Course Syllabus
Algebra
Prerequisite:
None
Course Description: This course presents an introduction to algebra including topics that will prepare students for success in later mathematics courses and other courses that rely on the techniques learned in algebra, including, but not limited to, the sciences, history, social studies, language and art. Mastery of algebra includes reading skills for extracting numeric and conceptual information from written materials and writing skills needed to share mathematical ideas.
Assessment: Students are evaluated on homework, quizzes, tests, class participation, written essays, projects, and a notebook. A final semester exam will be given which is twenty percent of the semester grade.
Textbook: Algebra 1, Prentice Hall Publishing Company, Copyright 2001, and other supplementary materials.
Concepts Covered:
Chapter 1: Introduction to Algebra
The basic concepts and terminology of algebra and algebraic expression are introduced and related to the studentŐs previous arithmetic experience.
Integers and rational numbers are defined, discussed and compared using the relations is less then and is greater than. Arithmetic operations are practiced, especially for simplifying expressions. The distributive property and absolute value are introduced.
Solving equations in one variable. Solving equations using absolute value. Solving proportion and percentage problems.
The multiplication and division properties of inequalities are explored. We solve inequalities in one variable. Conditional statements and logical reasoning are explored.
Chapter 5: Exponents and Polynomials
Earlier work with exponents is expanded. Students manipulate exponential expressions, use scientific notation, simplify sums, differences, products and quotients of monomials and polynomials. Products and squares of monomials and polynomials are introduced.
Students learn to factor monomial and polynomial expressions. The principal of zero products is used to solve equations.
Graphs, slopes and intercepts in linear equations with two variables. Characteristics of parallel and perpendicular lines,
Graphing, substitution and addition are presented as methods for solving systems of simultaneous equations. Various word problems are introduced including uniform rate, digit and coin problems.
Geometric interpretation of inequalities in one and two dimensions is discussed. Set notation and operations are explored. Concepts of conjunction and disjunction are developed and used to solve systems of linear inequality.
Techniques for manipulating rational algebraic expressions are covered in this chapter. Rational equations in one variable are solved
Basic issues of probability and statistics are developed and explored. Topics included mutually exclusive events, complements, and various combinations of events, frequency distributions, mean, median, mode, and graphing techniques.