MOUNT PLEASANT AREA
COURSE SYLLABUS
Title: Algebra II
Department: Mathematics
Grades Taught: 10th Grade
Course Description:
This course is designed for the 9th grade student who has successfully completed Algebra I
the previous year or the 11th/12th grade student who has successfully completed
Geometry/Informal Geometry. Algebra II is a continuation of the concepts found in Algebra
I, emphasizing the theoretical and geometrical interpretations of Algebra. An emphasis is
placed upon the algebraic (symbolic), graphical, and numerical interpretations of the
mathematical concepts. The graphing calculator and computer activities are used for visual
analysis of algebraic material and programming. The instructional setting will encourage
the investigation, cooperation, and written/oral communication of algebra. The courses
content involves the development of algebra as an integrated whole emphasizing the links
between algebra/geometry and algebra/probability and statistics. Topics covered in this
course include: Equations and Inequalities, Linear Relations and Functions, Systems of
Equations and Inequalities, Probability and Data Analysis Review, Geometry Review,
Quadratic Functions and Relations, Polynomials and Radical expressions, Quadratic
Functions and Inequalities, Polynomials and Polynomial Functions, and Rational Functions
and Relations.
Prerequisites: C in Algebra I
Length of Course: 5 periods/week (year)
Credit: 1 Credit
Course Standards:
Numbers, Number Systems and Number Relationships
Computation and Estimation
Measurement and Estimation
Mathematical Reasoning and Connections
Mathematical Problem Solving and Communication
Statistics and Data Analysis
Probability and Prediction
Algebra and Functions
Geometry
Trigonometry
Concepts of Calculus
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Learning Objectives and Course Outline:
1. Equations and Inequalities
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Use the order of operations to evaluate expressions.
Use formulas
Classify Real Numbers
Graph and order real numbers
Identity and use properties of real numbers to evaluate expressions
Translate verbal expressions into algebraic expressions and equations
Solve equations using the properties of equality
Evaluate expressions involving absolute value
Solve absolute value equations
Solve one-step inequalities
Solve multi-step inequalities
Solve compound inequalities
Solve absolute value inequalities
2. Linear Relations and Functions
 Analyze relations and functions
 Use equations of relations and functions
 Graph relations
 Define and discuss the interpretation of a function
 Identify functions algebraically and graphically using the Vertical Line Test
 Evaluate functions at given elements of the domain and discuss the
geometrical interpretation
 State the domain and range of a function algebraically and graphically
 Identify linear relations and functions
 Evaluate linear functions
 Write linear equations in standard form
 Graph a line using intercepts
 Calculate the slope of a line when given two points
 Determine the slope of a line by inspecting its graph
 Write an equation in slope-intercept form
 Write an equation of a line given the slope and a point on the line
 Write an equation of a line given two points
 Write an equation of a line parallel or perpendicular to a given line
 Use the graphing calculator to graph and model real world PSSA application
word problems
 Write and interpret direct variation equations
 Apply functions to model real world direct variation problems
 Write linear functions and model real world open-ended problems
 Make predictions using this linear model
 Construct a scatter plot from real world data using both paper/pencil and
graphing calculator techniques
 Write linear equations that model real-world data using both paper/pencil
and graphing calculator techniques
 Make predictions from linear models using both paper/pencil and graphing
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calculator techniques
Graph piecewise defined functions
Write piecewise defined functions
Graph absolute value functions, y = mx  b + c using a table of values and
the turning point formula V(-
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b
, c)
m
Graph absolute value functions by writing two linear equations using the
definition of absolute value
Analyze vertical and horizontal translations, reflections across the x and y
axes, and dilations vertically and horizontally in regard to the following
parent functions: linear, quadratic, and absolute value
Identify basic parent functions: constant, identity, absolute value, step,
quadratic, and linear
Graph linear inequalities
Graph absolute value inequalities
Solve a system of equations by graphing precisely using graph paper and
then estimating the point of intersection
State the geometrical interpretation of solving linear equations
3. Systems of Equations and Inequalities
 Solve a system of equations by graphing precisely using graph paper and
then estimating the point of intersection
 State the geometrical interpretation of solving linear equations
 Solve a system of linear equations using the method of substitution
 Solve a system of linear equations using the method of elimination
 Solve real world application word problems involving the solution of a system
of linear equations in preparation for the PSSA and reference to its
assessment using the math state rubric
 Solve systems of linear inequalities graphically using paper and pencil
 Solve systems of linear inequalities using the graphing calculator Shade
Command and y = 2 shade choices
4. Probability and Data Analysis Review
 Construct a Box-and-Whisker Plot using a template
 Analyze and answer questions related to this data distribution display
 Find the total number of outcomes by constructing tree diagrams and using
the fundamental counting principle
 Find the probability of an event
 Calculate permutations and combinations using the PSSA formulas
 Apply probability theory to determine if a given situation involves a
permutation or combination and calculate the answer
 Find probabilities of compound (independent, dependent, mutually exclusive,
and inclusive) events
 State the properties of a probability distribution
 Use tables of results and probability distributions to predict the probability
that an event will occur
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Calculate experimental probabilities using given data
Calculate the odds in favor of an event
Calculate the odds against an event
5. Geometry Review
 Utilize technology(Gizmos) and paper/pencil techniques (PSSA Formula
Sheet) to calculate the surface areas and volumes of prisms, pyramids, cones,
and spheres
 Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to find a missing leg in a right triangle
 Determine if a triangle is a right triangle when given the lengths of its three
sides
 Calculate the distance between two points using the distance formula
 Calculate the midpoint of two given points using the midpoint formula
 Calculate the length between two points using the midpoint formula
 Calculate the surface areas and volumes of prisms , pyramids, cones, and
spheres using the PSSA Formula Sheet
6. Quadratic Functions and Relations
 Simplify basic and intermediate radicals to include all roots
 Multiply and simplify radical expressions
 Divide and simplify radicals
 Add and subtract radical expressions
 Graph a parabola using the vertex formula V(-b/a, c), y-intercept, and
geometrical concept of symmetry.
 Graph a quadratic equation by constructing a table of values
 Find a maximum value of a real world problem using the vertex of a parabola
 Solve quadratic equations by graphing and locating the x-intercepts with
paper/pencil
 Estimate solutions of quadratic equations by graphing
 Use technology and the graphing calculator to locate zeros of a quadratic
function
 Use technology and the graphing calculator to locate zeros of a quadratic
function with the table feature
 Write a quadratic equation in standard form when given its roots
 Utilize all types of factoring to include the special factoring formulas of
difference of squares, sum and difference of cubes, perfect trinomial squares
and factoring by grouping.
 Solve quadratic equations by factoring
 Perform operations with pure imaginary numbers
 Perform operations with complex numbers
 Solve quadratic equations by using the square root property
 Solve quadratic equations by using the Quadratic Formula
 Solve quadratic equations by Completing the Square
 Use the discriminant to determine the number and type of roots of a
quadratic equation
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Write a quadratic function in the form y = a(x – h)2 + k
Transform graphs of quadratic functions of the form y = a(x – h)2 + k
Graph quadratic inequalities in two variables
Solve quadratic inequalities in one variable
7. Polynomials and Polynomial Functions
 Multiply, divide, and simplify monomials and expressions involving powers
 Add, subtract, and multiply polynomials
 Divide polynomials using long division
 Divide polynomials using synthetic division
 Identify general shapes of graphs of polynomial functions
8. Rational Functions and Relations
 Simplify rational expressions
 Simplify complex fractions
 Multiply and divide rational expressions
 Determine the L.C.M. of polynomials
 Add and subtract rational expressions
Expectations:
General Classroom Policies and Information for Students and Parents
1. Students are required to be on time for class, and have all necessary materials with them
2. Students will be required to conduct oneself in a manner suitable for learning
3. Students will be required to show respect to oneself and others around them
4.
Students will be required to obtain a three-ring binder for the class. A spiral notebook is
unsatisfactory because papers cannot be removed and then replaced again. The notebook is
important for two reasons. First, it will be checked and graded during the year. More
importantly, it enables students to organize class notes and assignments for future work in
mathematics.
2.
Students will learn visualization of mathematics and programming through the graphing
capabilities of the Texas Instrument graphing calculator/overhead projector system. All
students will learn graphing analysis by using the graphing calculator. Students will learn
the technology necessary to link the graphing calculator with the computer using the TI
graph link and TI Connect software.
3.
Students will have the opportunity to participate in exercises utilizing technology to solve
real world problems with the graphing calculator and computer websites.
4.
Students will learn basic arithmetic, algebraic, and graphical commands involving computer
software packages
5.
Grades are determined by adding the points received on tests, quizzes (announced and
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unannounced), performance activities, and daily assignments, then taking a percentage of
the total number of points which could have been received. Grades are updated on
classroll.com on a weekly basis. The school’s grading policy is followed.
6.
If a student is absent the day of a test, it will be taken the next day he/she returns. If a
student is absent two days, an extra day will be given to prepare for the make-up test. If a
student is absent the day before a test, he/she will still take the test with everyone
else. Tests and quizzes are announced well in advance to justify these rules.
7.
If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to find out the assignments and get them
made up. This is true for daily work as well as tests.
8.
In the case of a prolonged absence, sufficient time will be given for all make up work.
9.
When the bell rings, all students must be in their assigned seats ready to begin work. If
there is a particular circumstance which causes tardiness, a student must notify me
immediately.
10. Daily assignments will be checked and graded periodically. Written assignments play an
important part of the learning process.
11. I am available for extra help to anyone who has been absent or to anyone who needs extra
explanations besides those given class.
12. Classroom participation (both orally and at the board) is highly encouraged.
13. In addition to problem solving, an objective of all courses is that students understand
theoretically and geometrically the meaning of mathematical concepts. Students will be
writing short answer essays and compositions testing for an algebraic, numeric, and
graphical understanding of the math material.
14. Any hint of cheating will result in the student’s paper being destroyed and a zero recorded
for that test, quiz, or assignment.
15. Comprehensive midterms and final exams are administered during the school year. They
are graded according to the school’s grading procedure.
16. If there are any problems or concerns, please do not hesitate to give me a call at school or
home. Parental support and participation are greatly appreciated and needed. Students
must accept responsibility for asking for outside help.
17. Students are asked to notify me by phone or email if an absence due to illness or an
extenuating circumstance results in turning in announced assignments or projects late. If
notification is not received, the grade will be lowered by one letter grade for each day of
absence.
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COURSE SYLLABUS
Texts:
Basic Text: Algebra 2; Glencoe, 2010
(On-line Textbook and CD available)
Resources and Materials Used:
A. Basic Textbook (On-line text and CD)
B. Teacher-made worksheets
C. Textbook worksheets
D. Classroom TI 84 Plus Silver Edition graphing calculator
E. TI Presenter and Viewscreen Calculator
F. Scientific Calculators
G. Notebook
H. Ruler
I. Graph Paper
J. Laboratory experiments
K. Computer and Mathematics software
L. TI Connect software
M. Computer-generated worksheets and assessments
N. PSSA PDE Item Sampler Tests
O. Coach Books
Websites:
Mount Pleasant Area School District Website
www.mpasd.net
Algebra II Textbook
www.glencoe.com
On-line grading website
www.classroll.com
netTrekker
This site provides great resources for both teachers and students. Investigate interesting math topics or
research ways to get extra help for more difficult concepts. This is a useful link for parents interested in
helping their children with their schoolwork. The default username is MPA and password is MPASD.
http://school.nettrekker.com/
SAT Preparation
This useful website contains SAT practice questions and useful information.
http://www.collegeboard.com
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Dr. Math Forum from Drexel University
This website may provide useful information for the inquisitive math student.
http://mathforum.org/dr.math/
Mathematicians
This site provides useful information for any student interested in the history of women in mathematics.
http://www.agnesscott.edu/lriddle/women/women.htm
The MacTutor History of Mathematics Archive
This website contains information on the history of mathematics, biographies of mathematicians, and a famous
curve index.
http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/
Activities/Assessments
 Notebook
 Cumulative Midterm and Final Examinations
 Laboratory activities (Graphing Calculator/Computer)
 Teacher-made tests
 Computer-generated assessments
 Textbook exams
 Independent Homework Assignments
 Homework quizzes
 Projects
 Classroom participation
 Composition writings
 On-line math simulations (Gizmos)
 Rubrics
Homework Procedure:
Daily homework assignments play an important part of the student’s learning process.
Students are expected to spend time outside of class to practice problems and study the
theoretical concepts to be successful in this class. Homework assignment problems are
placed on the board by the teacher or student volunteers upon request. The assignment is
also placed by the teacher on her website. Assignments are often collected for teacher
review and/or points. Take-home assignments quizzes are announced and problems are
randomly selected for correctness and points.
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COURSE SYLLABUS
Grading Procedure:
Grades are determined by adding the points received on tests, quizzes (announced and
unannounced), performance activities, and daily assignments, then taking a percentage of
the total number of points which could have been received. Grades are updated on
classroll.com on a weekly basis. The school’s grading policy is followed.
93 – 100 A
84 – 92 B
75 – 83 C
65 – 74 D
Below 64 F
Extra Help:
Please ask me at any time for help. We may be able to arrange a session during
the day, or after the school day. There are days that I am able to stay after school to give
extra help.
Contact Information:
Rebecca Richter
Phone Number:
Email:
724-547-4100 ext. 1224
rrichter@mpasd.net
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