College of Micronesia-FSM
P. 0. Box 159 Kolonia
Pohnpei FM 96941

Course Outline

Course Title Department and Number
PreAlgebra Division of Natural Science and Mathematics MS 095

Course Description: This is an intensive, one semester course designed to build the student's mathematical skill. The student will learn to manipulate integers, fractions, decimals, and real numbers. Variable expressions and formulas will be introduced. The student will apply these topics with real-world problems involving percentages, geometric applications, investment and motion problems, etc. A variety of instructional style will be incorporated: lecture, group work, activity-based labs, and computer aided instruction.

Course Prepared by: John Gann
State/Campus: Pohnpei/National

Hours per Week No. of WeekTotal HoursSemester Credits
Lecture3x16x48/16=3
Laboratory*3x16x24/16=1
Workshop
Study
Total Semester Credits:=4

Purpose of Course

Degree Requirement: ______
Degree Elective: ______
Certificate: ______
Remedial: __X___
Other: ______

Prerequisite Course:"C" grade in MS 090 or by placement.

* This course does not require a laboratory fee

Date approved by Committee: 26 October 1999
Date approved by President: 27 October 1999

  1. General Objectives: Students will acquire the basic mathematical tools that will enable them to develop long-range intellectual abilities including:
    1. engaging in substantial mathematical problem solving
    2. learning mathematics through modeling real-world situations
    3. expanding their mathematical reasoning skills
    4. developing the view that mathematics is a growing discipline, interrelated with human culture, and understand its connections to other disciplines
    5. acquiring the ability to read, write, listen to, and speak mathematics
    6. using appropriate technology to enhance their mathematical thinking and understanding and to solve mathematical problems and judge the reasonableness of their results
    7. developing mathematical power by engaging in rich experiences that encourage independent, nontrivial exploration in mathematics, develop and reinforce tenacity and confidence in their abilities to use mathematics, and inspire them to pursue the study of mathematics and related disciplines as related to their personal life-time goals.
  2. Specific Objectives: The student will demonstrate understanding of the following topics at least 70% of the time:
    1. Working With Whole Numbers
      1. Place Value
      2. Addition/Subtraction
      3. Multiplication/Division
      4. Exponents
      5. Rounding and Estimation
      6. Factors/Prime Factorization
      7. Least Common Multiple/Greatest Common Factor
      8. Order of Arithmetic Operations
      9. Formulas and Applications
    2. Working With Integers
      1. Order Relations Between Integers
      2. Absolute Value
      3. Addition/Subtraction
      4. Multiplication/Division
      5. Order of Arithmetic Operations
      6. Applications
    3. Working With Fractions
      1. Proper/Improper Fractions, Mixed Numbers
      2. Equivalence
      3. Order Relations Between Fractions
      4. Addition/Subtraction
      5. Multiplication/Division
      6. Exponents
      7. Complex Fractions
      8. Order of Arithmetic Operations
      9. Applications
    4. Working With Decimals and Real Numbers
      1. Place Value
      2. Order Relations Between Decimals
      3. Rounding and Estimation
      4. Addition/Subtraction
      5. Multiplication/Division
      6. Conversions Between Fractions and Decimals
      7. Real Numbers and the Real Number Line
      8. Inequalities of One Variable
      9. Applications and Formulas
    5. Working With Variable Expressions
      1. Simplifying Expressions Using the Properties of Addition and Multiplication
      2. Applying the Distributive Property
      3. General Variable Expressions
      4. Using Formulas
        1. for Perimeter and Area of Geometric Figures
        2. for Volume and surface Area of Solids
      5. Translating Verbal Expressions into Variable Expressions
      6. Applications
    6. Working With Equations and Inequalities
      1. Solutions of an Equation
        1. of the form x + a = b
        2. of the form ax = b
        3. of the form ax + b = c
        4. of the form ax + b = cx + d
        5. equations containing parentheses
      2. Translations of Sentences into Equations and Solving
      3. Applications
        1. Basic Percent Equations
        2. Percent Increase and Percent Decrease
        3. Geometry: Lines, Angles, and Triangles
        4. Mixture, Investment,and Motion Problems
      4. Inequalities
        1. Addition and Multiplication Properties
        2. General Inequalities
        3. Applications
  3. Methods of Instruction: The instructor will:
    1. incorporate appropriate levels of technology (computer, calculator, etc.).
    2. foster interactive learning through student writing, reading, speaking, and collaborative activities so that students can learn to work effectively in groups and communicate both orally and in writing
    3. actively involve students in meaningful mathematics problems that build upon their experiences and build connections with other disciplines that are relevant to the students.
    4. model the use of multiple approaches: numerical, graphical, symbolic, and verbal, to help students learn a variety of techniques for solving problems.
    5. provide learning activities, including projects, that promote and use mathematics and other technical information independently.
  4. ISBN: 0-201-65553-5 Format: Paper; 709 pp Published: 07/07/2000Required textbook: PreAlgebra, Tom Carson, Addison Wesley 0201655535. InterAct Mathematics web site.
  5. Required material: The following is a minimum. Additional materials may also be used.
    1. Calculator with four basic basic arithmetic operations and squre root.
    2. Computer tutorial that accompanies the text.
  6. Reference materials:
    1. Crossroads in Mathematics: Standards for Introductory Mathematics Before Calculus, American Mathematical Association of Two-Year College (MATYC), 1995.
  7. Evaluation: To advance to the next level of mathematics, the student must demonstrate proficiency to at least the "C" level. The student will be evaluated in a variety of ways including: homework, classwork, work in small groups, projects, quizzes, a midterm test and a comprehensive final test. Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:
    Cumulative PercentageCorresponding Grade
    90-100A
    80-89B
    70-79C
    60-69D
    below 60F
  8. Credit by Examination: None
  9. Attendance Policy: As presented in the COM-FSM catalogue.