Download MATH 155 Rev Jan 2010 - Glendale Community College

Non-Degree Applicable
Glendale Community College
January, 2010
COURSE OUTLINE
Mathematics 155
Arithmetic and PreAlgebra
I. Catalog Statement
Mathematics 155 is a basic skills course designed to prepare students for their first course
in algebra. It includes the fundamental processes of arithmetic and prealgebra. It is
designed to develop skill in computation using whole numbers, fractions, decimals,
percents, and properties of the decimal number system with an emphasis on the
arithmetic of signed numbers. Rules of exponents, first-degree equations, fundamental
facts about geometry with regard to area and perimeter are also included. Study and testtaking techniques related to mathematics are also covered.
Units – 4.0
Lecture hours – 5.0
Prerequisite: Placement is based on a composite of test scores and academic background.
Note: This course may not be taken for credit by students who have completed
Mathematics 255. A maximum of 4 units of credit will be granted for Mathematics 155
and 255. This course is Pass/No Pass only.
II. Course Entry Expectations
Skills Expectations: Reading 4; Writing 3; Listening-Speaking 3; Math 1
III. Course Exit Standards
Upon successful completion of the required course work, the student will be able to:
1. add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers;
2. add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions;
3. convert fractions to decimals;
4. add, subtract, multiply and divide decimals;
5. convert decimals to percents;
6. convert fractions to percents;
7. find a percent of a number and what percent one number is of another;
8. add, subtract, multiply and divide signed numbers;
9. use of the correct order of operation;
10. use a calculator to perform arithmetic operations;
11. evaluate expressions;
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12. add and subtract expressions;
13. find area and perimeter of squares, rectangles, triangles and circles;
14. solve equations using the addition property of equality;
15. solve equations using the multiplication property of equality;
16. solve first degree applications;
17. demonstrate knowledge of test-taking strategies;
18. demonstrate knowledge of study skills related to mathematics.
IV. Course Content
A. Whole Numbers
1. Reading numerals and place value
2. Addition
3. Subtraction
4. Multiplication
5. Division
6. Factors and prime factorization
7. Exponents and order of operations
8. Rounding and Estimating
B. Fractions
1. Reducing to lowest terms
2. Changing improper fractions to mixed numbers
3. Changing mixed numbers to improper fractions
4. Finding common denominators and least common denominators
5. Addition and subtraction of fractions
6. Addition and subtraction of mixed numbers
7. Comparing fractions
8. Multiplication of fractions, mixed numbers
9. Division of fractions, mixed numbers
10. Exponents and order of operations
C. Decimals
1. Reading and writing decimals
2. Rounding decimals
3. Comparing decimals
4. Addition and subtraction of decimals
5. Multiplication of decimals
6. Division of decimals
7. Multiplying and dividing by powers of ten
8. Changing fractions to decimals
9. Changing decimals to fractions
10. Operations with both fractions and decimals
11. Order of operations
D. Ratio and Proportions
1. Ratio and ratio applications
2. Solving proportions
3. Applications of proportions
E. Percent
10 hours
10 hours
8 hours
6 hours
8 hours
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F.
G.
H.
I.
1. Meaning of percent
2. Changing percent to decimals
3. Changing decimals to percents
4. Changing percents to fractions
5. Changing fractions to percents
6. Solving percent problems
7. Applications of percents
Strategies for the mathematics student
1. Learning styles and thought processes
2. Recognizing and combating negative thoughts
3. Effective studying and problem solving techniques
4. Effective test preparation
5. Test taking strategies
Signed Numbers
1. Greater than and less than
2. Absolute value
3. Addition of signed numbers
4. Subtraction of signed numbers
5. Multiplication of signed numbers
6. Division of signed numbers
7. Order of operations
Introduction to Algebra
1. Evaluating expressions
2. Simplifying expressions
3. Solving equations using the addition property of equality
4. Solving equations using the multiplication property of equality
5. Solving equation using both the addition and multiplication properties
6. Translating verbal expressions into algebraic expressions
7. Translating sentences into equations and solving
Geometry
1. Angles and lines
2. Perimeter of plane geometric figures
3. Area of geometric figures
4. Volume of geometric solids
5. The Pythagorean Theorem
6. Similar and congruent triangles
V. Methods of Presentation
The following instructional methodologies may be used in this course:
1. classroom lecture/discussion;
2. small group work/discussion.
6 hours
12 hours
12 hours
8 hours
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VI. Assignments and Methods of Evaluation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Five to eight regularly scheduled examinations
Short quizzes
Homework
Group work
A two-and-one half hour comprehensive final examination
The course is Credit/No Credit only.
VII. Textbook
Martin-Gay, E., Basic College Mathematics, 2nd Custom Edition for GCC, 3rd Edition.
Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2006.
10th Grade Textbook Reading Level. ISBN 0-536-20103-X
Bass, A., Math Study Skills
Boston: Pearson Education, 2008.
10th Grade Textbook Reading Level. ISBN 0-321-51307-X
VII. Student Learning Outcomes
1. Students will perform arithmetic operations (whole numbers, fractions, decimals,
signed numbers).
2. Students will convert between percents, decimals and fractions.
3. Students will solve application problems (arithmetic, algebraic, geometric).
4. Students will calculate area and perimeter of polygons and circles, volumes of
solids and solve similar triangle problems.
5. Students will solve equations (ratio, proportions, linear).
6. Students will demonstrate knowledge of test-taking strategies and study skills.