MATH 1015 - Applied Mathematics for Technical Careers

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 3 Lab 0
Course Description: The primary purpose of this course is to help prepare students for technical careers. This course integrates arithmetic, algebraic and geometric topics and their technical applications. Emphasis is placed on arithmetic, measurement, unit conversions, percentages, proportions, geometry, and problem-solving. Mathematical concepts are introduced with a focus on their application to real-life technical problems. Topics include scientific and engineering notation, unit analysis, precision and accuracy, arithmetic, measurement, unit conversions, percentages, proportions, functions (linear, quadratic, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions), plane figure and solid figure geometry, and solving linear equations and quadratic equations. Applications for technical careers will be emphasized. Use of a scientific calculator or software is required.
MnTC Goals
None

Prerequisite(s): Placement into MATH 1015.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: Eligible for college-level Reading and English.

Major Content

Operations on whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages.
Order of operations
Ratios, proportions, and variations
Dimensional analysis and systems of measurement
Scientific and engineering notations
Precision and accuracy
Geometry of plane and solid figures (perimeter, area, volume, surface area)
Similar right triangles and Pythagorean theorem
Mathematical modeling
Solving linear and quadratic equations
Evaluating linear, quadratic, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, students will be able to:

demonstrate critical and logical reasoning when solving problems.
perform arithmetic operations with integers, fractions, decimals and percentages.
perform operations in scientific and engineering notation.
convert between units of measurements using dimensional analysis.
apply precision and accuracy to calculations.
apply the order of operations to evaluate numerical expressions.
solve real-life problems involving ratios, proportions, and different types of variations.
solve basic linear and quadratic equations with emphasis on applications to technical careers.
solve geometric applications involving perimeter, area, surface area, and volumes of geometric shapes.
apply the properties of similar right triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem to find unknown side lengths in geometric figures and real-world situations.
evaluate functions and formulas relevant to real-world technical applications.
model and solve problems with application to real-life technical situations.
communicate clearly a problem’s solution and its explanation for the intended audience in terms of the problem posed.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC): Goals and Competencies
Competency Goals (MnTC Goals 1-6)
None
Theme Goals (MnTC Goals 7-10)
None

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