Catholic Central High School
Course: Algebra 1
Department: Mathematics
Length: 1 year (Ninth Grade)
Credit: 1
1. Prerequisites:
Entrance Examination Score, Teacher Recommendation (Eighth Grade, Summer School)
2. Textbooks
2.1 Primary: Course Packs (distributed at school)
2.2 Secondary: Larson, Ron et al. Algebra 1. Evanston, IL: McDougall Littell, 2007.
3. Course Goals and Objectives:
Symbolic reasoning and calculations with symbols are central in algebra. Through the
study of algebra, a student will develop an understanding of the symbolic language of
mathematics and the sciences. In addition, algebraic skills and concepts are developed
and used in a wide variety of problem-solving situations.
4. Course Description:
4.1 General Overview: Algebra 1 students will incorporate fundamental math with
abstract ideas (letters in place of numbers), use of patterns, generalizations, solving
linear and quadratic equations, graphing, simplifying radicals, and solving word
problems. This course is a prerequisite for Plane Geometry in Tenth Grade.
4.2 Itemized Details of Course Content:
4.2.a First Quarter:
Review of Fractions and Decimals
Order of Operations
Integer Operations
Polynomial Operations (Addition, Subtraction, Simplification)
Evaluating Expressions
Solving Linear Equations
Word Problems – Number
Word Problems – Coin
Graphing Inequalities on a Number Line
Simplifying Absolute Value Expressions
Solving Absolute Value Equations
4.2.b Second Quarter:
Solving Absolute Value Inequalities
Simplifying Exponential Expressions
Multiplying Polynomials
Factoring Polynomials Part 1
Quadratic Equations Part 1
Word Problems – Age
Word Problems – Investment
Operations with Rational Expressions
Polynomial Long Division
Ratio and Proportion
Polynomial Factoring by Grouping
Simplifying Complex Fractions
Writing Quadratic Equations Given the Roots
Solving Rational Equations
4.2.c Third Quarter
Word Problems – Percent
Word Problems – Mixture
Word Problems – Percent Mixture
Operations with Irrational Numbers
Radical Equations
Variation
Probability and Statistics
Pythagorean Theorem
Trigonometry
4.2.d Fourth Quarter
Solving Systems of Linear Equations
Word Problems – Two Variables
Word Problems – Digits
Graphing Linear Equations
Types of Linear Equations
Writing Linear Equations (Emphasis on Standard Form)
Functions
Quadratic Equations Part 2
Word Problems – Work
5. Course Assignments and Requirements
5.1 Frequency of Tests: Tests and quizzes are given frequently throughout each quarter
based on teacher discretion.
5.2 Frequency of Assignments: Homework is given nearly every night, as practice and
review is the best way to master algebraic concepts.
5.3 Grading: The grading scale is described the Student/Parent Handbook and is based
on tests, quizzes, homework, and other projects.