Course Description: This course is an introduction to mathematical modeling using graphical,
numerical, symbolic, and verbal techniques to describe and explore real-world data and phenomena.
Emphasis is on the use of elementary functions to investigate and analyze applied problems and questions,
supported by the use of appropriate technology, and on effective communication of quantitative concepts
and results. This course in applied college algebra will involve an applications-driven study of functions;
linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and piecewise-defined models; inverse functions;
composition of functions; and systems of equations.
COMMON LEARNING OUTCOMES: After successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
- Model situations from a variety of settings by extracting quantitative data from a given situation,
translating the data into information in various modes, evaluating the information, abstracting essential
information, making logical deductions, and arriving at reasonable conclusions.
- Manipulate mathematical information, concepts, and thoughts in verbal, numeric, graphical,
and symbolic form while solving a variety of problems.
- Solve multiple-step problems through different modes of reasoning: inductive, deductive,
and symbolic.
- Express mathematical information, concepts, and thoughts in verbal, numeric, graphical, and symbolic
form while solving a variety of problems.
- Shift among the verbal, numeric, graphical, and symbolic modes by considering the appropriate
relationships between them.
- Use appropriate technology in the evaluation, analysis and synthesis of
information in problem-solving situations.
