M 121M - College Algebra

Credit(s): 3

Prerequisite(s): grade of “C” or better in M 095~, appropriate placement test score, or Math Department consent.
This course is the first semester of a precalculus series. Topics covered include equations, systems of linear equations and methods of solution (including matrices), exponents and radicals, linear and quadratic functions (and their graphs), exponential and logarithmic functions (and their graphs), sequences and series. (All Semesters)

Course Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to

Use mathematical techniques to problem solve.
Understand and apply quantitative concepts and reasoning using numerical data.
Use factoring to solve, find zeros of polynomial, rational polynomial, and algebraic equations or functions.
Solve linear, quadratic, and rational exponential and logarithmic equations and be able to use each of these to model and solve applied problems.
Solve absolute value equations and inequalities and express solutions of inequalities in interval notation.
Identify relations vs. functions.
Use function notation.
Identify domain, range, intervals of increasing/decreasing/constant values.
Agebraically and graphically identify even and odd functions.
Find zeros, asymptotes, and domain of rational functions.
Evaluate and sketch graphs of piecewise functions and find their domain and range.
Use algebra to combine functions and form composite functions, evaluate both combined and composite functions and their graphs, and determine their domains.
Identify one-to-one functions, find and verify inverse functions, and sketch their graph.
Graph linear, polynomial, radical, rational, exponential, logarithmic and circle equations.
Manipulate real and complex numbers.
Evaluate and apply sequences and series in various real-world applications.