Algebra Overview

Our school year will be broken down into nine different math units.

1. Equations - In this unit we will learn the properties of equality, order of operations, and a processes for solving one variable equations with and without technology.
2. Representation of Functions - In this unit students will learn function notation, how to determine the domain and range of functions and inequalities, and graphing of functions in the coordinate plane.
3. Slope, Direct Variation & Arithmetic Sequences - In this unit we will learn how linear relationships can be represented by functions. We will further extend the concepts of the slope of a function and the y-intercept, specifically looking at the form of y=mx + b where m is the slope of the function and b is the y-intercept. They will also learn that a recursive rule is used to generate an arithmetic sequence.
4. Forms of Linear Functions, Inequalities & Regressions - In this unit the students will learn that there are multiple forms of functions including specific ones for parallel and perpendicular lines. They will learn inequalities of have 0 or infinite solutions, and they will learn about processes to determine regressions and correlation coefficients.
5. Exponential Relationships & Radicals -In this unit we will work on the scientific notation of numbers, real numbers and subsets of the real numbers including irrational numbers. We will also work on taking the square root of non-perfect square numbers, simple and compound interest, and the laws of exponents.
6. Graphing Quadratic Functions - In this unit the students will learn the attributes of quadratic equations, that y = x^2 is the parent quadratic equation, that you can stretch or shift a quadratic equation by changing the parameter of the equation and how to use a calculator with quadratic equations.
7. Polynomial Operations and Factoring - The students will learn to add, subtract and multiply polynomials of degree one and two. They will learn to determine the quotient of polynomial long division, and they will learn to factor quadratic polynomials.
8. Solving Quadratic Equations - In this unit students will learn that quadratic equations have zero, one or two solutions, finding solutions to quadratics by factoring is not always possible, and quadratic formula always works to find solutions.
9. Graphs and Statistics - In this unit students will learn that the characteristics of data distribution can be described using verbal, numeric and graphical representations, graphs can be described by their shape, outliers are the data points that do not fit the trend, and what a ‘normal distribution’ is.

We will be taking the Algebra STAAR test on May 7th.

Here is a link to the specific Algebra standards that will be covered in the above units and assessed on the STAAR test: Algebra TEKS