MAT 104 – Algebra with Applications
(Prerequisite: Placement by Exam or MAT 090)

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course emphasizes the applications of algebra to a variety of fields, including probability, statistics, and finance. It also covers mathematical modeling and set theory.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Required Resources
A Scientific Calculator is required.
Access to WebAssign for the course is required.
Smith, Karl J. (2012). The nature of mathematics (12th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks / Cole (Cengage).
Supplemental Resources
Graph Jam at http://graphjam.com, which has fun graphs
Mortgage-X: Mortgage Information Services at http://mortgage-x.com/, which includes mortgage calculators and amortization tables
Stat Trek Teach yourself statistics at http://stattrek.com

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
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Describe data using Venn diagrams and the notation of set theory.
Solve problems using concepts from set theory and logic.
Solve (graphically and algebraically) linear equations.
Model data using exponential and logarithmic functions.
Apply finance formulas and logarithms to amortize loans and calculate interest.
Solve problems involving counting principles, including permutation and combination problems.
Compute the probabilities of simple and compound events.
Describe data using measures of center and spread.
Calculate the standardized values of a normal distribution.
Summarize and describe data using numbers and / or graphs.
Discuss the concept of a function and / or graphs.
Use technology and information resources to research issues in algebra.
Write clearly and concisely about algebra using proper writing mechanics.

©2013 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of
MAT 104 Student Version 1132 (1203 11-15-2012) Final
Page 1 of 12

MAT 104 – Algebra with Applications

WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE
The standard requirement for a 4.5 credit hour course is for students to spend 13.5 hours in weekly work.
This includes preparation, activities, and evaluation regardless of delivery mode.
Week
1

Preparation, Activities, and Evaluation

Points

Preparation


Reading(s) o Chapter 2: The Nature of Sets (Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 pgs. 6468, 2.4, and 2.5 only)
Activities
 Discussions
Evaluation

2

Homework: Set Theory and Venn Diagrams

10
20

Preparation


Reading(s) o Chapter 2: The Nature of Sets (Section 2.3 pgs. 68-70 only) o Chapter 1: The Nature of Problem Solving (Section 1.2 only)
Activities
 Discussions
Evaluation


3

Homework: Set and Logic
Quiz 1: Chapter 2 (Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 pgs. 64-68, 2.4, and 2.5 only) 10
20
10

Preparation


Reading(s) o Chapter 6: The Nature of Algebra (Sections 6.1-6.4 only)
Activities
 Discussions
Evaluation



Quiz 2: Chapters 1 (Section 1.2 only) and 2 (Section 2.3 pgs. 68-70 only) 
4

Homework: The Nature of Algebra Part I

Assignment 1: Logic Application

10
20
10
55

Preparation


Reading(s) o Chapter 6: The Nature of Algebra (Sections 6.5-6.8 only)
Activities
 Discussions
Evaluation


Homework: The Nature of Algebra Part II

10
20

©2013 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of
Strayer University.
MAT 104 Student Version 1132 (1203 11-15-2012) Final
Page 2 of 12

MAT 104 – Algebra with Applications


5

Quiz 3: Chapter 6 (sections 6.1-6.4 only)
Exam 1: Chapters 1 (Section 1.2 only), 2 and 6 (Sections 6.1-6.4 only) 10
140

Preparation


Reading(s) o Chapter 10: The