Algebra 2 Reoccurring Themes
 Algebraic Computation of Expressions and Functions
(addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, composition)
 Simplify and Evaluate Expressions
 Solve Equations
 Graph and Model Functions
(four faces and transformations)
Algebra 2 Essential Learnings
(as drafted by group on 4/7/09)
1. Write equations of lines in point-slope form.
2. Identify domain and range.
3. Solve systems of equations involving three variables and solve optimization
problems using Linear Programming.
4. Identify and compute complex numbers (addition, subtraction, multiplication)
5. Perform algebraic computation of expressions and functions.
a. Add, subtract, multiply, divide and find composition of functions.
b. Find inverse functions.
c. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide radical expressions (including binomial
radical) and rational expressions.
d. Divide polynomials using long and synthetic division.
6. Simplify and evaluate expressions.
a. Find function values in function notation.
b. Factor polynomial and quadratic expressions.
c. Simplify logarithmic, radical and rational expressions.
d. Evaluate exponential and logarithmic expressions.
7. Solve equations.
a. Solve quadratic equations using square roots, factoring, completing the
square, and quadratic formula.
b. Solve polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, radical, and rational equations
algebraically and graphically.
8. Graph and model functions.
a. Graph transformations of functions: absolute value, quadratic,
exponential, logarithmic, radical, and rational.
b. Find maximum and minimums of quadratic functions, determine solutions
of quadratic functions by looking at discriminants.
c. Write a polynomial function in factored form, write a polynomial function
given its zeros, and find zeros of polynomials.
Algebra 2 Topics for Further Discussion & Feedback
(please send Kate any thoughts)
Probability Unit & Sequences Unit
 Are there essentials from both we want to identify?
 Should we try to choose one unit over the other to have all Algebra 2 classes
explore?
 Should this be a site decision on which unit to get to at the end of the year?
Some teachers thought the objectives in the probability unit are explored
previously or will be in Stats, some felt that the probability unit is important for
state testing (CSAP, ACT, etc.), the IB perspective would prefer the sequences
unit, some felt sequences should be a Pre-Calc topic only
Depth Topics
We now have equations of lines, quadratic formula, and factoring as both Alg 1
and Alg 2 essential learnings. Can we identify the depth to which these topics should
be mastered at the two levels?
Pacing Items
The matrices unit was not considered essential in the scope of the Algebra 2
course. What are thoughts about completely eliminating this unit from the pacing guide
or leaving that decision up to sites and teachers?
Originally iCAT felt that sections 6-5 and 6-6 were more Pre-Calc topics and so
these sections were left out of the pacing guide for this year. At this Alg 2 meetings,
most objectives from Chapter 6 were considered essential (exploring polynomials
leading to the fundamental theorem of algebra). Because of this, should we look at
adding back in sections 6-5 and 6-6 to the pacing guide?