Algebra I is an introductory course for ninth grade students to transition them from middle school to high school mathematics. Pathfinder follows the Model Algebra 1 Traditional Pathway from the Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum Frameworks which emphasizes that Algebra 1 focus on the following 4 areas:

(1) deepen and extend understanding of linear and exponential relationships;

(2) contrast linear and exponential relationships with each other and engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions;

(3) extend the laws of exponents to square and cube roots;

(4) apply linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend.

(Click here to read more about the Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum Frameworks.)

Learning Targets Students will be able to...

• Solve one-step equations in one variable using addition and subtraction.

• Solve one-step equations in one variable using multiplication and division.

• Solve two-step equations in one variable.

• Solve multi-step equations in one variable.

• Solve equations in one variable that contain variables on both sides.

• Solve equations in one variable that contain absolute-value expressions.

Learning Targets Students will be able to...

• Identify solutions to inequalities in one variable.

• Write and graph inequalities in one variable.

• Solve one-step inequalities in one variable using add and subtract.

• Solve one-step inequalities in one variable using multiply and divide.

• Solve multi-step inequalities in one-variable.

• Solve inequalities in one variable with variable terms on both sides

• Solve compound inequalities in one variable.

• Graph solution sets of compound inequalities in one variable.

• Solve inequalities in one variable that contain absolute-value expressions.

Learning Targets Students will be able to...

• Write an equation in function notation and evaluate for given input values.

• Graph functions given a limited domain.

• Graph functions given a domain of all real numbers.

• Create and interpret scatter plots.

• Use trend lines to make predictions.

• Identify and interpret correlation.

• Recognize and extend arithmetic sequences.

• Recognize and extend geometric sequences.

• Find a given term in an arithmetic sequence.

• Find a given term in a geometric sequence.

Learning Targets Students will be able to...

• Find x- and y-intercepts and interpret their meaning in real-world problems.

• Use the x- and y-intercepts to graph lines.

• Find rates of change and slopes from graphs or tables.

• Find slope using the slope formula.

• Graph a line using slope-intercept form.

• Write linear equations in slope-intercept form.

• Write a linear equation given two points.

• Identify parallel and perpendicular lines.

• Write equations to describe lines parallel and perpendicular to a given line.

Learning Targets Students will be able to...

• Identify solutions of systems of linear equations in two variables.

• Solve systems of linear equations in two variables by graphing.

• Solve systems of linear equations in two variables by substitution.

• Solve systems of linear equations in two variables by elimination.

• Compare and choose an appropriate method for solving systems of linear equation.

• Solve special systems of linear equations in two variables.

• Classify systems of linear equations and determine the number of solutions.

• Graph and solve linear inequalities in two variables.

• Graph and solve systems of linear inequalities in two variables.

Learning Targets Students will be able to...

• Evaluate expressions containing zero and integer exponents.

• Simplify expressions containing zero and integer exponents.

• Evaluate and multiply by powers of 10.

• Convert between standard notation and scientific notation.

• Use multiplication properties of exponents to evaluate and simplify expressions.

• Use division properties to evaluate and simplify expressions.

• Classify polynomials and write in standard form.

• Evaluate polynomial expressions.

• Add and subtract polynomials.

• Multiply polynomials.

• Find special products of binomials.