MATH 25 - Elementary Algebra II

Course Description

  • Prerequisite: "C" or higher in MATH 24 OR placement in MATH 25

This course is the second half of a standard one-year course in elementary algebra. Topics to be covered include exponents, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions and equations, radical expressions and equations, Pythagorean Theorem, and quadratic equations.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of Math 25, the student will be able to:

  • Identify and use the laws of exponents to simplify expressions with integral exponents
  • Use scientific notation in calculations
  • Add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomials in one or two variables
  • Factor the greatest common factor from a polynomial expression
  • Factor a polynomial of four terms by grouping
  • Factor general trinomials ax2 + bx + c, where a, b, and c are integers
  • Recognize and factor the difference of two squares
  • Recognize and factor a perfect square binomial
  • Write rational expressions in lowest terms (including complex rational expressions)
  • Add, subtract, multiply, and divide algebraic fractions
  • Solve equations containing rational expressions
  • Solve word problems that lead to equations containing rational expressions. (Inclusion of indirect variation is optional.)
  • Identify a given radical as rational, irrational, or not real
  • Evaluate a radical expression
  • Simplify a radical expression
  • Add, subtract, multiply, or divide radical expressions
  • Solve radical equations
  • Solve word problems that lead to equations containing radical expressions
  • Solve quadratic equations by factoring, extraction of roots, completing the square, and the quadratic formula
  • Complete the perfect square trinomial square given a partial trinomial
  • Learn and apply the Pythagorean Theorem
  • Graph quadratic functions, using the vertex and axis of symmetry

In general, the course will enable the student to understand the terminology and concepts of basic algebra; e.g. Math 103 (College Algebra), Math 100 (Survey of Mathematics), Math 107 (Technical Mathematics for the Information Age), and Math 115 (Statistics).