Algebra 2

The purpose of the course is to extend students’ understanding of functions and the real numbers, and to increase the tools students have for modeling the real world. They extend their notion of number to include complex numbers and see how the introduction of this set of numbers allows the solutions of polynomial equations and the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra. Students deepen their understanding of the concepts of functions, and apply equations solving and function concepts to many different types of functions. The system of polynomial functions, analogous to the integers, is extended to the field of rational functions, analogous to the rational numbers. Students explore the relationship between exponential functions and their inverses, the logarithmic functions. Trigonometric functions are extended to all real numbers, and their graphs and properties are studied. Finally, students’ statistics knowledge is extended to understanding the normal distribution, and they are challenged to make inferences based on sampling, experiments, and observational studies. The standards in the traditional Algebra II course come from the following conceptual categories: Modeling, Functions, Number and Quantity, Algebra, and Statistics and Probability. The topics presented in this course are weaved together throughout the year through rich instructional experiences.