College Prep Algebra 1 Syllabus The following is a guide for the general topics that will be covered in class this year. The Roman numerals in the left column approximate the quarter that the corresponding topics will be covered. Note: This syllabus is not set in stone and does not include all topics or assessments. I. Chapter 1: Variables, Function Patterns, and Graphs Variables Order of operations Real numbers Scatter plots Measures of central tendency I. Chapter 2: Rational Numbers Operations with real numbers Distributive property Probability II. Chapter 3: Solving Equations Two-step equations Multi-step equations Ratios and proportions with similar figures Problem solving Percent of change Pythagorean Theorem II. Chapter 4: Solving Inequalities Graphs of inequalities Solving multi-step inequalites Absolute value equations and inequalities
II. Chapter 5: Graphs and Functions Relating graphs to events Definition of function Function rules through tables, graphs, and equations Direct and indirect variation III. Chapter 6: Linear Equations and Their Graphs Rate of change and slope Slope-intercept form Standard form Point-slope form Parallel and Perpendicular lines Graphing absolute value equations III. Chapter 7: Systems of Equations and Inequalities Solving systems: graphing, substitution, elimination Applications of linear systems Linear inequalities Systems of linear inequalities IV. Chapter 8: Exponents and Exponential Functions Zero and negative exponents Scientific notation Properties of exponents Geometric sequences Exponential growth and decay IV. Chapter 9: Polynomials and Factoring Adding and subtracting polynomials Multiplying polynomials Techniques for factoring binomials and trinomials
IV. Chapter 10: Quadratic Equations and Functions Quadratic graphs Solving quadratic equations: factoring, completing the square, quadratic formula Using the discriminant IV. Chaper 11: Radical Expressions and Equations Simplifying radicals Operations with radicals Solving radical equations Trigonometric rations Angles of elevation and depression IV. Chapter 12: Rational Expressions and Functions Graphing rational functions Simplifying rational expressions Operations with rational expressions Solving rational equations Probability: counting, permutations, combinations
College Prep Algebra 1 Course Expectations Nick Gildow nwg11@scasd.org Course Description Successful completion of this course will prepare you for Algebra 2 and Geometry. This year we will be studying a variety of topics including linear functions, factoring, systems of equations and inequalities, and rational expressions. Tools of the trade Students will be assigned a graphing calculator, which should be brought to class daily along with a pen or a pencil and a notebook. The textbook and homework worksheets are available online via the course SCoodle page. Grading Quarter, semester, and course grades will be based on total points. Grades will be updated on a regular basis. In order to receive full credit on assignments all steps and work, required to reach the answer, must be shown. Homework Homework will be assigned most nights. Homework will NOT be checked for completion on a regular basis, but there will be frequent, unannounced homework quizzes that will assess students understanding of the concepts that are covered on daily homework assignments. Quizzes and Classwork Quizzes will be given generally once or twice a week. Small quizzes, 15 points or less, may be unannounced. Larger quizzes will be announced in advance. Classwork will be given occasionally and will consist of assignments that are to be worked on during the class period and sometimes finished at home. For some classwork assignments you may be asked to work in a group. Classwork assignments may be collected and graded. Tests Tests will be given at the end of each major topic. There are generally one or two tests per nine-week grading period.
Participation As members of this class, students are expected to be active participants. The following are ways to participate in class effectively: 1. Attend class on time 2. Attend class prepared (pen/pencil, notebook, calculator, book, homework completed) 3. Take notes during class instruction 4. Be prepared to ask questions during class on the previous night s homework or on the lesson. 5. Listen actively and respectfully to all members of the class 6. Make contributions to class discussions and throughout the lesson. Academic Honesty Students are expected to complete all assignments individually unless group work is specifically permitted. You may get help or tutored on homework assignments. Notebooks Students will be expected to keep organized notes. If absent on a given day, you are responsible for getting the notes that you missed. Generally, daily notes are posted on the course web site. Absences Students must get a pass from the office to show teachers on the day of return from an absence. (Don t let your teachers steal this pass!) Students also need a pass from the office if arriving late to class. Please email me at school by 3PM on the day that you are absent so that I can tell you what was covered and what homework was assigned. Check-in with me before class on the day that you return.! Assignments missed because of excused absences must be handed within the number of days equivalent to the number of days absent. Questions/Concerns If at anytime during the year you have concerns about the class, academic or otherwise, please feel free to discuss them with me. Finally I hope that everyone has an excellent school year, especially in math class! Let me know if you have any suggestions as to how to make it better. -Nick