ROCHESTER COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
COMMON COURSE OUTLINE: Math 1113 - Finite Math with College Algebra

A. Catalog Description
1. Math 1113
2. Finite Math with College Algebra
3. 4 credits
4. 4 hours per week or as scheduled
5. Offered Fall, Spring
6. Prerequisites
a. MATH 0099 (C or higher) or appropriate ASAP score
b. Reading level: A Reading ASAP score of at least 27.
c. Writing level: A Writing ASAP score of at least 22
7. Minnesota Transfer Curriculum coding
a. CT (critical thinking)
b. MA ( mathematical/logical reasoning)
8. A college level math course that emphasizes topics in Business Decision Making. Topics include but are not limited to: Linear equations, functions and regression models. Quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Financial equations including Present and Future value of compound interest and Annuities. Matrix methods for solving systems of equations. Linear Programming – graphical and symplex methods. Expected Value of a probability distribution. Markov chains.

B. Effective Date 8/99, review scheduled 8/00

C. Recommended entry skills/knowledge

Solving Equations: Linear and Quadratic
Graphs of Linear Equations
Plotting points
Finding intercepts
Find and interpreting the slope of a line
Graphing Linear and Non-linear Inequalities
Properties of Exponents- integer and rational
Systems of Linear Equations in 2 variables
Elimination method
Substitution method
Graphing systems of linear inequalities
Basic Function Notation
Ability to set up and solve Intermediate Level Application Problems

D. Major content Areas

Solve exponential and logarithmic equations
Set up linear model to fit data points
Solve systems of equations using
Gaussian Elimination
Inverse Matrix method.
Graph Feasible Region (including endpoints) when 3 or more linear inequalities.
Set up and solve Linear Programming problems
Graphically
Simplex
Set up probability distribution and find expected value
Find Transition Matrix and Steady State of a Markov Process problem
Use financial equations to find Present and Future Value
Compound Interest
Annuity

E. Learning outcomes and/or objectives

Mathematical/Logical Reasoning from MN transfer curriculum
1. illustrate historical and contemporary applications of mathematical/logical reasoning
2. clearly express mathematical/logical ideas in writing
3. explain what constitutes a valid mathematical/logical argument (proof)
4. recognize higher order problem-solving and/or modeling strategies

Critical Thinking from MN transfer curriculum
1. gather factual information and apply it to a given problem in a manner that is relevant, clear, comprehensive, and conscious of possible bias in the information selected
2. imagine and seek out a variety of possible goals, assumptions, interpretations, or perspectives which can give alternative meanings or solutions to given situations or problems
3. analyze the logical connections among the facts, goals, and implicit assumptions relevant to a problem or claim; generate and evaluate implications that follow from them
4. recognize and articulate the value assumptions which underlie and affect decisions, interpretations, analyses, and evaluations made by ourselves and others

Other Competencies
1. Solve exponential and logarithmic equations
2. Given 2 data points, derive the unique linear equation that contains them
3. Given information, be able to find revenue and cost equations
4. Find break-even point
5. Given system of equations (3 variables)
use Gauss/Jordan to solve
find the inverse of the matrix of coefficients
solve using the inverse matrix method by hand
6. Using a graphics calculator, solve a system with the inverse matrix method
7. Given a linear programming problem (2 decision variables form ), solve
using the graphical method
Simplex method
8. Given a linear programming application problem, be able to
set up objectives, constraints and initial tableau
identify and interpret the solution from the final tableau
9. Given an experiment, set up probability distribution and find expected value
10. Given Markov Process, determine probability of beginning in a non-absorbing state and ending in an absorbing state
11. Find long-term Steady State
12. Given financial application problem select appropriate formula and solve for the missing information
13. Given several data points, use regression (on calculator) to find equation of best fit

Optional Topics
Find Asymptotes of a Rational Function
Given a function (2nd degree or rational) find the difference quotient
Use sets to solve application problem
Use tree diagram to find
conditional probability
probability of outcomes

F. Methods used for Evaluation
1. Tests over covered Topics
and/or 2. Quizzes
and/or 3. Homework
and/or 4. Group Assignments
and/or 5. Comprehensive Final Exam

G. A graphing calculator is required.