NVCC COLLEGE-WIDE COURSE CONTENT SUMMARY
MTH 120 - INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICS (3 CR.)
 COURSE DESCRIPTION

Covers number systems, logic, basic algebra, systems of equations, basic geometry, and descriptive statistics. Lecture 3 hours per week.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE

The purpose is to provide the mathematical background necessary for the student pursuing the A.A.S. degree.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

Prerequisite is a satisfactory score on an appropriate proficiency examination covering basic arithmetic skills, MTH 003 - "Algebra I" or equivalent.

COURSE OBJECTIVE

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

A. understand properties of the real number system

B. convert binary, octal and hexadecimal numbers to base 10 and vice versa

C. understand logical forms

D. solve equations and inequalities in one variable

E. solve systems of equations by graphing and by algebraic methods

F. compute the mean, median, mode and standard deviation for a set of numerical data

G. compute area and perimeter, using both English and metric units

 MAJOR TOPICS TO BE INCLUDED
A. Real Number System
1. Natural numbers

2. Integers

3. Rational numbers

4. Irrational numbers

5. Review fractions, decimals, percents

6. Use of calculator

B. Number Base Systems
1. Binary, octal and hexadecimal conversions

2. Binary arithmetic

    a. Addition
    b. Multiplication
C. Logical Forms and Truth Tables
    1. And

    2. Or (Inclusive and Exclusive)

    3. Not

    4. If - then


    D. Basic Algebra

       
      1. Arithmetic operations with variables

      2. Equations and their solutions

      3. Inequalities

      4. Exponents and radicals


    E. Systems of Equations

       
      1. Solution by graphing

      2. Solution by linear combinations

      3. Solution by substitution


    F. Descriptive Statistics

       
      1. Interpreting statistical tables and frequency distributions

      2. Interpreting graphs: bar graphs, line graphs, circle graphs, pictographs

      3. Measures of central tendencies: mean, median, mode

      4. Measures of dispersion: variance, standard deviation

      5. The normal curve


    G. Basic Geometry

       
      1. Classify geometric figures

      2. Perimeter

      3. Area

      4. Metric System

EXTRA TOPICS (optional)
A. Matrices

B. Volume

Revised 12/95
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