Course Title: Algebra 3 / 4 Prep

Prerequisite: Algebra 1 / 2, Geometry 1 / 2, or referral to class by previous mathematics instructor.

Textbook:  McDougal Littell “Algebra 2”

Publisher Web Site: http://www.classzone.com/books/algebra_2/index.cfm?state=WA 

Course Objectives:

1.       To build on your previous experience from Middle School and High School Mathematics.

2.       To prepare you to successfully complete the Algebra 3 / 4 Trigonometry course work as a senior or complete a 90 series math class at a community college / university.

3.       To help you meet State and School District Graduation requirements for mathematics.

4.       To prepare you to attend the two- or four-year college of your choice.

1st Semester

Algebra Review

1. Numerical Expressions.
1. Operations with Integers and Rational Numbers (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)
2. Square Roots and Simplifying Square Roots.
2. Algebraic Expressions.
1. Evaluating and Simplifying Expressions
2. Properties of Powers (exponents)
3. Simplifying expressions containing Powers
3. Equations and Inequalities.
1. Solving Equations.
2. Solving Inequalities.
3. Solving Multi-step Equations and Inequalities
4. Writing and Solving Proportions.
4. Graphing Equations.
1. Plotting points on a coordinate plane.
2. Using Slope-Intercept form of an equation
3. Quick graphs using intercepts
4. Non-Linear Equations. (Parabolas)
5. Factoring.
1. Common Factors (Greatest Common Factor (GCF))
2. Factoring Trinomials (ax²+bx+c)
3. Factoring Special Cases

Chapter 1 – Equations and Inequalities

In this chapter, you will be able to

1.       Graph and order real numbers.

2.       Identify properties of and perform operations with real numbers

3.       Solve linear and absolute value equations.

4.       Solve linear and absolute value inequalities.

Chapter 2 – Linear Equations and Functions

In this chapter, you will be able to

1.       Represent relations and functions

2.       Find and use slope.

3.       Write linear and direct variation equations.

4.       Graph linear equations, inequalities, and functions.

5.       Use scatter plots and approximate the “best fitting” line for a set of data.

2nd Semester

Chapter 3 – Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities

In this chapter, you will be able to

1.       Solve systems of linear equations by

a.       Graphing.

b.       Using algebraic methods.

2.       Graph and solve systems of linear inequalities.

3.       Solve Linear Programming problems.

4.       Identify the number of solutions in a linear system.

Chapter 4 – Matrices and Determinants

In this chapter, you will be able to

1.       Perform Matrix Operations

a.       Add / Subtract Matrices.

b.       Scalar Multiplication.

c.       Multiply two matrices.

2.       Evaluate the determinant of a matrix

3.       Find the inverse matrix.

4.       Solve matrix equations.

5.       Solve systems of linear equations.

a.       Using Cramer’s rule

b.       Using inverse matrices.

Chapter 5 – Quadratic Functions

In this chapter, you will be able to

1.       Graph quadratic functions.

2.       Write quadratic functions in standard, intercept, and vertex forms.

3.       Find zeros (solutions) of quadratic functions.

4.       Solve quadratic equations.

a.       By factoring.

b.       By finding square roots.

c.       By completing the square.

d.       By using the quadratic formula.

5.       Find the discriminant of a quadratic equation.

Chapter 6 – Polynomials and Polynomial Functions

In this chapter, you will be able to

1.       Use properties of exponents

2.       Evaluate polynomial functions using direct and synthetic substitution.

3.       Add, subtract, and multiply polynomials.

4.       Factor polynomials.

5.       Divide polynomials using long division or synthetic division.

6.       Find zeros (solutions) of polynomials and sketch polynomial functions.