NOTICE: This is an older course recorded with Adobe Connect and/or Vimeo recordings. We are currently working to replace the recordings with new Zoom recordings. Please don't hesitate to email us at homeschoolconnections@gmail.
How to be successful in Honors Algebra 2:
The goal of the course is to investigate concepts of algebra, build on what was learned in algebra 1, and lay a foundation for preCalculus and calculus study. The following are “Seven Steps to Success” to help you to get the most out of your class experience.
1) Algebra material can be rather weighty, and students may need to watch the live classes and online videos in smaller parts or view them more than once. Take your time and don’t rush through it.
2) In a typical week, a student should first watch the assigned video lessons and fill out the downloadable note sheets as you watch.
3) Then attempt the problems assigned from the textbook. Keep track of the homework problems that you can’t figure out.
The goal of the course is to investigate concepts of algebra, build on what was learned in algebra 1, and lay a foundation for preCalculus and calculus study. The following are “Seven Steps to Success” to help you to get the most out of your class experience.
1) Algebra material can be rather weighty, and students may need to watch the live classes and online videos in smaller parts or view them more than once. Take your time and don’t rush through it.
2) In a typical week, a student should first watch the assigned video lessons and fill out the downloadable note sheets as you watch.
3) Then attempt the problems assigned from the textbook. Keep track of the homework problems that you can’t figure out.
4) For the problems that you struggled with, find those concepts and re-watch that part of the lesson, paying special attention to the concepts in concern. Review your notes and watch the LIVE class videos as those are problem-solving sessions for problems that students had.
5) If you are still stuck, a quick web search may get you to the understanding you need.
6) When you have completed all the videos and homework, check your answers with the solutions provided. At the end of each answer key, there is a scale that you can use to change all of your homework scores into 10 point scores (this makes it easier for parents to grade...8/10 = 80%...).
7) You are now ready to take the test or quiz. Prepare a one-page note sheet with important facts and formulas. You should plan to spend about 30 minutes on quizzes. The tests should take about one hour.
5) If you are still stuck, a quick web search may get you to the understanding you need.
6) When you have completed all the videos and homework, check your answers with the solutions provided. At the end of each answer key, there is a scale that you can use to change all of your homework scores into 10 point scores (this makes it easier for parents to grade...8/10 = 80%...).
7) You are now ready to take the test or quiz. Prepare a one-page note sheet with important facts and formulas. You should plan to spend about 30 minutes on quizzes. The tests should take about one hour.
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Geometry is recommended but not required (Both available through Unlimited Access)
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade
Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester Math
Instructor: Thomas Frederick
Course description:
This fourteen (14) week course is the first part of a two-part series on advanced concepts in Algebra. The goal of Honors Algebra 2 (part 1) is to build upon the concepts taught in Algebra 1 and Geometry while adding new concepts to the student’s repertoire of mathematics. Algebra 2 (part 1) continues the study of linear and quadratic functions, then extends knowledge to systems of linear equations and inequalities, higher-order polynomial functions, radical functions, and nth roots. Additional topics covered include a brief introduction to matrices. Graphing calculators will be used extensively in this class.
Week 1 – Introduction to the Course, How to be Successful, Equations and Inequalities (part 1)
Week 2 – Equations and Inequalities (part 2)
Week 3 – Slope, Linear Functions, Direct Variation
Week 4 – Scatter Plots, Absolute Value, and Two Variable Inequalities
Week 5 – Systems of Equations in Two Variables
Week 6 – Systems of Equations in Three Variables
Week 7 – Graphing and Factoring Quadratic Equations
Week 8 – Solving Quadratic Equations (Factoring)
Week 9 – Solving Quadratic Equations (part 2)
Week 10 – Properties of Exponents, Graph Polynomial Functions, Operations with Polynomials
Week 11 – Factoring Polynomial Equations, Graphs of Polynomials, Write Polynomial Functions
Week 12 – Rational Exponents, Properties of Rational Exponents, Compositions of Functions
Week 13 – Inverse Functions, Graphing Square Root and Cube Root Functions, Solving Radical Equations
Week 14 – Semester Review & Exam
Course materials:
Holt McDougal Larson Algebra 2 (2007), ISBN-13: 978-0-618-92393-9 ISBN-10: 0-618-92393-4.
[A link for a FREE version of the Texas edition of the textbook can be found here. The course was designed with the Michigan edition but 99.5% of the problems are identical.]
A TI 83 or 84 Graphing Calculator *(many free apps and web sites can substitute for this)
Homework: Weekly lessons will include prerecorded videos, note sheets, practice problems, and a quiz or test. Homework questions will be assigned from the textbook along with solutions for students to self-check progress. Students will be expected to watch daily videos, complete daily homework (3-4 times per week).
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- Teacher: Thomas Frederick