MATH 0020 - Fundamentals of Quantitative Reasoning

Credits: 2
Hours/Week: Lecture 2 Lab None
Course Description: This course provides instruction and support to help students succeed in MATH 1030 , Mathematics for the Liberal Arts. The focus of the course is reviewing fundamental arithmetic and algebraic processes and then appropriately applying those processes in a problem-solving environment. Emphasis is placed on the skills needed to achieve the learning outcomes for MATH 1030 . Use of graphing technology, such as the TI-84, is required (see instructor for acceptable models). All students registered for MATH 0020 must be concurrently enrolled in a paired section of MATH 1030.
MnTC Goals
None

Prerequisite(s): Course placement into MATH 0020.
Corequisite(s): MATH 1030  
Recommendation: Eligible for college-level Reading and English.

Major Content

1. Review foundations of arithmetic and algebra to support problem-solving, including but not limited to:
   1. The base-10 number system
   2. Order of operations
   3. Rules of exponents
   4. Percentages
   5. Variables
   6. Simplifying expressions
   7. Solving linear equations
   8. Graphs
   9. Literal equations and formulas

2. Explore relationships and mathematical strategies to support problem-solving and critical thinking in a variety of applied settings, including but not limited to:

   1. Conversions from base-10 to other number systems
   2. Clock arithmetic and modular arithmetic
   3. Graphing calculator operations
   4. Geometric figures and diagrams
   5. Patterns and pattern identification
   6. Solutions to equations employing graphical methods
   7. Recursion
   8. Set notation and operations
   9. Counting principles and foundations of probability
   10. Simple and compound interest
   11. Graphs and trees

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

1. demonstrate critical and logical reasoning when solving problems.

2. apply the rules of basic arithmetic and algebra to evaluate and simplify expressions and formulas.

3. solve linear equations with algebraic and graphical methods.

4. explore relationships and formulas in an applied setting.

5. create and interpret graphs from data sets and algebraic formulas.

6. execute mathematical strategies for solving applied problems.

7. determine the reasonableness of results including estimation and checking answers

   to problems.

8. represent mathematical information symbolically, visually, numerically, and verbally.

9. communicate clearly a problem’s solution and its explanation for the intended

   audience in terms of the problem posed.

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