Advanced Algebra II
MAJOR CONCEPTS COVERED
Irrational & Complex Numbers
Rational Expressions
Radical Expressions
Sequence & Series
Equations & Inequalities
Linear Functions
Piecewise & Step Functions
Systems of Linear Equations/Inequalities (Linear Programming)
Quadratic Functions
Radical Functions
Polynomial Functions
Regression Analysis & Modeling
Inverse Functions
Exponential & Logarithmic Functions
Rational Equations & Functions
Basic Probability
The Conic Sections (As Time Permits)
Expectations:
The general assumption in Advanced Algebra II is that students are in the process of
developing their mind to prepare themselves for their future. They may have a career in
mind that is mathematical in nature, one that requires the ability to think and reason in a
sequential manner, or plan to continue their education at the post-secondary level.
Regardless of their reason, the basic goal of this class is the same: to develop, refine,
and elevate each student’s ability to think and reason analytically and sequentially.
Mathematics is the tool we will use to achieve this goal. Years from now, students
may not remember the material or specific content covered in this course, but they will
constantly use, refine, and elevate the thinking skills developed through the study and
application of mathematics.
If you have “math anxiety”, if you are not secure in your mathematical background, or if
you are unsure of your ability to succeed in this class, I understand your concern and will
do everything I can to help you gain control of your situation. But, you must also
understand that you control your future, and the solution to your problem requires a
long-term commitment on both of our parts. One of Einstein’s quotes to his students
addressed this exact situation. He told them, “Don’t worry about your difficulties in
mathematics, I can assure you that mine are far greater”. The more you learn, the more
you realize there is to learn. In this class, don’t fall behind, never stop working, never
be satisfied, and never ever give up.
I typically get to school around 7:30 AM to work with students. I am also available
on most days after school.
Homework:
Consistent daily work and application of the concepts are essential in the study of
mathematics. To be successful in this class, students must be consistent in their
approach to daily work and come in for help as needed. My expectations are high and
mathematics is a sequential discipline. Topics/Concepts constantly build on each
other. You must attack the concepts and apply them on a daily basis to be
successful. Students’ are also expected to maintain an extensive set of notes that will
provide a reference from which to complete daily work. The most common problems in
the study of mathematics are a lack of consistency in student’s approach to daily work,
refusing to take and/or use their notes, and not getting help when necessary. I will
periodically allow students to use notes on exams and/or quizzes. I cannot stress
enough the importance of a great set of notes and students developing their note
taking ability.
I will also record and post lectures to my web site. The lectures page sill be updated with
the current lecture by the early afternoon each day. If you missed class or need to hear
material a second time, click on the lectures page and then click on the lecture you need
to watch and listen to. If you have a Mac, there are instructions on my website for
viewing a lecture on a Mac computer.
Students in Advanced Algebra II should begin forming study groups. In class we will
work independently, with a partner, and in groups. Assessments will be given on a
continual basis and major exams will be given periodically to assess student’s
understanding of concepts. All assessments will be announced well in advance and
85+% of the time will be taken individually.
Applied work will be done on a continual basis and students will generally work with one
or more other students. Old ACT exams, data analysis, and general problem sets will
serve as the basis for applied problem work.
Graphic Calculators
The graphic calculator will be used periodically throughout the year, with greater
emphasis during the second semester. We will use calculators when I am convinced that
students understand the concepts involved. Students in Advanced Algebra II are strongly
encouraged to purchase a calculator, especially if they know they will be continuing on to
Pre-Calculus. The TI-84+ Silver Edition is still an excellent calculator for this class, PreCalculus, and AP Calculus.
Attendance and Make-Up Policy:
Attendance is essential in a class that is mathematical and therefore sequential in nature.
Students need to find out what they missed and get caught up as soon as possible. To
find out what they missed, students can;
 Call another student.
 Check my Website. (http://tj006@k12.sd.us)

If students miss class, I expect that you will go to my webpage and access the
lectures link to watch and listen to what you missed as soon as you can.
When I edit grades, I will always enter zero’s for missing grades and then change the
grade as the work comes in.
The high school’s policy for work missed due to an excused absence is two days for each
day missed. If extenuating circumstances exist, students must make me aware of
them and we can adjust deadlines accordingly. Make-up work is the student’s
responsibility. I will give them as much help as they want but they must come in
and work with me.
Work missed due to a school sponsored trip (athletic trips, fine art trips, field trips, etc.) is
due the next class period.
Grade Breakdown:
The student’s grade will be based on the following categories;
 Daily work will account for 40% of the quarter grade and will include daily
assignments, applied problems, occasional daily applied problems, and old ACT
questions.
*** Daily work will be handed in most of the time.
 Quizzes & Exams will account for 60% of the quarter grade.
 Semester & Final Exams will account for 20% of the semester and final grade.
Comprehensive semester and final exams will be given and will account for 20% of the
first and second semester grade respectively. A set of organized comprehensive notes is
essential for use in preparation for these exams. Again, students will occasionally be
allowed to use their notes on some assessments, but no notice will be given prior to the
quiz/exam.
Each student should maintain a ring binder for notes, daily work, and applied problem
papers. Notes may be taken in pen or pencil but all work that students hand in should be
done in pencil.
Parent Contact Number:
Please feel free to contact me at any time. My classroom phone number is 696-4172. If I
am in class and unable to answer the phone, I will return your call as soon as possible.
You can also contact me by e-mail at Todd.Jorgenson@k12.sd.us