Course Objectives:

Identify, recognize, and classify real numbers, as integers, rational numbers, or irrational numbers and locate their approximate positions on the real number line.
Describe the concept of variables and express unknown quantities and ranges of quantities with variables.
Apply the commutative, associative, distributive, identity, and inverse properties to simplify algebraic expressions involving polynomial, rational and radical expressions.
Evaluate and simplify algebraic expressions using the order of operations and the commutative, associative, distributive, identity, and inverse properties of real numbers.
Use the properties of integer exponents to simplify algebraic expressions, including expressions involving scientific notation.
Analyze the concept of an algebraic equation and demonstrate the meaning of a solution to the equation, including integer, non-integer rational, decimal and radical solutions.
Create and solve algebraic equations or inequalities that model application problems.
Employ properties of equality to solve linear equations in one variable and represent solution sets with appropriate notation.
Employ properties of inequality to solve linear inequalities in one variable and represent solution sets with appropriate notation and graphically.
Interpret the slope of a line as the constant rate of change of the variable on the vertical axis with respect to the change of the variable on the horizontal axis.
Use point-slope and slope-intercept forms of lines to graph linear equations in two variables.
Construct linear equations in two variables of lines given the graph, two points, or a point and the slope using the point-slope and/or slope-intercept form of the equation of a line.
Solve systems of two linear equations in two variables both algebraically (substitution and elimination/addition) and graphically.
Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and simplify polynomials.
Factor the greatest common factor the greatest common factor from a polynomial expression.
Factor quadratic binomials and trinomials with integer coefficients.
Solve quadratic equations in one variable by factoring and applying the zero product property.
Use the method of completing the square to solve quadratic equations with integer coefficients.
Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and simplify rational expressions.
Solve rational equations that simplify to linear or quadratic equations.
Evaluate square roots and solve radical equations.
Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to find side lengths of right triangles.
Use proportionality to discover side lengths of similar triangles.
Use basic formulas from geometry to calculate perimeter, area, and volume of basic figures.
Apply learned principles and skills to novel situations in addition to situations that mimic those on the homework and those shown in class.
Use mathematical language to communicate ideas, especially in writing.