Course Description

The study of algebraic and transcendental functions is an essential prerequisite to Calculus. Students manipulate algebraic expressions, solve algebraic equations and linear systems and learn the properties of and graph algebraic and transcendental functions. Students investigate computer number systems in addition to Boolean algebra and logic to help solve problems involving computer systems. Students also study the addition and subtraction of vectors using vector components. Delivered in a modular format, this course is equivalent to the completion of all of the following math modules MAT8100 - A, B, C, D, E, F, and L.

Vocational Learning Outcomes

This course provides the opportunity for you to achieve the following outcomes:

0006X01FWO - Computer Eng. Technology - Comp. Science

VLO 16 Develop real-time, dynamic systems using numerical and statistical methods to ensure adaptability. (T, A)

0006X03FWO - Computer Eng. Technology - Comp. Science

VLO 16 Develop real-time, dynamic systems using numerical and statistical methods to ensure adaptability. (T, A)

0336I01CKU - Computer Programming

VLO 2 Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools. (T, A)

0336X01FWO - Computer Programming

VLO 2 Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools. (T, A)

0336X03FWO - Computer Programming

VLO 2 Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools. (T, A)

0336X07PAO - Computer Programming

VLO 2 Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools. (T, A)

0336X09FAO - Computer Programming

VLO 2 Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools. (T, A)

0336X09FWO - Computer Programming

VLO 2 Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools. (T, A)

3002X01FWO - Internet Applications & Web Development

VLO 3 Construct, modify, implement, query, and maintain effective databases, and interface with applications. (T, A)
VLO 7 Create and maintain functional and dynamic websites by applying graphic and web design skills and principles. (T)

3002X03FWO - Internet Applications & Web Development

VLO 3 Construct, modify, implement, query, and maintain effective databases, and interface with applications. (T, A)
VLO 7 Create and maintain functional and dynamic websites by applying graphic and web design skills and principles. (T)
Assessment Levels —T: Taught A: Assessed CP: Culminating Performance 

Essential Employability Skills

This course contributes to your program by helping you achieve the following Essential Employability Skills:

EES 3 Execute mathematical operations accurately. (T, A)
EES 4 Apply a systematic approach to solve problems. (T, A)
EES 5 Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems. (T, A)
Assessment Levels —T: Taught A: Assessed CP: Culminating Performance 

Course Learning Outcomes / Elements of Performance

When you have earned credit for this course, you will have demonstrated the ability to:

1. Perform basic algebraic operations

  • Perform basic mathematical poerations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of numbers.
  • Correctly round numbers.
  • Determine the modulo after performing a division on your computer.
  • Apply the rule of order of operations on numeric expressions.
  • Calculate roots, powers and absolute values of numbers using a calculator.
  • Identify and distinguish the terms and factors within a polynomial.
  • Express and perform calculations with numbers in scientific notation.
  • Add, subtract, and multiply polynomials.
  • Apply the exponent rules to simplify monomials containing integer powers.
  • Solve simple equations and rearrange formulas.

2. Use basic algebraic operations to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and simplify algebraic expressions containing integer exponents and simple radicals.

  • Identify and distinguish the terms and factors within an algebraic expression.
  • Combine Like Terms and simplify expressions containing integer powers and simply radicals.
  • Expand algebraic expressions with the distributive property.
  • Simplify and evaluate expressions by multiplying and dividing algebraic fractions.
  • Add/Subtract factored algebraic fractions using a least common denominator.

3. Solve problems involving factoring and fractions.

  • Identify common factors and the difference of squares to factor simple expressions.
  • Factor trinomials of the form: ax 2 + bx +c.
  • Solve quadratic equations using the quadratic formula.
  • Simplify algebraic fractions by factoring and using equivalent fractions.
  • Use factoring and equivalent fractions to find the least common denominator of algebraic fractions.
  • Correctly solve equations involving fractions.
  • State the solutions to factored equations of the form (ax+b)(cx+d)(ex 2 +fx+g) = 0.

4. Perform calculations and conversion using various Number Systems.

  • Compare the historical representation of numbers.
  • Transform one representation to another, and perform basic operations in different representations.
  • Understand exponents in base 2 (Binary) , base 8 (Octal) , base 16 (Hexadecimal) and base 10 (Decimal) systems.
  • Perform conversion between relevant number systems (hexadecimal, decimal, octal, binary, and binary-coded decimal).
  • Describe how numeracy influences our description and tackling of the problems faced by society.
  • Elucidate real-world examples of number systems as used in technology.

5. Apply Boolean Logic for assisting in deductive reasoning and decisions.

  • Describe and use Boolean logic in real world scenarios.
  • Explain the role played by Boolean logic in the development of computer systems.
  • Use truth tables and disjunctive normal forms.
  • Understand the basic principles behind designing Boolean switching and gates circuits.
  • Distinguish between valid and invalid forms of reasoning in science and in everyday life.
  • Use the deductive approach to the scientific method (from axioms to theorems).
  • Use symbolic logic and symbol manipulation.

6. Define and use trigonometric functions.

  • Solve right triangles for any missing angles and/or sides.
  • Identify angles and their measure.
  • Define the trigonometric functions for acute angles.
  • Define the reciprocal trigonometric functions for acute angles.
  • Calculate values of trigonometric functions (acute angles): sin, cos, tan.
  • Determine the signs of trigonometric functions.
  • Calculate the values of the primary trigonometric functions (any angle): sin, cos, tan.
  • Convert between radians measure and degrees measure.
  • Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of numeric fractions, in particular those involving Pi.
  • Graph functions of the form y = sin(x) or y = cos(x) in both radians and degrees.

7. Graph simple Polynomial and Sinusoidal Functions.

  • Create a table of values using Function Notation
  • Manipulate equations representing straight lines to identify the slope and intercepts of the line.
  • Graph straight lines using the slope and intercept, the slope and a point, or two points.
  • Given a straight line, determine the equations of lines that are parallel and perpendicular to the given line.
  • Identify and sketch horizontal and vertical lines
  • Graph and write equations of straight lines in slope-intercept form, point-slope form, and standard form
  • Identify quadratic equations
  • Sketch quadratic functions by using shifts and stretches and/or intercepts.
  • Identify the period, amplitude and phase-shift of trigonometric functions
  • Graph functions of the form y = a sin(bx + c) or y = a cos(bx + c) using stretches and shifts.

8. Apply Vectors to solve problems.

  • Solve vector problems graphically.
  • Solve vector problems analytically using vector components.
  • Add and subtract vectors both graphically and analytically using vector components.
  • Utilize vectors appropriately to solve application problems such as flight vectors given current wind velocities.

9. Solve Systems of Linear Equations.

  • Interpret solutions of systems of two linear equations in two unknowns.
  • Solve systems of two linear equations in two unknowns algebraically using elimination by addition and subtraction.
  • Solve systems of three linear equations in three unknowns algebraically using elimination by addition and subtraction.

Learning Resources

Required Software: MyLab Math Access

Required E-Text:  "Basic Technical Mathematics with Calculus (SI Version), 11th ed.", Washington, Evans, Boué and Martin, Pearson Publications, 2020

 
 
Other Required Resources:   
Scientific Calculator – many programs require specific calculators for other courses, please consult with your program professors before choosing a calculator, but also note that graphing calculators are NOT permitted for use in this course.

Learning Activities

class discussions
lecture notes
review package
MyMathLab on-line homework
videos
modular tests

Pre-defined Evaluation / Earning Credit

The following list provides evidence of this course's learning achievements and the outcomes they validate:

Quiz(zes)/Test(s) (80%)

Validates Outcomes:  CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, CLO 5, CLO 6, CLO 7, CLO 8, CLO 9, EES 3, EES 4, EES 5

Online Activity(ies)/Assignment(s) (20%)

Validates Outcomes:  CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, CLO 5, CLO 6, CLO 7, CLO 9, EES 3, EES 4, EES 5

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Students who wish to apply for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all outlined course learning outcomes. Evidence of learning achievement for PLAR candidates includes:

  • Challenge Exam

Other Information

Grade Scheme

Final Grade Mark Equivalent Numeric Value Final Grade Mark Equivalent Numeric Value
A+ 90% - 100% 4.0 A 85% - 89% 3.8
A- 80% - 84% 3.6 B+ 77% - 79% 3.3
B 73% - 76% 3.0 B- 70% - 72% 2.7
C+ 67% - 69% 2.3 C 63% - 66% 2.0
C- 60% - 62% 1.7 D+ 57% - 59% 1.4
D 53% - 56% 1.2 D- 50% - 52% 1.0
F 0% - 49% 0 FSP 0 0

Course Related Information

In order to pass this course, students must pass every module. In order to pass a module, students must attain a grade of AT LEAST 65% on a module test. Students may attempt a module test a maximum of three times per semester. One module test for every module will be held during regular class time. Students may write up to two alternate versions of the module test. These re-writes are completed in the Math Test Centre on students’ own time. Re-writes must be completed before the end of the semester. The highest passing module test grade will be used to calculate the final grade.

Many programs require math as a prerequisite for other courses.  Please note that failing one module could leave a student unable to take other core program courses. For this reason it is strongly suggested that students re-write failed module tests as soon as possible after getting feedback on the previous attempt.
 
Students who receive a failing grade may reclaim their course credit by completing the failed modules online.  Students may register for individual modules through the Centre for Continuing and Online Learning (CCOL).  Once an online module is passed, the online module grade is used to replace a failed in class module test grade.
 
Once a student passes all the modules in a course, their final grade will be recalculated and a grade change submitted. Note: all modules must be passed within 24 months of students’ first registration in the course.

In all cases, the final grade will be calculated based on both the module test marks (80% of the final grade) and the online assignment marks (20% of the final grade).
 

Program Information

College Related Information

Email
Algonquin College provides all full-time students with an e-mail account. This is the address that will be used when the College, your professors, or your fellow students communicate important information about your program or course events. It is your responsibility to ensure that you know how to send and receive e-mail using your Algonquin account and to check it regularly.

Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability, you are strongly encouraged to make an appointment at the Centre for Accessible Learning to identify your needs. Ideally, this should be done within the first month of your program, so that a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) can be provided to your professors. If you are a returning student, please ensure that professors are given a copy of your LOA each semester.

Retroactive Accommodations
Students are expected to meet evaluation and completion deadlines as stated in course outline and course section information documents. In circumstances where evaluation and/or completion deadlines are missed or student performance has been affected by a temporary or permanent disability (including mental health), interim or retroactive accommodations may be considered. In such instances, please consult your course faculty member. For other situations where deferral of evaluations may be warranted, please refer to college policy AA21.

Academic Integrity & Plagiarism
Algonquin College is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity, and expects students to adhere to these standards as part of the learning process. Academic work submitted by a student is evaluated on the assumption that the work presented by the student is his or her own, unless designated otherwise.  The College’s Policies AA18: Academic Dishonesty and Discipline and AA20: Plagiarism seeks to ensure that all students understand their rights and responsibilities in upholding the values of academic integrity.
 In some courses, online proctoring may be used. Additional information can be found at https://www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/student-learning-kit/preparing-to-learn-online/

Student Course Feedback
It is Algonquin College’s policy to give students the opportunity to share their course experience by completing a student course feedback survey for each course they take. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA25: Student Course Feedback

Use of Mobile Devices in Class
With the proliferation of small, personal mobile devices used for communications and data storage, Algonquin College believes there is a need to address their use during classes and examinations. During classes, the use of such devices is disruptive and disrespectful to others. During examinations, the use of such devices may facilitate cheating. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA32: Use of Mobile Devices in Class

Technology Requirements – New for 2020-21
As Algonquin College continues to respond to public health guidelines, many courses will be offered through remote delivery. As such, students will be required to have access to a computer and to the internet. There may also be additional technology-related resources required to participate in a course that are not included in the course materials fee, such as headphones, webcams, specialized software, etc. Details on these requirements can be found in the Course Section Information of the course outline for each course.

Transfer of Credit
It is the student’s responsibility to retain course outlines for possible future use to support applications for transfer of credit to other educational institutions.

Note:  It is the student’s responsibility to refer to the Algonquin College Policies website for the most current information at http://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/