This semester I posted mobile phone friendly solutions to exams in my Elementary Algebra and Intermediate Algebra courses.  Both are one-semester courses. This was easy to do using a basic snipping tool and Blogger.

[ Elementary Algebra Exam #1 Solutions ]

[ Elementary Algebra Exam #2 Solutions ]

[ Elementary Algebra Exam #3 Solutions ]

[ Elementary Algebra Exam #4 Solutions ]

--- EA Sample Final Exam Ch. 1-7 ---

[ Intermediate Algebra Exam #1 Solutions ]

[ Intermediate Algebra Exam #2 Solutions ]

[ Intermediate Algebra Exam #3 Solutions ]

[ Intermediate Algebra Exam #4 Solutions ]

--- IA Sample Final Exam Ch. 1- 7 ---

In doing this, I was able to save some valuable class time. We are not quite finished, I still need to cover conic sections (chapter 8) in Intermediate Algebra, but students definitely said they appreciated this approach. Please feel free to comment or share.

Intermediate Algebra Course Outline

Below you will find the topics for Intermediate Algebra as published by College of the Sequoias in their course outline:

Intermediate Algebra (Algebra II)

COURSE TOPICS:
Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities

• Solve absolute value equations and inequalities

Radical Expressions and Equations

• Properties of radicals
• Rational exponents
• Simplify radical expressions
• Operations with radicals
• Solve radical equations
• Solve radical equations which come from real-world applications
• Operations with complex numbers

Quadratic Equations

• Solve quadratic equations using factoring, extracting roots, completing the square, and quadratic formula
• Solve applications (for example: max/min problems)
• Graph quadratic equations
• Solve quadratic and rational inequalities
• Solve equations that are quadratic in form

Functions

• Understand and apply the definition of a function
• Function notation
• Apply the vertical and horizontal line tests
• Graph and determine the domain and range of the core functions
• Evaluate and apply the algebra of functions including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and composition
• Find the inverse of core functions

Logarithmic and Exponential Functions

• Graph logarithmic and exponential functions
• Apply the properties of logarithmic functions
• Solve logarithmic and exponential equations
• Solve applications of logarithmic and exponential functions including exponential growth and decay, pH, compound and continuous interest, carbon dating, half-life, and earthquake magnitudes

Conic Sections

• Apply the midpoint and distance formulas
• Convert the following conic sections into standard form by completing the square: parabolas, circles, ellipses, and hyperbolas
• Identify and graph the following conic sections: parabolas, circles, ellipses, and hyperbolas

Optional Topics

• Solve 3X3 systems of linear equations
• Solve nonlinear systems of equations

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Solving Linear Systems - Sample Intermediate Algebra Test Questions

Sample test questions for Intermediate Algebra - Chapter 3 - Solving Linear Systems have been posted.

[ Sample Test Questions Chapter 3 ]

Please feel free to use this worksheet or cut-and-paste anything you find here into your course. Below you will find the associated videos for this section. Click on a problem and watch it worked out on YouTube.

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Algebra Video Help

Our collection of Algebra videos to accompany our Elementary and Intermediate Algebra textbooks is complete.  So far we have over 60,000 views with a definite uptrend.  From the many comments, it is clear that the short and to the point approach is much appreciated!

These videos are embedded in the FREE to read online textbooks. In addition, you can choose the appropriate course below and then visually search the problems. Click on a problem that seems similar and you will be redirected to a video solution on YouTube.

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Elementary Algebra -- Visually searchable YouTube playlist. 

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Intermediate Algebra -- Visually searchable YouTube playlist. 

If a video helps you... please comment or push the like button.  If you are an instructor, feel free to copy-and-paste these links into your LMS.

Intermediate Algebra Textbook

Dear Colleagues,

I am excited to announce that Flat World Knowledge (FWK) has just published a new textbook, Intermediate Algebra.

In order to combat soaring textbook prices, I have written this textbook in a modular fashion to maximize its effectiveness as an open educational resource. It is available under a creative commons license, has been thoroughly peer-reviewed, and is customizable using the “Make It Your Own” MIYO system. This textbook is the second part of a two-part course in Algebra. It builds on the skills learned in Elementary Algebra and blends the traditional and graphical approaches to the subject.

• Chapter 1: Algebra Fundamentals
• Chapter 2: Graphing Functions and Inequalities
• Chapter 3: Solving Linear Systems
• Chapter 4: Polynomial and Rational Functions
• Chapter 5: Radical Functions and Equations
• Chapter 6: Solving Equations and Inequalities
• Chapter 7: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
• Chapter 8: Conic Sections
• Chapter 9: Sequences, Series, and the Binomial Theorem

Used as a standalone textbook, Intermediate Algebra offers plenty of review as well as something new to engage the student in each chapter. With robust and diverse exercise sets, students have the opportunity to solve plenty of practice problems.  In addition, students might appreciate the embedded video examples.

I am happy to be a part of the solution to the current rising costs associated with one of our essential developmental math courses.  Compare this textbook to other open source algebra projects and you will find that FWK did a great job. The free to read online version makes use of MathJax and images to present the material where the Firefox web browser is recommended.  In addition, the e-textbook and printed versions are available for purchase through the Flat World Knowledge website.

Please feel free to distribute this link to your students and colleagues.  I truly believe that it will be a valuable resource.  Also, feel free to email me with any suggestions or ideas.

Thank You,
John Redden, Professor of Mathematics
johnr@cos.edu
jtredden@gmail.com
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