Academics

Pre-Algebra Course Outline

The Pre-Algebra course completes the student’s instruction in arithmetic. Students will learn how to work with factors and multiples. The application of percentage and ratios to financial problems will be covered. Algebraic notation and concepts will be introduced in a formal way. This course uses Pre-Algebra by Larson, Boswell, Kanold, & Stiff.

Semester I

Chapter 1: Variables, Expressions, and Integers

  • expressions and variables
  • powers and exponents
  • order of operations
  • comparing and ordering integers
  • adding and subtracting integers
  • multiplying and dividing integers
  • the coordinate plane

Chapter 2: Solving Equations

  • properties and operations
  • the distributive property
  • simplifying expressions
  • variables and equations
  • solving equations
  • decimal operations

Chapter 3: Multi-Step Equations and Inequalities

  • solving two-step equations
  • solving with like terms
  • solving inequalities

Chapter 4: Factors, Fractions, and Exponents

  • factors and prime factorization
  • greatest common factors and least common multiples
  • equivalent fractions
  • rules of exponents
  • negative and zero exponents
  • scientific notation

Chapter 5: Rational Numbers and Equations

  • rational numbers
  • adding and subtracting fractions
  • multiplying and dividing fractions
  • multiplicative inverses
  • equations with inequalities and rational numbers

Semester II

Chapter 6: Ratio, Proportion, and Probability

  • ratios and rates
  • solving proportions
  • similar and congruent figures
  • scale drawings
  • probability and odds
  • the counting principle

Chapter 7: Percent

  • percents, fractions, and proportions
  • decimals
  • percent change
  • percent applications
  • simple and compound interest

Chapter 8: Linear Functions

  • relations and functions
  • linear equations
  • intercepts and slopes
  • writing linear equations
  • systems of linear equations and graphs
  • function notation

Chapter 9: Geometric Figures

  • square roots
  • the Pythagorean theorem
  • real numbers
  • special right triangles
  • tangents, sines, and cosines

Chapter 10: Measurement, Area, and Volume

  • triangles, polygons, and quadrilaterals
  • parallelograms and trapezoids
  • circumference and area of circles
  • surface area and volumes of prisms and cylinders
  • surface area and volumes of pyramids and cones

Chapter 12: Polynomials and Nonlinear Functions

  • working with polynomials
  • multiplying binomials
  • quadratic functions
  • exponential growth and decay
  • sequences

Chapter 11: Data Analysis and Probability (as time allows)

  • stem-and-leaf plots and histograms
  • box-and-whisker plots
  • analyzing data
  • permutations and combinations
  • probabilities
  • independent and dependent events

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