College Algebra

Catalog description

College Algebra is a course in the study of the elementary functions. The concept of function is developed from definition and notation through an analysis of the elementary functions: linear, quadratic, absolute value, reciprocal, square root, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic, as well as piecewise, composite and inverse functions. The analysis includes function behavior with an introduction to the concepts of continuity and limits, extrema, and zeros, as well as corresponding graphical characteristics. The topic of average rate of change of a function is included. Analytic techniques include the Rational Zeros Theorem, Intermediate Value Theorem, and Conjugate Pairs Theorem, as well as factoring and transformations. The course includes solving systems of non-linear equations and partial fraction decomposition and concludes with an introduction to arithmetic and geometric sequences and partial sums. This course emphasizes the conceptual framework of the elementary functions and the quantitative reasoning to apply them. This course meets the TMM001 ODHE guidelines and serves as preparation for calculus.