MATH 124

FINITE MATH I

2008-2009       Catalog Data:  MATH 124 Finite Math I (3-0) 3 ( Grade of C or better in MATH 045, or 1 unit of high school algebra and an ACT score of 19 or higher.  Fundamentals of algebra; functions and graphs; linear functions; introduction to exponential and logarithmic functions; solving linear and quadratic equations; matrices

Textbook:       Lial , Hungerford and Holcomb, Mathematics with Applications, 9th edition, Addison Wesley, 2007

Chapters:          Chapter   1  Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,

Covered:          Chapter   2  Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

                        Chapter   3  Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

                        Chapter   4  Sections 1, 2, 3, 4

                        Chapter   6  Sections 1, 2, (3, 4 optional)

                        Chapter   7  Sections 1, 2, 3, (if time permits)

Goals:               Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Use the laws of exponents, and manipulate and simplify algebraic expressions   containing fractional exponents, negative exponents, radicals, and fractions.

2. Solve linear, quadratic, and fractional equations.       
3. Solve linear and quadratic inequalities.

                        4. Sketch graphs of linear and quadratic functions.

                        5. Work with logarithm and exponential functions.

                        6. Solve a system of linear equations using matrix techniques.                            

Topics:  (Timeline based on MWF course and does not count a 4^th day recitation)

I.          Basic algebra(9 days):

            a. Exponential notation and algebraic expressions

            b. Multiplication of algebraic expressions

            c. Factoring

            d. Fractional expressions

            e. Exponents and Radicals

            f. First degree equations

II.         Graphs, Lines and Inequalities(7 days):

a. Graphs

b. Equations of Lines

c. Linear models

d. Linear inequalities

III        Quadratic equations and inequalities (3 days)

a. Quadratic equations

b. Quadratic inequalities

IV        Functions and graphs (8 days)

a. Functions

b. Graphs of Functions

c. Applications of Linear Functions

d. Quadratic Functions

e. Applications of Quadratic Functions

f. Polynomial Functions

V.        Exponential and logarithmic functions(8 days):

            a. Exponential functions

            b. Logarithm functions

c. Applications of logarithms functions

            d. Applications of Exponential functions

VI.       Systems of linear equations(4 days):
(remaining days to be spent on “optional” material below).

            a. Eliminating a variable

            b. The Gauss-Jordan Method

            c. Matrix Operations (opt)

            d. Matrix Products (opt)

VII       Linear Programming (opt)

a. Graphing Linear Inequalities in Two Variables

b. Linear Programming: The Graphical Method

c. Applications of Linear Programming

West Virginia University is committed to social justice. Our University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color or national origin. Any suggestions as to how to further such a positive an open environment in this class will be appreciated. If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in this class, please advise me and make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Disability Services (293-6700).

Date Prepared: August, 2008