Unit 2: Absolute Value Equations & Inequalities 

The big ideas of this unit are creating, rewriting, rearranging, graphing, comparing, solving, and exploring key features and average rate of change of absolute value equations & inequalities.  The main essential standards are California specific standards A-REI.3.1 & A-CED.1 with its California addition.  "...students continue to develop their understanding of solving equations as solving for values of such that f(x)=g(x), now including combinations of linear, polynomial, rational, radical, absolute value, and exponential functions (A-REI.11)." [CA Framework, emphasis added, grayed items in future units.]  By creating linear & absolute value systems, absolute value equations/inequalities can be compared & contrasted with linear equations/inequalities to create an opportunity for reengagement in those standards from Algebra 1 after a year of Geometry.  Doing them early in the school year, Unit 2, allows them to be brought back in Units 3, 4 & 5 where other systems can be explored.  Absolute value functions also appear in other connecting standards of A-CED.2 & F-IF.7 and on the SBAC.  These two connecting standards can be explored further for added depth, time permitting.

Linear/absoulte value systems is a reengagement of linear functions meant to aid in the comparing and contrasting of absolute value equations & inequalities with linear equations to see what makes them unique.  NOTE: THIS IS NOT A UNIT ON LINEAR EQUATIONS.  Any released items regarding linear equations are simply provided to get a feel for the types of activites students should be doing with absolute value equations and inequalities when not done as a part of a linear/absolute value system.  Any review of basic skills can be embedded in solving absolute value equations & inequalities and systems.