MATH 138

College Algebra for Business & Social Science

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of Math 138, the student should be able to:

1. Understand the concept of a function; recognize linear functions; compute the slope and the equation of a line; set up and solve application problems using linear functions.

2. Recognize and apply quadratic functions, polynomial functions, and rational functions.

3. Recognize and apply exponential functions; solve applications using exponential functions and logarithmic functions; solve applications using logarithmic functions.

4. Understand and apply the echelon method and Gauss-Jordan method ; perform matrix operations including matrix multiplication; find an inverse matrix; apply matrix methods to solve applications problems.

5. Graph linear inequalities in two variables; solve linear programming problems graphically; solve applications of linear programming; understand and compute solutions using the simplex method (optional).

6. Understand and use sets, Venn diagrams, tree diagrams and tables to calculate probabilities and interpret them in applied context and conditional probability.

7. Optional topics: Compute simple interest and discount, compound interest; optional: annuities, present value of an annuity, and amortization.