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Introductory Algebra
MAT099 | NA Credits
Introductory Algebra college prep course prepares you to complete College Algebra — a common gen ed requirement for most degree programs.
Professor: Sayali Deshpande
About Introductory Algebra
What You’ll Learn
Introductory Algebra is a college prep course that will teach you the basics of algebra. Relatable, real-life scenarios are used to teach difficult concepts and topics.
- Communicate using the appropriate mathematical vocabulary and notation.
- Perform operations with real numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages.
- Evaluate arithmetic and exponential expressions, algebraic expressions, and equations.
- Translate word problems into algebraic expressions and vice versa.
- Use the order of operations and the properties of real numbers to simplify algebraic expressions.
- Solve and graph linear equations and linear inequalities.
- Solve word problems involving formulas and linear equations.
- Graph lines in the coordinate plane and determine the slope and intercepts of a linear equation.
- Solve a system of linear equations by using the graphing method, substitution method, and the addition method.
- Perform operations including factoring techniques with polynomials.
- Use various factoring techniques.
- Solve equations with rational expressions.
- Perform operations including solving equations with radicals and exponents.
- Solve quadratic equations.
- Define the Pythagorean theorem and apply it by solving quadratic equations.
- Evaluate functions and use function notation.
- Read and interpret graphs.
StraighterLine Courses Include:
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Self-paced workload
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Digital Textbooks
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Transcript Delivery
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Grade Improvement Opportunities
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Interactive Modules
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Video Lessons
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24/7 Tutoring & Support
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Access on Desktop and Mobile
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WANT US TO CHECK?Course Details
This course will focus on the basics of algebra, including math vocabulary and notation, operations with numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, and quadratic equations. You will also learn to read and interpret graphs during our Introductory Algebra online course.
Non-credit college prep course
Flexible Schedule
29-day Average Course Completion
Transferred 10,600 times
$19,100,000 Saved on Tuition
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to take Introductory Algebra.
Course Text
The required eTextbook for this course is included with your course purchase at no additional cost.
- Messersmith, Sherri, et al. Introductory Algebra with P.O.W.E.R. Learning, 2nd edition. McGraw-Hill, 2018. ISBN 9781259610264
Course Checkpoints
Pre-Algebra Review
- Classifying Numbers
- Fractions
- Operations with Fractions
The Real Numbers
- Decimals and Percents
- Real Numbers and Number Lines
- Orders on Real Numbers
Operations with Real Numbers
- Operations with Real Numbers
- Exponential Expressions
- Order of Operations
Properties of Real Numbers
- Algebraic Expressions
- Properties of Real Numbers
- Simplifying Expressions
Solving Linear Equations in One Variable
- Addition and Multiplication Properties of Equality
- Solving Linear Equations
- Solving Literal Equations (Formulae)
Applications of Linear Equations and Linear Inequalities in One Variable
- Applications of Linear Equations
- Solving Linear Inequalities
- Applications of Linear Inequalities
Polynomials
- Exponents and Polynomials
- Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials
- Multiplication of Polynomials
- Division of Polynomials
Factoring
- The Greatest Common Factor and the Factorization of Polynomials
- Factoring ax^2+bx+c
- Factoring Strategy
- Solving Quadratic
- Equations by Factoring and Applications
Rational Expressions
- Working with Rational Expressions-I
- Working with Rational Expressions-II
- Solving Equations with Rational Expressions
- Applications
Powers and Roots
- Roots and Radicals
- Operations with Rational Exponents and Radicals
- Solving Equations with Radicals and Exponents
Quadratic Equations
- Using the Square Root Property and Factoring
- Completing the Square
- The Quadratic Formula
- Applications
Linear Equations in Two Variables
- Solutions of Equations in Two Variables
- Graphing Lines in the Coordinate Plane
- Slope of a Line
- Three Forms for the Equation of a Line
Systems of Linear Equations
- The Graphing Method
- The Substitution Method
- The addition (Elimination) Method
- Applications
Functions and Interpreting Graphs
- Introduction to Functions
- Applications of Functions
- Interpreting Graphs
Assignments & Grading
Your score provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.
Assignments for this course include:
- 4 Graded Exams
- 1 Graded Midterm
- 1 Graded Final
This course has an open-book Final Exam. Scientific and/or graphing calculators are allowed throughout the course.
What You’ll Need
- A reliable computer or laptop
- Stable internet connection
- Web browser
- Basic computer skills
- Scientific or graphing calculator
- Any required course materials
Your Academic Team
Your Faculty Team
We’re not just a platform — we’re a team of professional educators committed to your success. Our courses are built by academic professionals who are leaders in higher education, and your assignments are graded by real people who provide meaningful feedback so you can keep progressing.
Support Team
At StraighterLine, there are real people working behind the scenes to guide you through every course, quiz, and “I’m stuck” moment.
- Enrollment Services
- On-Demand Tutors
- Academic Advisors
- Tech Support
Course Professor
Sayali Deshpande
Sayali Deshpande is a passionate math educator, specializing in algebraic reasoning and mathematical foundations for college learners.
Tutoring & Career Resources
Your StraighterLine membership comes with the tools and guidance you need to thrive academically and take confident steps toward your career.
24/7 live, on-demand tutoring, access via chat or video
Exam and certification prep tools
Faculty Connect portal
24/7 live, on-demand tutoring, access via chat or video
Real, human feedback to help you ace your assignments
Exam and certification prep tools
Real, human feedback to help you ace your assignments
Professional development assistance
Resume-building resources
Professional development assistance
Faculty Connect portal
Resume-building resources
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I had a great experience with StraighterLine. The courses were well-structured, easy to follow, and perfect for self-paced learning. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to complete college credits flexibly and affordably.
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I have always had trouble with college...
I have always had trouble with college algebra. If it wasn’t for StraighterLine, I never would have passed and completed my degree!
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Beginning Your Degree with GenEd Courses
Get comfortable with math in this Introductory Algebra course. Whether you’re sure about your college path or still exploring, his class helps you build the problem-solving, logical thinking, and number skills that will prepare you for success in any college-level math course.
Why it matters:
- Building a strong foundation will serve you for the rest of your education.
- More than 350,000 have saved time and money on their college degree, using StraighterLine to complete their GenEd and Prerequisite courses,
How this course sets you up for success:
Introductory Algebra sets you up for success by giving you the math skills and problem-solving confidence that employers and college programs value. You’ll develop skills that are essential in business, technology, science, and many other careers.
Course included in Semester & Annual Plans
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