Course Description:
* 1 credit
* Prerequisite: To help ensure success in Algebra II, students must have earned a grade of C- or above in Algebra I and Geometry. Students who receive a passing grade below a C- in either Algebra I and Geometry may register for Algebra II upon demonstrating successful performance (grade of C- or above) on a placement test and/or consent of both the Algebra I and Geometry instructors.
* Required Materials: TI-83+ graphics calculator, 3 ring binder with loose-leaf paper, compass, protractor and ruler with metric and English units
* The topics in this course are an extension of those covered in Algebra 1. Concepts covered include linear sentences and systems, matrices and matrix algebra, relations, radicals, quadratics, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial and rational functions. Problem solving and real life applications are continuous themes throughout the course. Technology is used to investigate and verify algebraic findings. A TI-83+ graphics calculator can be contracted out to the student for the duration of the course. As long as the calculator is returned in working order with a package of 4AAA batteries, there is no cost to the student for the use of the calculator.
Want to see a copy of the TI calculator contract?
Want to see a copy of Mrs.Fish's Algebra II syllabus?
For an online tutor and to find an aid for studying, visit classzone.com, a site designed by the makers of our textbook. This is a tutoring site that corresponds with your child's textbook. Click on your student's book to get started. We have the 2007 copy of each book.
Chapter Descriptions: (Time spent on each chapter varies depending on abilities of class)
Chapter 1: Equations and Inequalities
6-7 Days
This chapter is the foundation of algebra skills. It goes through the different categories of real numbers and the properties that go along with them. It also goes through linear equations and inequalities.
Chapter 2: Linear Equations and Functions
11-13 Days
This chapter covers the graphing of linear functions and inequalities. It also investigates scatter plots and best-fit lines.
Chapter 3: Linear Systems and Matrices
9-13 Days
This chapter is almost two chapters in one. The first half of the chapter deals with solving systems of equations and using the three-dimensional coordinate system. The second half of the chapter deals with matrices and their operations. At the end of the chapter we use our matrix operations to solve systems of equations, which brings the whole chapter together.
Chapter 4: Quadratic Functions and Factoring
11-14 Days
This chapter covers many topics that go along with quadratic functions. It shows three different ways to graph a quadratic function. It shows five ways to solve a quadratic equation. It shows how to graph and solve quadratic inequalities. Also in this chapter, complex (imaginary) numbers are introduced.
During this chapter, students use their graphing calculators and a CBL motion detector to find the equation of the path of a bouncy ball.
Chapter 5: Polynomials and Polynomial Functions
13-15 Days
This chapter shows several concepts that go with polynomials. It revisits properties of exponents and operations with polynomials. It also shows how to find the zeros of a polynomial function and sketch its graph.
Chapter 6: Rational Exponents and Radical Functions
7-8 Days
This chapter covers the same concepts as in chapter 5, but with radical (square root) functions. It also covers the properties of exponents, but this time the exponents are rational (fractions).
Chapter 7: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
About 8 Days
This chapter introduces the real number e. It also introduces logarithms and their properties. Students learn how to solve exponential and logarithmic equations, and they also learn how to graph exponential and logarithmic functions.
Chapter 8: Rational Functions (if time allows)
8-10 Days for entire chapter
This chapter deals with both simple and complicated rational functions. Students do operations with rational expressions, solve rational equations, and graph rational functions.
* If time is still available, we do a wide variety sections from chapters 9-12.