Math 24 – Beginning Algebra I

The following are the skills you will be learning in any Math 24 class:

• Translate word phrases to algebraic expressions.
• Use the order of operations rules to find the value of algebraic expressions.
• Identify whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, and real numbers.
• Find the absolute value, opposite, and reciprocal of a real number.
• Perform the basic operations (add, subtract, multiply, & divide) with signed rational numbers.
• Identify the commutative, associative, identity, inverse, and distributive properties.
• Identify terms, like terms, and numerical coefficients in a polynomial.
• Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable.
• Solve a formula for a specified variable.
• Write and solve ratios and proportions including those from word problems.
• Plot an ordered pair and state the quadrant in which it lies.
• Graph linear equations and inequalities in two variables by point plotting, the intercept method and the slope-intercept method.
• Write the equation of a line given two points or the slope and y-intercept or the slope and a point on the line.
• Solve linear systems of equations or inequalities in two variables by algebraic and graphic methods
• Use linear systems to solve word problems.

Tips for Success in Mathematics

1. Attend every class, especially the first one. It is impossible for an instructor to teach you effectively if you are not there
2. Take complete notes in class, including all that is said and written. There is far less total class time in a college course than in high school, although the same amount of material or more is covered. Because of this limited class time, things you should know will not always be repeated over and over again. If you have them in your notes, however, you can study them over and over again as needed.
3. Do all the homework as it is assigned. You learn mathematics by doing mathematics, and it must be done on a regular basis, and not be allowed to pile up. Try to finish most homework while still on campus. If you have difficulties, you can go ask for help from the instructor or from a tutor. This help is not available if you have already gone home.
4. Go to the instructor when difficulties are first encountered. Do not wait until the day before the final exam to ask for help. Instructors are here to help you learn, and if difficulties are allowed to go uncorrected, they can snowball into insurmountable obstacles.
5. Keep a log of common errors made, questions which arise, and big ideas learned. This can be a big help when studying for an exam, or for preparing for the next day's class.
6. Summarize after each major assignment. Do not think that merely because your homework is finished you are through studying. Ask yourself what you have learned from the assignment, and what ideas were involved
7. Go to workshops such as the Get Better Grades workshops and any others which are offered, whenever possible. Discuss what you learned from these workshops with your instructor if you are unsure of how they apply to mathematics classes. Many resources are made available to you to help you succeed, but they cannot be effective for you if you do not take advantage of them.
8. Review regularly. Do not wait for the day before (or the day of) an exam. You should be ready every day to take an exam on all the material covered prior to that day.
9. Form support/study groups. You will not only learn from each other, but you will learn by teaching each other, and will also get help with any feelings of anxiety you may have by having a group to share them with.
10. Make a commitment to success in the class. Approach the class with a positive attitude. You are taking the class because you want to learn, not just because it is a requirement. You are planning to be successful in the class rather than just withdrawing.