." 2001, Beacon Press.
Secada, Walter G. ed., "Changing Faces of Mathematics, Perspectives on Multiculturalism and Gender Equity;" 2000, NCTM.
Voolich, Erica Dakin, "A Peek into Math of the Past, Mathematical and Historical Investigations for Middle School and Pre-Algebra Students." 2001, Dale Seymour Publications.
Zaslavsky, Claudia, "The Multicultural Math Classroom." 1996, Heinemann Publishers.
See the multicultural link(s) on the department resources page

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Develop, throughout the course as applicable, systematic problem solving methods
  • Solve problems involving arithmetic operations, including fractions, percents and decimals
  • Apply the order of operations to evaluate signed numerical expressions
  • Solve problems involving operations with signed numbers
  • Explore the characteristics and properties of real numbers
  • Use estimation to determine approximate solutions and to check the reasonableness of answers
  • Explore rates and ratios and use proportions to solve problems
  • Explore, as applicable throughout the course, the geometry of mathematical measurements and solve problems involving geometric figures and formulas
  • Explore the use of variables in expressions and evaluate algebraic expressions
  • Solve linear equations in one variable numerically and algebraically
  • Graph linear relationships on a Cartesian coordinate by plotting ordered pairs
  • Investigate, throughout the course as applicable, how mathematics has developed as a human activity around the world

CSLOs

  • Demonstrate and apply a systematic and logical approach to solving arithmetic and geometric problems.

Outline

  1. Develop, throughout the course as applicable, systematic problem solving methods
    1. Devise a strategy plan
    2. Organize information, including identification and definition of known and unknown quantities
    3. Translate verbal expressions into mathematical format
    4. Apply mathematical tools to formulate a solution
    5. Clearly communicate the solution
  2. Solve problems involving arithmetic operations, including fractions, percents and decimals
    1. Develop understanding of basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of numbers, including fractions, percents and decimals
    2. Use exponents in simple computations
    3. Solve applied problems involving operations with numbers, including fractions, percents and decimals
  3. Apply the order of operations to evaluate signed numerical expressions
    1. Simplify arithmetic expressions
    2. Recognize the symbols of grouping
    3. Apply the order of operations
  4. Solve problems involving operations with signed numbers
    1. Explore the geometric interpretation of signed numbers on a number line
    2. Compare signed numbers on a number line using inequality symbols
    3. Develop understanding of the basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of signed numbers
    4. Solve applied problems involving operations on signed numbers
    5. Investigate the absolute value of a number and its geometric interpretation on a number line
  5. Explore the characteristics and properties of real numbers
    1. Identify the relationships between the various subset groups of real numbers
    2. Explore conceptually the basic properties of real numbers - commutative, associative, and the identity properties
    3. Compute square roots of perfect squares and contrast these with numbers having irrational roots
  6. Use estimation to determine approximate solutions and to check the reasonableness of answers
    1. Round answers to problems to a desired degree of accuracy
    2. Estimate solutions to problems by rounding preliminary numbers
    3. Check reasonableness of answers to problems by using estimation techniques
  7. Explore rates and ratios and use proportions to solve problems
    1. Identify rates, ratios, and proportions
    2. Solve applied problems using proportions
    3. Use unit analysis to determine the units of an answer
  8. Explore, as applicable throughout the course, the geometry of mathematical measurements and solve problems involving geometric figures and formulas
    1. Explore the geometric representations of units of measurement for length and area
    2. Evaluate lengths and areas of common geometric figures using formulas
    3. Use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve applied problems involving right triangles
    4. Solve applied problems involving geometric figures (optional)
    5. Use correct units to state the answer to a geometric problem
  9. Explore the use of variables in expressions and evaluate algebraic expressions
    1. Explore the concept of variable
    2. Evaluate simple algebraic expressions by substituting the value of a variable
    3. Apply the order of operations to evaluate algebraic expressions
    4. Simplify algebraic expressions
      1. by combining like terms
      2. by using the distributive law
  10. Solve linear equations in one variable numerically and algebraically
    1. Investigate the definition of a solution to an equation
    2. Verify the solution to a linear equation numerically, using substitution
    3. Determine the solution to a linear equation algebraically by using the addition and multiplication properties of equality
  11. Graph linear relationships on a Cartesian coordinate by plotting ordered pairs
    1. Develop the definition of the Cartesian coordinate system
    2. Plot ordered pairs on a Cartesian coordinate system
  12. Investigate, throughout the course as applicable, how mathematics has developed as a human activity around the world
    1. Investigate the use and development of numbers and algebraic concepts throughout history. Some possibilities are:
      1. explore the use and development of pi by various cultures
      2. investigate the development and use of rational and irrational numbers by various cultures
      3. investigate the development of algebra in ancient times
    2. Explore numeric and algebraic applications that are of historical and/or contemporary interest. Some possibilities are:
      1. investigate the uses of arithmetic and algebra in various disciplines
      2. explore the uses of arithmetic and algebra that may occur in everyday life, e.g. sports, finance, etc.
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