Algebra Essentials

The aim of Essentials is to teach students the essential algebraic skills of a traditional course at a slightly slower pace. The course content includes operations with positive and negative numbers, monomials and polynomials, systems of equations and applications through story problems.

Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra

Required Text: Merrill Algebra Essentials

Topics to be covered

The Language of Algebra

Adding and Subtracting Rational Numbers

Multiplying and Dividing Rational Numbers

Inequalities

Polynomials

Factoring

Trinomial Factoring

Fractions

Functions and Graphs

Lines and Slopes

Systems of Open Sentences

Squares and Square Roots

Quadratics

Applications of Fractions

Statistics and Probability

Expectations:

All assignments will be done in pencil.

A three ring binder will be kept of every section on each chapter.

Be prepared to work when class begins.

Contribute positively to the learning environment in the classroom.

Originate mathematics to everyday life.

Materials Needed for Class:

Textbook

Three ring binder (1 ½" or 2")

Pencil and eraser

Calculator (Texas Instruments: TI; 30, 34, 36)

Graph paper

Ruler

Course Specifics:

There will be a math assignment everyday.

I will collect every math assignment you do.

Homework math assignments will average into one quiz grade.

Any assignment with five (5) or less than five (5) incorrect will count one extra credit point.

Any missing assignments will be given a zero (0).

Fifty extra credit points will be given if all homework is turned in on time.

There will be a quiz or a test once a week.

Quizzes may be announced or unannounced.

Every quiz will count for one grade.

I will drop your lowest quiz.

Every test will count for two grades.

A first and second semester exam will be given.

A quarterly progress report will be given to all students.

Make up work: Students are responsible for making up all missed work. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out the assignment missed and turn them in on the new due date. (You have one day for each day missed) If the absence is pre-arranged, you are responsible to get the assignments before the absence and turn them in the day you return.