MAT-1050 Elements of Numbers and Operations

Credits 4
The first course in a three-course sequence for students preparing to teach at the preschool, elementary school, or middle school level. Topics include insight into the four arithmetic operations, properties and algorithms for whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, and decimals, proportional reasoning, and number theory. Visual and concrete representations are explored.
3 class/2 lab hours.
Course Outcomes

Describe the importance and function of a number system’s structure including place value, zero, and bases.
Represent mathematical concepts using written solutions, pictures, and concrete models.
Perform computational skills in the real number system with and without a calculator.
Use appropriate strategies and properties to mentally compute and estimate.
Apply the associative, commutative, distributive, identity, and inverse properties.
Interpret the various meanings of the four arithmetic operations with whole numbers and rational numbers in contexts.
Justify standard and alternative algorithms for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, integers, fractions, and decimals.
Solve problems involving ratios, proportions, and percentages.
Apply concepts of number theory, including divisibility tests, factors, and multiples, to make valid conclusions and solve mathematical problems.
Critique reasoning in student work to identify common misconceptions about numbers and operations.