Algebra II Honors Syllabus

Course description (from the MVRHS Course Catalog)

Prerequisite:  A grade of 80% or above in Honors Geometry or recommendation of the department.

"A challenging and complete study of Algebra II. Topics include a variety of functions, linear functions and representation of data, modeling with linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions, conic sections. The students will also be exposed to matrices, complex numbers, and the binomial theorem. The course also includes extensive study of right triangle and circular function trigonometry."

Please note that divisions by quarter are estimates.

First quarter

Ramp-up

Solving one-step algebra problems: review

Solving multi-step algebra problems: review

Sequences

Chapter 1: Data and Linear Representations

Tables and graphs of linear equations

Slopes and intercepts

Linear equations in two variables

Direct variation and proportion

Scatter plots and least square lines

Solving absolute-value equations and inequalities

Chapter 2: Numbers and functions

Operations with numbers (including invented operations)

Properties of exponents

Introduction to functions

Operations with functions

Inverses of functions

Special functions

Second quarter

Chapter 3: Systems of linear equations and inequalities

Solving systems by graphing, substitution and elimination

Linear inequalities in two variables

Systems of linear inequalities

Chapter 4: Matrices (optional)

Using matrices to represent data

Matrix multiplication

The inverse of a matrix

Solving systems with matrix equations

Using matrix row operations

Chapter 5: Quadratic functions

Introduction to quadratic functions

Introduction to solving quadratic functions

Completing the square

The quadratic formula

Quadratic equations and complex numbers

Curve fitting with quadratic models

Solving quadratic inequalities

Third quarter

Chapter 6: Exponential and logarithmic functions

Exponential growth and decay

Exponential functions

Logarithmic functions

Properties of logarithmic functions

Applications of logarithmic functions

The natural base, e

Solving equations and modeling

Chapter 7: Polynomial functions

An introduction to polynomials

Products and factors of polynomials

Solving polynomial equations

Zeros of polynomial functions

Chapter 8: Rational functions and radical functions

Rational functions and domains of rational functions

Rational functions and their graphs

Multiplying and dividing rational expressions

Adding and subtracting rational expressions

Solving rational equations and inequalities

Radical expressions and radical functions

Simplifying radical expressions

Solving radical equations and inequalities

Fourth quarter

SAT prep

Chapter 10: Counting principals and probability (TBD)

Introduction to probability

Permutations

Combinations

Using addition with probability

Independent and dependent events

Chapter 13: Trigonometric functions

Right angle trigonometry

Angles of rotation

Trigonometric functions of any angle

Radian measure and arc length

Graphing trigonometric functions

Inverses of trigonometric functions

Chapter 14: Further topics in trigonometry

The law of sines

The law of cosines

Fundamental trigonometric identities

Sum and difference identities

Double-angle and half-angle equations

Solving trigonometric equations

Copyright 2005-9 Kris Wm. Chvatal.  May not be reproduced without consent.