Intermediate Algebra

Intermediate Algebra is a one-semester, three-credit course that covers the following topics:

Real Numbers and Algebraic Expression
Algebraic Expressions and Sets of Numbers
Properties of Real Numbers
Operations on Real Numbers
Order of Operations and Algebraic Expressions
Group Activity: Analyzing Newspaper Circulation

Equations, Inequalities, and Problem Solving
Linear Equations in One Variable
An Introduction to Problem Solving
Formulas and Problem Solving
Linear Inequalities and Problem Solving
Compound Inequalities
Absolute Value Equations
Absolute Value Inequalities
Group Activity: Investigating Compound Interest

Graphs and Functions
Graphing Equations
Introduction to Functions
Graphing Linear Functions
The Slope of a Line
Equations of Lines
Graphing Linear Inequalities
Group Activity: Modeling Japanese Automobile Imports

Systems of Equations
Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables
Solving Systems of Linear Equations in Three Variables
Systems of Linear Equations and Problem Solving
Solving Systems of Equations by Matrices
Solving Systems of Equations by Determinants
Group Activity: Locating Lightning Strikes

Exponents, Polynomials, and Polynomial Functions
Exponents and Scientific Notation
More Work with Exponents and Scientific Notation
Polynomials and Polynomial functions
Multiplying Polynomials
The Greatest Common Factor and factoring by Grouping
Factoring Trinomials
Factoring by Special Products and Factoring Strategies
Solving Equations by Factoring and Problem Solving
An Introduction to Graphing Polynomial Functions
Group Activity: Finding the Largest Area

Rational Expressions
Rational functions and Simplifying Rational Expressions
Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
Simplifying Complex Fractions
Dividing Polynomials
Synthetic Division and the Remainder Theorem
Solving Equations containing Rational Expressions
Rational Equations and Problem Solving
Variation and Problem Solving
Group Activity: Modeling Electricity Production

Rational Exponents, Radicals, and Complex Numbers
Radicals and Radical Functions
Rational Exponents
Simplifying Radical Expressions
Adding, Subtracting, and Multiplying Radical Expressions
Rationalizing Numerators and Denominators of Radical Expressions
Radical Equations and Problem Solving
Complex Numbers
Group Activity: Calculating the Length and Period of a Pendulum

Quadratic Equations and Functions
Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square
Solving Quadratic Equations by the Quadratic Formula
Solving Equations by Using Quadratic Methods
Nonlinear Inequalities in One Variable
Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs
Further Graphing of Quadratic Functions
Group Activity: Modeling the Position of a Freely Falling Object

Conic Sections
The parabola and the Circle
The Ellipse and the Hyperbola
Solving Nonlinear Systems of Equations
Nonlinear Inequalities and Systems of Inequalities
Group Activity: Modeling Conic Sections

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Composite and Inverse Functions
Exponential Functions
Logarithmic Functions
Properties of Logarithms
Common Logarithms, Natural Logarithms, and Change of Base
Exponential and Logarithmic Equations and Problem Solving
Group Activity: Modeling Temperature

Sequences, Series, and the Binomial Theorem
Sequences
Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences
Series
Partial Sums of Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences
The Binomial Theorem
Group Activity: Modeling College Tuition