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Course Overview

In this course, students connect physical, verbal, and symbolic representations of the real number system; investigate properties including closure; demonstrate fluency in computations with real numbers; solve and graph linear equations and inequalities.  Students use formulas to solve problems including exponential growth and decay; add, subtract, multiply, and divide monomials and polynomials; and solve quadratic equations with real roots by graphing, formula, and factoring.  Students define functions, determine slope, calculate distance, and draw graphs of linear equations using slope, y-intercept, parallel, and perpendicular lines; determine the characteristics of linear, quadratic, and exponential functions; solve systems of linear equations involving two variables graphically and symbolically; simplify and compute with rational and radical expressions; model and solve problem situations involving direct and indirect variation.  They describe and interpret rates of change from graphical and numerical data; find, use, and interpret measures of center and spread to compare and draw conclusions about data; evaluate the appropriateness of data collection and analysis; and identify possible misuses of statistical data.  They use counting techniques and the Fundamental Counting Principal to determine possible outcomes, compute probabilities of compound events, independent events, and simple dependent events; and make predictions based on theoretical probabilities and experimental results.  Students define basic trigonometric ratios in right triangles and apply proportions to solve problems involving right triangle trigonometry.

In Algebra I, you will begin your journey to learn mathematical and theoretical concepts which lay the foundation to take more advanced math classes, both in high school and beyond. Mathematics knowledge is built in steps and Algebra I is one of its building blocks. With mastery of Algebra I skills, you will have a solid foundation to pursue many different paths and further your knowledge of mathematics.

EXPRESSIONS, VARIABLES, AND PROPERTIES


Unit Overview
This unit will lay the foundation for the studies of Algebra.  In this unit, you will be introduced to algebraic terminology, sets of numbers, and most importantly, identify the properties of addition and multiplication, which are extensively used in solving algebraic equations.


Sets of Numbers


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  Numbers and Numberlines (05:28)

Stop!  Go to Questions #1-4 about this section, then return to continue on to the next section.


Order of Operations


Quicktime_Video_Icon  Order of Operations (10:50)


Practice:

question1To evaluate the expression 6[9 + 2(15 – 8)], what is the first step?

6[9 + 2(7)] Parentheses first.

"Click here" to check the answer.

question1What will the next step be?

6(9 +14) Multiply before adding.

"Click here" to check the answer.



question1What will the next step be?

6(23) Parentheses first.

"Click here" to check the answer.


question1What is the final answer?

138

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You will continue to use the order of operations throughout the remainder of this unit and throughout any other mathematics courses you continue to take.

Stop!  Go to Questions #5-11 about this section, then return to continue on to the next section.


Introduction to Variables and Expressions


Practice:

question1What must be done first to evaluate the following expression?

Substitute 2 in for "a", 3 in for "b", and 8 in for "c".

"Click here" to check the answer.

question1What is the next step in calculating ?

Multiply.

"Click here" to check the answer.



question1What is the next step in calculating ?

Multiply in the numerator of the fraction.

"Click here" to check the answer.



question1What is the next step in calculating ?

Simplify the numerator and denominator of the fraction.

"Click here" to check the answer.



question1What is the next step in calculating ?

Divide before subtracting.

"Click here" to check the answer.



question1What is the final answer for 36 – 2?

34

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As you become more familiar with evaluating expressions, you will be able to perform more than one operation per step.  For example, in the example above it would have been okay in step 2 to also multiply 2 and 3.  Again you will be able to do this after more practice.

Stop!   Go to Questions #12-17 about this section, then return to continue on to the next section.


Parts of an Algebraic Expression


question1What is the third term?

13

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question1Which terms of the expression 5x + 6xz + 13 are variable terms?

5x and 6xz

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question1Name another coefficient in the expression 5x + 6xz + 13.

6

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Stop!  Go to Questions #18-24 about this section, then return to continue on to the next section.


Properties of Real Numbers


In the previous section, you learned how to translate verbal phrases into algebraic sentences.  You were able to do this because of mathematical properties.  In this section, you will study these properties that you will use in future units to solve equations.


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The Commutative Properties of Addition and Multiplication (02:21) 


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Three's a Crowd: Working with Two Numbers at a Time (00:51) 

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The Associative Properties of Addition and Multiplication (00:46) 



Operation:   An operation is a process such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, or square root that is performed in a specified sequence and in accordance with specific rules.


Study the figures below to review the closure property.



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Algebraic Properties (10:14) 

Stop!
 
Go to Questions #25-33 to complete this unit.




Below are additional educational resources and activities for this unit.
 
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
 
Order of Operations