Learn how to use algebra for a variety of everyday tasks like calculating the change you will get back after a purchase, analyzing relationships by graphing, and describing real-world situations in business, accounting, and science.
Algebra allows us to solve many different types of calculations by using basic formulas and steps that work regardless of the specific numbers in the problem. For example, we can use an algebraic formula to calculate a monthly payment or to pay off a loan of any size using a given interest rate.
In this course, we explore how to use standard mathematical and business formulas and how to translate verbal descriptions into mathematical equations to establish relationships and create predictions. In the later units, we explore how to use graphs to make these same predictions. You can apply the problem-solving strategies we discuss in this course to business, science, and many other fields. To succeed in this introductory course, you should know how to perform operations with real numbers, including negative numbers, fractions, and decimals. Be sure to review our Foundations of Real World Math course if you need a refresher!
- Unit 1: Number Properties
- Unit 2: Linear Equations
- Unit 3: Word Problems
- Unit 4: Inequalities
- Unit 5: Graphs of Linear Equations and Inequalities
- Unit 6: Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities
- Unit 7: Operations with Monomials
- Unit 8: Operations with Polynomials
- Unit 9: Factoring Polynomials
- Evaluate and simplify algebraic expressions;
- Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable;
- Solve systems of linear equations and inequalities;
- Solve literal equations for a given variable;
- Translate verbal phrases into algebraic (variable) expressions;
- Define percent, and solve basic percent problems;
- Apply simple interest formula to problems involving loans and savings accounts;
- Apply uniform motion formula to problems involving the motion of one or two objects;
- Solve word problems by identifying a variable and creating an equation or an inequality;
- Solve word problems by identifying two or more variables and creating a system of equations or inequalities;
- Plot points on the coordinate plane, and determine the coordinates of any point on the coordinate plane;
- Graph linear equations and inequalities in two variables on the coordinate plane;
- Calculate the slope of a line passing through two given points;
- Write an equation of a straight line in point-slope or slope-intercept form;
- Solve word problems by creating a graph of a straight line and interpreting the meaning of the slope and intercepts of the line in the context of a problem;
- Perform operations with algebraic, exponential expressions using the rules of exponents;
- Perform operations with polynomials;
- Identify polynomials that can be factored and determine the appropriate factoring strategy; and
- Identify the proper method to factor a given polynomial and use it to solve a quadratic equation.