Algebra 2
2022-2023 Tentative Course Overview
This syllabus is subject to revision
2022-2023 Tentative Course Overview
This syllabus is subject to revision
Course Goals and Contents:
Algebra 2 provides a deeper immersion into the study of a wide range of functions, their characteristics, their solution methods,
and their graphs. The course examines the qualities and importance of irrational and imaginary numbers, as well as fractional
and negative exponents, and how they can be manipulated and simplified. The basic principles and methods of trigonometry are
introduced, along with real-world applications and hands-on instruction in the use of surveying equipment. From a broader perspective, Algebra 2 is a training ground for precise and effective analytical thinking.
Topic Areas:
Pre-requisites:
Students shall be proficient in the skills listed in the Algebra 1 course description.
Typical Class Session:
Review: Homework is assigned at the end of each class session. At the start of the following session the teacher provides a short review and then offers to work through problems the students may not have been able to solve.
Homework is collected.
New Instruction: New content is presented with discussion, questions, and whiteboard examples. Students participate in solving additional problems at the whiteboard and at their desks.
Hands-On Activity: One of the following is typically done: math puzzles, math games, mechanical drafting problems and other
math challenges. Students may work individually or in groups. During the trigonometry portion of the course students will have
hands-on experience with surveying equipment. They will set up and level the equipment, take readings, and produce an accurate map from the collected data.
Quiz: A very short quiz provides a quick assessment of the student’s grasp of the new material.
Homework: Homework on the new material is assigned. Students are given a few minutes to begin the assignment.
Grading:
20% for classroom participation, 20% for homework completion, and 60% for quizzes.
Required Materials:
Text: Houghton Mifflin’s Algebra and Trigonometry: Book 2 by Brown, Dolciani, Sorgenfrey and Kane. ISBN 0-395-67610-X
Calculator: Texas Instruments Model TI-30XS
Algebra 2 provides a deeper immersion into the study of a wide range of functions, their characteristics, their solution methods,
and their graphs. The course examines the qualities and importance of irrational and imaginary numbers, as well as fractional
and negative exponents, and how they can be manipulated and simplified. The basic principles and methods of trigonometry are
introduced, along with real-world applications and hands-on instruction in the use of surveying equipment. From a broader perspective, Algebra 2 is a training ground for precise and effective analytical thinking.
Topic Areas:
- Linear and quadratic functions: Characterizing and solving functions; combining and shifting functions.
- Fractional and negative exponents: applying the principles of fractional and negative exponents to find solutions.
- Radicals: Simplifying radicals; adding and multiplying radicals; domain of radical expressions.
- Complex numbers: Powers of ‘i’; addition, subtraction and multiplication of complex numbers.
- Polynomials: Products and factors of polynomials; solving polynomials by factoring.
- Rational expressions: Simplifying rational expressions; domain of rational expressions.
- Trigonometry: Basic trigonometric functions; graphs of sin/cos/tan; trigonometric identities; trigonometric applications for finding unknown lengths.
- Quadratic equations: Completing the square; deriving and applying the quadratic formula.
Pre-requisites:
Students shall be proficient in the skills listed in the Algebra 1 course description.
Typical Class Session:
Review: Homework is assigned at the end of each class session. At the start of the following session the teacher provides a short review and then offers to work through problems the students may not have been able to solve.
Homework is collected.
New Instruction: New content is presented with discussion, questions, and whiteboard examples. Students participate in solving additional problems at the whiteboard and at their desks.
Hands-On Activity: One of the following is typically done: math puzzles, math games, mechanical drafting problems and other
math challenges. Students may work individually or in groups. During the trigonometry portion of the course students will have
hands-on experience with surveying equipment. They will set up and level the equipment, take readings, and produce an accurate map from the collected data.
Quiz: A very short quiz provides a quick assessment of the student’s grasp of the new material.
Homework: Homework on the new material is assigned. Students are given a few minutes to begin the assignment.
Grading:
20% for classroom participation, 20% for homework completion, and 60% for quizzes.
Required Materials:
Text: Houghton Mifflin’s Algebra and Trigonometry: Book 2 by Brown, Dolciani, Sorgenfrey and Kane. ISBN 0-395-67610-X
Calculator: Texas Instruments Model TI-30XS