Course Description
This comprehensive Algebra course guides students from foundational concepts to advanced mathematical applications, covering topics from Algebra 1 through Algebra 2. Students will explore everything from basic operations and solving equations to advanced functions, polynomials, rational expressions, radicals, exponents, sequences, and trigonometry.
Course Information
- Course Code: MATH 101
- Course Title: Algebra 101
- Department: Mathematics
- Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra 96 or equivalent
- Course Length: 16 Weeks
Learning Outcomes
- Understand and manipulate variables, expressions, and equations
- Solve linear and quadratic equations and inequalities
- Graph linear, quadratic, and other fundamental functions
- Perform operations with polynomials, rational expressions, and radicals
- Apply exponents, exponential, and logarithmic rules to problem-solving
- Analyze and solve systems of equations and inequalities
- Interpret and apply sequences, series, and basic probability/statistics concepts
Course Units
Unit 1 — Foundations of Algebra
This unit introduces the fundamental building blocks of algebra, including variables, expressions, order of operations, and properties of real numbers. Students learn to simplify expressions and develop a strong foundation for solving equations and understanding mathematical relationships.
Unit 2 — Solving Equations & Inequalities
Students learn techniques to solve linear and multi-step equations, including those with variables on both sides. This unit also covers inequalities, compound inequalities, and absolute value equations, preparing students to model and solve real-world problems algebraically.
Unit 3 — Graphing & Functions
This unit covers graphing points on the coordinate plane, understanding the concept of a function, and interpreting function notation. Students learn to graph linear equations and inequalities, explore slope concepts, and begin analyzing the relationship between algebraic and graphical representations.
Unit 4 — Systems of Equations & Inequalities
Students explore methods for solving systems of equations, including graphing, substitution, and elimination. The unit emphasizes problem-solving and applications, introducing systems of inequalities and real-world scenarios that require algebraic modeling.
Unit 5 — Polynomials & Factoring
This unit introduces polynomials, their operations, and factoring techniques. Students learn to add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomials, apply special product rules, and factor trinomials and other special cases, building skills to solve quadratic equations efficiently.
Unit 6 — Quadratic Functions & Equations
Students study quadratic functions and equations, exploring their graphs, vertex, and axis of symmetry. Techniques for solving quadratics, including factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula, are covered, along with an introduction to complex numbers and transformations of quadratic functions.
Unit 7 — Advanced Polynomial Functions
This unit focuses on higher-degree polynomials, their graphs, end behavior, and turning points. Students learn the Remainder and Factor Theorems, synthetic division, and the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, preparing them to analyze and solve more complex polynomial equations.
Unit 8 — Rational Expressions & Functions
Students simplify, multiply, divide, add, and subtract rational expressions. The unit covers solving rational equations, identifying extraneous solutions, and graphing rational functions, including asymptotes and intercepts, with applications to real-world algebraic problems.
Unit 9 — Radicals & Rational Exponents
This unit explores radicals and rational exponents, teaching students to simplify and perform operations with radicals. Students solve radical equations and graph radical functions, deepening their understanding of algebraic relationships involving roots and fractional exponents.
Unit 10 — Exponents, Exponential & Logarithmic Functions
Students apply the laws of exponents, explore exponential functions, and model growth and decay. The unit introduces logarithms, their properties, and solving exponential and logarithmic equations, highlighting applications in science, finance, and real-world problem solving.
Unit 11 — Sequences & Series
This unit covers arithmetic and geometric sequences and series, including infinite geometric series. Students learn formulas for sums, explore patterns, and apply the Binomial Theorem to expand powers of binomials, connecting algebraic concepts to broader mathematical structures.
Unit 12 — Conic Sections
Students study circles, parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas, analyzing their equations and key features. Applications of conic sections in geometry and real-world contexts are emphasized, bridging algebraic manipulation and geometric visualization.
Unit 13 — Linear & Nonlinear Systems
This unit examines both linear and nonlinear systems of equations and inequalities. Students solve these systems algebraically and graphically, apply problem-solving strategies, and explore mixed and advanced real-world scenarios requiring algebraic reasoning.
Unit 14 — Probability & Statistics
Students explore basic probability, counting principles, and combinatorics. Descriptive statistics, probability distributions, and expected values are covered, enabling students to interpret data, make predictions, and connect algebraic reasoning with statistical concepts.
Unit 15 — Trigonometry
Introduces fundamental trigonometric concepts, including angles, the unit circle, and trigonometric functions. Students learn to graph functions, solve basic trigonometric equations, and apply identities to solve problems, preparing for advanced algebraic and pre-calculus studies.
Unit 16 — Advanced Trigonometry
This unit covers the Law of Sines and Cosines, sum/difference formulas, double and half-angle identities, and advanced trigonometric equations. Students apply these concepts to real-world and mathematical problems, strengthening algebraic reasoning and pre-calculus readiness.
Unit 1 — Foundations of Algebra
Unit 2 — Solving Equations & Inequalities
Unit 3 — Graphing & Functions
- Unit 3 Index
- The Coordinate Plane and Graphing Points
- Introduction to Functions (input/output, function notation)
- Graphing Linear Equations
- Slope of a Line (rise over run, slope formula)
- Slope-Intercept Form 𑦠= ð‘šð‘¥ + ð‘
- Point-Slope Form of a Line
- Graphing Linear Inequalities
- Compositions of Functions
Unit 4 — Systems of Equations & Inequalities
Unit 5 — Polynomials & Factoring
- Unit 5 Index
- Introduction to Polynomials
- Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
- Multiplying Polynomials (distributive property, FOIL)
- Special Products (squares, difference of squares)
- Dividing Polynomials (long division, synthetic division)
- Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
- Factoring Trinomials
- Factoring Special Cases (difference of squares, perfect square trinomial)
- Solving Quadratic Equations by Factoring
Unit 6 — Quadratic Functions & Equations
- Unit 6 Index
- Graphing Quadratic Functions (parabolas, vertex, axis of symmetry)
- Solving Quadratics by Square Roots
- Completing the Square
- Quadratic Formula and the Discriminant
- Applications of Quadratics (projectiles, area problems)
- Complex Numbers (introduction, operations)
- Solving Quadratic Equations with Complex Roots
- Transformations of Quadratic Functions
Unit 7 — Advanced Polynomial Functions
Unit 8 — Rational Expressions & Functions
Unit 9 — Radicals & Rational Exponents
Unit 10 — Exponents, Exponential & Logarithmic Functions
- Unit 10 Index
- Laws of Exponents (product, quotient, power rules)
- Negative and Zero Exponents
- Scientific Notation
- Exponential Functions and Graphs
- Exponential Growth and Decay
- Introduction to Logarithms
- Laws of Logarithms
- Solving Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
- Applications of Exponential & Logarithmic Models
Unit 11 — Sequences & Series
Unit 12 — Conic Sections
Unit 13 — Linear & Nonlinear Systems
- Unit 13 Index
- Lesson 75: Introduction to Systems of Equations
- Lesson 76: Solving Linear Systems by Graphing
- Lesson 77: Solving Linear Systems Algebraically (Substitution & Elimination)
- Lesson 78: Applications of Linear Systems
- Lesson 79: Introduction to Nonlinear Systems
- Lesson 80: Solving Nonlinear Systems Algebraically
- Lesson 81: Solving Nonlinear Systems Graphically
- Lesson 82: Applications of Nonlinear Systems
- Lesson 83: Mixed Systems and Advanced Problems
- Solving Real-World Problems with Nonlinear Systems
Unit 14 — Probability & Statistics
- Unit 14 Index
- Introduction to Probability
- Counting Principles and Combinatorics
- Probability Rules (addition, multiplication)
- Independent and Dependent Events
- Random Variables and Expected Value
- Descriptive Statistics (mean, median, mode, range, vce, standard deviation)
- Probability Distributions (binomial, normal)
Unit 15 — Introduction to Trigonometry
Unit 16 — Advanced Trigonometry (Pre-Calc)
- Unit 16 Index
- Law of Sines
- Law of Cosines
- Sum and Difference Formulas
- Double-Angle and Half-Angle Identities
- Applications of Advanced Trigonometry
- Solving Trigonometric Equations
- Applications of Trigonometry
- Trigonometric Identities Review
- Advanced Trigonometric Equations
- Advanced Trigonometric Applications
- Lesson 107: Trigonometry Review & Summary
Assessment Structure
- Unit Quizzes
- Proof Writing Assessments
- Problem-Solving Exams
- Midterm Examination
- Cumulative Final Examination
Pathway Progression
Algebra 101 prepares students for all higher mathematics including Geometry 105, Trigonometry 110, Pre-Calculus 115, Calculus 120, Discrete Mathematics 125, Linear Algebra 130, and Statistics 135.
