SYLLABUS
Algebra 1
INSTRUCTOR: __________________________ SCHOOL YEAR: ________ TIME: _________ COURSE NUMBER: 316
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is the first course in a college preparatory mathematics sequence for freshmen. Units of study include: linear equations and inequalities, linear
functions and graphs, absolute value functions, systems of equations, quadratic equations and functions, laws of exponents, radicals, and probability
and statistics. Technological tools, such as the TI graphing calculator, will be used for both discovery and problem solving; classroom sets will be
provided. All students will be expected to bring a TI-30XIIS scientific calculator to class every day.
ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS – After successfully completing this course, the student will understand that:
1. Real number calculations are a life skill.
2. Variables and expressions represent unknown quantities.
3. Formulas are used to find missing quantities.
4. Slope is the rate of change.
5. Linear, absolute value and quadratic functions can be used to model real-world situations.
6. Many real-world applications can be modeled and solved using a system of equations.
7. A graph is a visual representation of an equation.
CREDIT:
1 credit
LEVEL:
9 - Regular
PREREQUISITES
Algebra 1 and Algebra 1-Extended are freshman level classes. Algebra 1 for Upperclassmen is specifically for sophomores, juniors and seniors who
passed PreAlgebra with a grade of C or better.
AREAS OF STUDY
Chapter
1
2
3
4
5
6
First Semester
Variables, Functions, Patterns, Graph
Rational Numbers
Solving Equations
Solving Inequalities
Graphs and Functions
Linear Equations and Their Graphs
Chapter
7
8
9
10
11
Second Semester
Systems of Equations and Inequalities
Exponents and Exponential Functions
Polynomials and Factoring
Quadratic Equations and Functions
Radical Expressions and Equations
Semester 1
UNIT 1: Solving Equations and Inequalities (50 Days)
Enduring Understanding:



There is a systematic mathematical approach that can be applied
when solving for an unknown.
Variables represent unknown quantities.
Simplifying expressions and solving equations allows us to take a
complex situation and make it simple.
Essential Questions:



How do you solve for an unknown quantity?
What is a variable?
How is solving inequalities the same and/or different than solving
equations?
Knowledge and Skills
1. Students will apply order of operations (1.2 in the book)
2. Students will simplify expressions (Ch. 1 and 2)
3. Students will evaluate expressions (Ch. 1 and 2)
4. Students will translate words to mathematical expressions
5. Students will solve one-step equations (3.1)
6. Students will solve two-step equations (3.1)
7. Students will solve one- and two-step literal equations (3.1)
8. Students will solve equations with variables on both sides (3.3)
9. Students will solve problems using proportions (3.4 and 3.5)
10. Students will solve single variable word problems (3.6)
11. Students will solve multi-step equations (3.2)
12. Students will solve one-step inequalities (4.1, 4.2, 4.3)
13. Students will solve two-step inequalities (4.4)
14. Students will solve inequalities with variables on both sides (4.4)
15. Students will solve multi-step inequalities (4.4)
16. Students will solve compound inequalities (4.5)
17. Students will solve absolute value equations (4.6)
UNIT 2: Graphing Linear Equations (25 Days)
Enduring Understanding:


Students will understand that there are multiple ways to represent
the same solution
A line represents an infinite solution set
Essential Questions

How can I use a graph to make future predictions?
Knowledge and Skills
18. Students will be able to graph lines using a table of values (5.3)
19. Students will be able to write a linear equation given a table of
values (5.4)
20. Students will be able to calculate rate of change/slope algebraically
(6.1)
21. Students will be able to calculate the rate of change/slope from a
given graph or table ( 6.1)
22. Students will be able to graph a linear equation given in slopeintercept form (6.2)
23. Students will be able to graph a linear equation given in standard
form (6.4)
24. Students will be able to create a linear equation from a graph (CH. 6)
25. Students will be able to create a linear equation given a slope and a
point (6.5)
26. Students will be able to create a linear equation given two points
(6.5)
27. Students will be able to identify and write equations of parallel and
perpendicular lines (6.6)
Semester 2
UNIT 3: Linear Systems
Enduring Understandings:
 The algebraic solution to a system of equations is the
intersection point on the coordinate plane.
Essential Questions:
 When is it appropriate to solve a system algebraically?
 When is it appropriate to solve a system graphically?
Knowledge and Skills:
1. Students will be able to solve systems graphically (7.1)
2. Students will be able to solve systems algebraically when given
two equations in standard form (7.3)
3. Students will be able to solve systems algebraically when given
two equations in slope intercept form (7.2)
4. Students will be able to solve systems when given one equation
in standard form and one equation in slope intercept form
(7.2-7.3)
5. Students will be able to create a system of equations based on
a graph (Ch. 7)
6. Students will be able to recognize a system with no solution
(Ch. 7)
7. Students will be able to recognize a system with infinite
solutions (Ch. 7)
8. Students will be able to create a system of equations based on
real world problems (7.4)
UNIT 4: Monomials
Enduring Understandings:
 A monomial is an expression with no addition or subtraction
sign.
Essential Questions:
 How do the properties of monomials relate to the properties of
the set of real numbers?
Knowledge and Skills
9. Students will multiply monomials (8.3)
10. Students will be able to raise a monomial to a power (8.4)
11. Students will divide monomials (8.5)
UNIT 5: Quadratics
Enduring Understandings:
 A simplified algebraic expression has no common terms
 There can be at most two solutions to a quadratic
 There is a connection between factoring and polynomial
multiplication
Essential Questions:
 How are the solutions of a quadratic represented graphically?
 What is the appropriate method to solve a quadratic?
 How can we use factoring to solve a quadratic equation?
Knowledge and Skills
12. Students will be able to add/subtract quadratic expressions
(9.1)
13. Students will be able to multiply a monomial and a polynomial.
(9.2-9.3)
14. Students will be able to multiply binomials to create a
quadratic (9.2-9.3)
15. Students will be able to factor out a GCF ( 9.2)
16. Students will be able to factor trinomials with a = 1 (9.5)
17. Students will be able to factor trinomials with a ≠ 1. (9.6)
18. Students will be able to factor the difference of perfect
squares. (9.7)
19. Students will be able to solve quadratic equations by taking
square roots (10.3)
20. Students will be able to solve quadratic equations by factoring
(10.4)
21. Students will be able to solve quadratic equations using the
quadratic formula (10.6)
22. Students will be able to solve quadratics graphically (Ch. 10)
UNIT 6: Square Roots
Enduring Understandings:
 A number multiplied by itself is a perfect square
 A simplified square root has no perfect factors other than one
Essential Questions:
 Why do you rationalize a denominator?
 ????
Knowledge and Skills
23. Students will add/subtract square roots expressions (11.2)
24. Students will simplify positive and negative square roots (11.1)
25. Students will multiply square roots 11.2
26. Students will multiply square roots using the distributive
property. (11.2)
27. Students will divide square roots (11.2)
28. Students will be able to rationalize a denominator (Ch. 11)