2021-2022 Pierce College Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Pierce College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)

MATH 050 Basic Mathematics (5 credits)



Prerequisite Satisfactory placement test score or instructor permission.

Course Description
Operations and applications with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and integers. Order of operations. Converting among number representations; placing numbers in order. Basic applications, including use of percent and geometry. Study strategies.

Student Outcomes
1. Whole numbers
a. Read and write whole numbers and identify place value. Convert from English words to numbers and from numbers to English words.
b. Perform the four basic operations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) with whole numbers.
c. Calculate squares and cubes, and square roots of perfect squares.
d. Perform multistep calculations with whole numbers using the correct order of operations.
e. Perform techniques of rounding with whole numbers.
f. Demonstrate math fact fluency (aka automaticity) in number skills by recalling basic math facts of single-digit addition, single-digit products, and subtraction and division resulting in a single digit with speed and accuracy. Student must meet the department established minimum standard.

2. Fractions
a. Perform the four basic operations with positive fractions.
b. Convert between improper fraction and mixed numbers.

3. Decimals
a. Read and write decimal numbers and identify place value. Convert from English words to numbers and from numbers to English words.
b. Perform the four basic operations with positive decimals.
c. Perform techniques of rounding with decimal numbers.
d. Convert between decimal and percent representations.

4. Integers
a. Perform the four basic operations with integers.

5. Inter-classification
a. Convert numbers between decimal, fraction, and percent representations.
b. Place whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and integers in numerical order.

6. Applications
a. Solve a variety of application problems.
b. Solve basic applications with percents.
c. Determine the perimeter and area of rectangles and triangles. Determine the volume of a rectangular box. Express these solutions with the correct units. Determine these solutions with no outside references (that is, memorize these geometric formulas).

7. Study Strategies
a. Create a study plan incorporating a variety of study techniques that can contribute to success in learning mathematics.
b. Describe a variety of techniques and strategies for reducing math or test anxiety, and reflect on which techniques might be of personal benefit.

8. General Skills
a. Perform all arithmetic operations without use of a calculator.
b. Use correct order of operations for calculations.
c. Estimate solutions to problems, and apply estimation to judge the reasonableness of calculated solutions.
d. Use appropriate units when answering application problems. Express solutions to problems correctly in phrases when appropriate. Use mathematical terms and vocabulary correctly.
e. Clearly communicate solution processes.
f. Use a computer to engage in some of the course activities.



Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)