New Elementary Mathematics, Syllabus D, 2 and 3A/3B,
Sin Swai Meng and Dr. Wong Khoon Yoong, new edition 1997.
SUPPLEMENTAL TEXT:
One Mathematical Cat, Please! by Carol J.V. Fisher, copyright 1998.
This is available both as a spiral-bound
softcover at the MHS bookstore, and on the web.
In the syllabus below, this is referred to as the "CAT book".
There are 124 MTWF class meetings in the 2002–2003 academic year: 64 in the Fall term,
and 60 in the Spring term. Algebra I meets four days per week, typically Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday, and Friday, with 50 minutes per class.
This schedule offers an approximate syllabus that will complete
the course objectives by year's end.
The objectives in parentheses, e.g. (EXP1), are more fully explained in the
Course Objectives List: Algebra I.
Emphasis should be on these course objectives. Additional material in the
text, that is not specified in the course objectives, may be covered at the
discretion of the instructor, as time permits.
The "extra days" are to be interspersed throughout the course, to allow
additional time for each section.
Review of Algebra I Prerequisite Test material
Review of Algebra I Prerequisite Test material
Review of Algebra I Prerequisite Test material
Prerequisite Test
The next three weeks of the course cover mathematical language issues,
in the CAT book. Alternately, instructors may choose to begin immediately with the New Elementary Mathematics, Syllabus D, 2
text, and incorporate the CAT material gradually throughout the first term.
CAT book, section 1 (EXP1)
CAT book, section 2 (EXP3, EXP4, EXP5)
CAT book, section 2 (EXP3, EXP4, EXP5)
CAT book, section 3 (EXP13)
CAT book, section 4 (EXP14)
CAT book, section 5 (EXP6, EXP23)
CAT book, section 6 (EXP7)
CAT book, section 7 (SEN1)
CAT book, section 8 (SEN2)
CAT book, section 9 (SEN2)
extra day, CAT book
extra day, CAT book
NOTE: Chapter 10 (SETS) and Chapter 11 (MORE ABOUT SETS) in Syllabus D, 3B has information
that may be used to supplement the SET material in the CAT book.
The next part of the course uses New Elementary Mathematics, Syllabus D, 2.
CHAPTER 1: INDICES
1.1 Positive Integral Indices (EXP15, integer exponents only)
1.2 Zero and Negative Integral Indices (EXP15)
1.3 Indices Involving Variables (EXP15)
1.4 Standard Form (EXP19)
CHAPTER 2: ALGEBRAIC MANIPULATIONS
2.1 Special Algebraic Rules for Calculations (EXP20, EXP22)
2.2 Expanding Products (EXP20, more advanced use of the distributive law)
2.3 Factorization (EXP22, common factors, difference of squares)
2.4 Addition and Subtraction of Algebraic Fractions (EXP21)
2.5 Multiplication and Division of Algebraic Fractions (EXP21)
2.6 Fractional Equations (SEN4, linear equations involving fractions)
4.1 Length and Midpoint of a Line Segment (GR3, GR4)
4.2 Gradient (slope) of a Straight Line
4.3 Equation of a Straight Line
CHAPTER 5: FUNCTIONS AND VARIATIONS (this chapter covers FCT1 through FCT9)
5.1 Functions
5.2 Graph of a Function
5.3 Inverse Functions (optional)
5.4 Direct and Inverse Variation (LIN8)
Use these "extra days" to spend more time on sections; for the
"financial literacy" project; and to cover (with supplementary material, as needed):
GR5: graphical understanding of solutions of sentences in one/two variables
GR6: graph of a sentence in two variables
GR7: solving simple sentences viewed as sentences in two variables
GR8: familiarity with "basic models" like y = x^2, etc.