In this course, you will learn how to

• To review the terminology of the real number system and show the interrelationships of the components of the number system, stressing basic operations.
• To review basic operations involving polynomials.
• To review factoring and its applications in performing operations on rational expressions.
• To solve and graph linear equations and inequalities
• To solve systems of linear equations and inequalities.
• To review the basic laws of exponents and to extend these laws to include negative and rational exponents.
• To factor polynomials.
• To solve rational equations, equations with radicals, and quadratic equations.
• To introduce the concept of functions.
• To identify and apply basic laws of logarithms.

You will learn by reading the textbook and the lectures, working homework problems in MathXL, discussing problems in the discussion board, and finding real-world applications of the concepts.

What you learn in this course will benefit you by expanding the topics learned in Algebra I and helping you to develop the mathematical proficiency necessary for courses applicable towards graduation.

The following prerequisites are required for entry into this course:

• Satisfactory score on appropriate placement or proficiency exam
• MTH 003, or equivalent

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

1. Perform operations on rational expressions.
2. Solve and graph linear equations and inequalities.
3. Solve systems of linear equations and inequalities.
4. Use the laws of exponents.
5. Factor polynomials.
6. Solve rational equations, equations with radicals, and quadratic equations.
7. Evaluate and graph functions.
8. Identify and apply basic laws of logarithms.

The required textbook and materials for this course are:

• Intermediate Algebra, by Bittinger, Tenth Edition; Boston: Addison-Wesley, 2007, with MathXL..*
• A TI-83, TI-84, or TI-86 graphing calculator.

*  Note:  If you purchased the 12-month access of MathXL for your previous class and the expiration date of your license is after the last day of this class, you may transfer into the Algebra II section of MathXL.  You will not need to purchase another MathXL license.  You will still need to purchase the textbook:

• Intermediate Algebra, by Bittinger, Tenth Edition; Boston: Addison-Wesley, 2007.

For information on how to order your textbooks, go to http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/.

Your course grade will be determined according to the assignments:  

Your final grade will be based on the following scale:

There are 4 proctored exams in this course. You are expected to take your examinations at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

BY EMAIL: kwalters@nvcc.edu
BY CAMPUS PHONE: (703) 323-3181

You may also schedule a meeting in person, either at ELI or at my Annandale Campus office. 

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://learn.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.