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General Education Mathematics
I. Course Prefix/Number: MAT 125
Course Name: General Education Mathematics
Credits: 4 (4 lecture; 0 lab)
II. Prerequisite
MAT 110 with minimum grade of C or appropriate score on the Mathematics Placement Test, and MAT 080 or geometry proficiency.
III. Course (Catalog) Description
Course focuses on mathematical reasoning and the solving of real-life problems. Topics include: geometry, counting techniques and probability, logic/set theory, mathematical modeling, mathematics of finance, and statistics. Calculators/computers used when appropriate.
IV. Learning Objectives
A. Apply probability and statistics in everyday life.
B. Recognize logical equivalence and identify common fallacies.
C. Construct logical arguments.
D. Employ algebraic and geometric techniques to solve systems of equations and systems of inequalities.
E. Use algebraic and geometric concepts and techniques to estimate and to judge the reasonableness of answers.
F. Understand the problem solving process and develop problem solving strategies for personal decision-making.
G. Use the calculator and/or computer to facilitate problem solving.
H. Application of the mathematics of finance to everyday life.
B. Recognize logical equivalence and identify common fallacies.
C. Construct logical arguments.
D. Employ algebraic and geometric techniques to solve systems of equations and systems of inequalities.
E. Use algebraic and geometric concepts and techniques to estimate and to judge the reasonableness of answers.
F. Understand the problem solving process and develop problem solving strategies for personal decision-making.
G. Use the calculator and/or computer to facilitate problem solving.
H. Application of the mathematics of finance to everyday life.
V. Academic Integrity
Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity
and follow Oakton's Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:
• cheating,
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
• cheating,
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton's policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
VI. Sequence of Topics
1. Statistics
A. Displaying Statistical Data
1. Frequency tables
2. Relative and cumulative frequency
B. Measures of Central Tendency
1. Arithmetic mean, median and mode
2. Means, medians, and modes with frequency tables
C. Measures of Dispersion
1. Range, variance, standard deviation
D. Measures of Position
E. The Normal Distribution
1. Area under the normal curve
2. Finding Z-scores
3. Finding probabilities based on Z-scores
2. Consumer Applications
A. Simple interest, compound interest, and continuous compounding
B. Effective rate of interest
C. Markup, markdown
D. Annuities
1. Future value, sinking funds
2. Present value, amortization
E. Consumer loans, installment buying
F. Mortgages
G. Life insurance
3. Counting and Probability Theory
A. Counting
1. The multiplication principle
2. Permutations and combinations
B. Probability
1. Definition and basic properties
2. Sample spaces
3. Tree diagrams
4. Odds and expectation
5. General addition and multiplication rules
4. Geometry with an Emphasis on Measurement
A. Fundamental Concepts of Geometry
1. Points, lines, planes, angles
2. Plane shapes
a. Triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles
b. Perimeter and area
c. Congruent and similar shapes
3. Additional applications to triangles - sins, cosine, and tangent
4. Networks
B. Three-dimensional Geometry
1. Rectangular prisms
2. Cylinders
3. Spheres
5. Problem Solving, Modeling and Using Technology
A. Applications of computer algebra systems / graphic calculators / Internet.
1. Graphs of equations and inequalities
2. Interpreting graphs of equations
3. Solving systems of equations graphically
B. Computational skills
1. Interpreting and developing models for real application problems
and checking results
2. Systems of inequalities and linear programming
3. Developing models for real application problems using linear
programming
C. Statistical skills
1. Calculation of statistics and parameters
2. Generating graphs
3. Applications of the normal distribution
4. Probability simulation
6. Set Theory, Logic and Boolean Algebra
A. Statements and symbols
B. The algebra of sets
1. Union, intersection and complement
2. Venn diagrams
C. Reasoning, logic and problem solving
1. Conjunction, disjunction and negation
2. Conditional and biconditional statements
3. De Morgan’s Law and equivalent statements
D. Valid arguments
1. Truth tables
2. Applications
A. Displaying Statistical Data
1. Frequency tables
2. Relative and cumulative frequency
B. Measures of Central Tendency
1. Arithmetic mean, median and mode
2. Means, medians, and modes with frequency tables
C. Measures of Dispersion
1. Range, variance, standard deviation
D. Measures of Position
E. The Normal Distribution
1. Area under the normal curve
2. Finding Z-scores
3. Finding probabilities based on Z-scores
2. Consumer Applications
A. Simple interest, compound interest, and continuous compounding
B. Effective rate of interest
C. Markup, markdown
D. Annuities
1. Future value, sinking funds
2. Present value, amortization
E. Consumer loans, installment buying
F. Mortgages
G. Life insurance
3. Counting and Probability Theory
A. Counting
1. The multiplication principle
2. Permutations and combinations
B. Probability
1. Definition and basic properties
2. Sample spaces
3. Tree diagrams
4. Odds and expectation
5. General addition and multiplication rules
4. Geometry with an Emphasis on Measurement
A. Fundamental Concepts of Geometry
1. Points, lines, planes, angles
2. Plane shapes
a. Triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles
b. Perimeter and area
c. Congruent and similar shapes
3. Additional applications to triangles - sins, cosine, and tangent
4. Networks
B. Three-dimensional Geometry
1. Rectangular prisms
2. Cylinders
3. Spheres
5. Problem Solving, Modeling and Using Technology
A. Applications of computer algebra systems / graphic calculators / Internet.
1. Graphs of equations and inequalities
2. Interpreting graphs of equations
3. Solving systems of equations graphically
B. Computational skills
1. Interpreting and developing models for real application problems
and checking results
2. Systems of inequalities and linear programming
3. Developing models for real application problems using linear
programming
C. Statistical skills
1. Calculation of statistics and parameters
2. Generating graphs
3. Applications of the normal distribution
4. Probability simulation
6. Set Theory, Logic and Boolean Algebra
A. Statements and symbols
B. The algebra of sets
1. Union, intersection and complement
2. Venn diagrams
C. Reasoning, logic and problem solving
1. Conjunction, disjunction and negation
2. Conditional and biconditional statements
3. De Morgan’s Law and equivalent statements
D. Valid arguments
1. Truth tables
2. Applications
VII. Methods of Instruction
(To be completed by instructor)
Methods of presentation can include lecture, discussion, demonstration, experimentation, group work, audio-visual aids, and regularly assigned homework. Techniques will emphasize critical thinking and applications. Calculators/computers will be used where appropriate.
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid or online course.
Methods of presentation can include lecture, discussion, demonstration, experimentation, group work, audio-visual aids, and regularly assigned homework. Techniques will emphasize critical thinking and applications. Calculators/computers will be used where appropriate.
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid or online course.
VIII. Course Practices Required
Course may be taught as face-to-face, media-based, hybrid or online course.
IX. Instructional Materials
Textbook information for each course and section is available on Oakton's Schedule of Classes. Within the Schedule of Classes, textbooks can be found by clicking on an individual course section and looking for the words "View Book Information".
Textbooks can also be found at our Mathematics Textbooks page.
A TI-83 graphics calculator.
Textbooks can also be found at our Mathematics Textbooks page.
A TI-83 graphics calculator.
X. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
Evaluation methods can include graded homework, quizzes, chapter or major tests, individual or small group projects, and/or a final examination.
XI. Other Course Information
Individual instructors will establish and announce specific policies regarding attendance, due dates and make-up work, incomplete grades, etc.
If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in the Learning Center. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.
If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in the Learning Center. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.
