Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

• Use mathematical and other problem solving strategies to formulate problems, solve problems using multiple approaches, and interpret results for problems that include fractions.
• Choose and perform accurate arithmetic operations involving fractions in a variety of situations with and without a calculator.
• Present results numerically, symbolically, graphically, and in written and oral form.

Assessment may include, but is not limited to:

1. At least two in-class examinations; fraction testing without calculator, no more than 50% of any test can be multiple choice,
2.  One in-class", proctored, individual cumulative final exam,
3. At least one written explanation of a mathematical concept,
4. At least one contextual project of any length, or “real-world application activity" and
5. At least two of the following additional measures
   1. Take-home examinations
   2. Graded homework
   3. Quizzes
   4. Group projects
   5. In-class activities
   6. Attendance
   7. Portfolios
   8. Individual projects
   9. Individual student conference
   10. Service LearningCommunity-Based Learning

THEMES:

1. Rational arithmetic operations in context

2. Appropriate use of technology

3. Application of critical thinking skills to solve mathematical problems

4. Data analysis

SKILLS:

1.0 BASIC ARITHMETIC FACTS

1.   Master fraction vocabulary

      1.2   Solve numerical and application problems with fractions

            1.3   Arrange numbers in numerical order

            1.4   Determine whether an inequality statement involving two numbers is true or false

1.5   Perform order of operations accurately using fractions; evaluate expressions and average

            1.6   Evaluate expressions  containing exponents and square roots

1.7   Apply performing operations with fractions in a variety of contexts

            1.8   Develop skills in estimation and number sense

            1.9   Calculate the average of a set of fractions

2.0 TECHNOLOGY

2.1 Determine exponents, square roots, fraction key, add, subtract, multiply, divide, order of operations, parenthesesUse a calculator to evaluate fraction expressions including exponents and square roots.

3.0 WRITING

3.1 Write answers to application problems as complete sentences.

When performing addition and subtraction operations with fractions traditionally students perform the operations in a vertical format.  This format however does not serve them at all in algebra, in which many cases the work is shown horizontally.  Thus, to train students in what they will be faced with in algebra, it is suggested that we have students perform the operation in a horizontal format also.

Vertical FormatHorizontal Format49149+23=49+23⋅331+231_=49+69=109

The Mathematics SAC recognizes that how one presents the steps to a problem that lead to the desired goal is as important as the answer itself.  We want all of our students to recognize this fact; thus an instructor will need to emphasize the importance of how to write mathematics properly.  All students in a Math 25C course should consistently write proper mathematical steps; students must adhere to correct use of syntax.  A portion of the grade for any problem, when applicable, should be based on mathematical syntax.

The primary purpose of the Course Content and Outcome Guide is to provide faculty a SAC approved outline of the course. It is not intended to replace the Course Syllabus, which details course content and requirements for students.