Algebra I—Semester B
Double the equations, double the fun.
- Credit Recovery Enabled
- Course Length: 18 weeks
- Course Type: Basic
- Category:
- Math
- Middle School
- High School
Schools and Districts: We offer customized programs that won't break the bank. Get a quote.
Shmoop's Algebra I course has been granted a-g certification, which means it has met the rigorous iNACOL Standards for Quality Online Courses and will now be honored as part of the requirements for admission into the University of California system.
This course has also been certified by Quality Matters, a trusted quality assurance organization that provides course review services to certify the quality of online and blended courses.
It doesn't matter whether you love it or hate it. The fact remains that Algebra is around, and by golly, it's here to stay.
What's not to love about it, though? We'll admit that it might get a bit irrational from time to time, and there's no denying a few of its radical tendencies, but it can simplify your life in more ways than the square root of one. Besides, its graphing skills are off the charts. Why not give it a chance? Take it from us: there's a high probability of it working out.
Semester B is chock-full of stuff that we haven't come across in other math classes. In this Common Core-aligned course, we'll
- graph all kinds of equations and inequalities (not just for lines, either).
- revisit the slope of a line, and see it as the rate of change of a function.
- solve and graph systems of equations.
- finish up with probability and statistics. (Well, maybe. There’s a 99% chance we'll get there.)
Get ready for interactive readings, activities, and problem sets galore.
P.S. Algebra I is a two-semester course. You're looking at Semester B, but you can check out Semester A here.
Here's a sneak peek at a video from the course. BYOP (bring your own popcorn).
Unit Breakdown
6 Algebra I—Semester A - Real Numbers and Quantities
We'll kick off our Algebra learnin' with the good old backbone of mathematics: numbers and logic. Whether we're dealing with rational numbers or irrational ones, we aren't talking about them in a vacuum. (And if we are, get us out of here!) We'll learn how to think about more complicated combinations of numbers, and how to apply them to the real world and make sure our answers still make sense.
7 Algebra I—Semester A - Radicals, Exponents, and Expressions
In this unit, we'll start off with a quick guide to exponents and radicals and then dive deep into expressions. We'll be introduced to our new best friends: lines, quadratics, and exponentials. (See? We're already on a first-name basis!) Of course, we can't really feel comfortable until we spend some quality time with them, so we'll finish up by learning how to interpret their behavior. Avoid their death glares like the plague.
8 Algebra I—Semester A - Polynomials
Want to learn just about everything there is to know about polynomials? Well, you're in luck. After learning what a polynomial actually is, we'll smush them together and factor them apart using the distributive property, the FOIL method, inspection, trial and error, grouping—just about everything except for the kitchen sink. Actually, we'll probably need that, too.
9 Algebra I—Semester A - One-Variable Equations and Inequalities
Much of what we learned about expressions will come in handy when we delve into one-variable equations and inequalities. We'll rearrange and solve equations, factor quadratics and find x values, and even do a little bit of drawing on the number line. Who says art and math don't go together?
10 Algebra I—Semester A - Two-Variables Equations and Functions
First, we're going to learn what makes functions different from your run-of-the-mill equations. Then, we'll talk about the similarities and differences between functions and sequences. Finally, we'll use linear, quadratic, and exponential parent functions to answer problems about real world situations. By the end, we'll be able to model everything from movie ticket prices to your chances of surviving the zombie apocalypse.
Recommended prerequisites:
Sample Lesson - Introduction
Lesson 9.05: Proving the Elimination Method
Don't panic. It won't take anywhere near 157 steps to prove the elimination method for solving systems of equations. We just think somebody likes chalk dust a little too much.
It is fairly easy to see how the elimination method works once you use it, so if you think that proving the method would not be very difficult, you would be right. So how about you come back into the classroom and we'll get started. Really. It's okay.
We're sorry we scared you. Come on back. Please?
Sample Lesson - Reading
Reading 9.9.05: Proving the Elimination Method
It's not hard to prove the elimination method if you think about equality—and we're all about equality. We are multiplying by constants to get each equation in the form we want. Since we're doing that to both sides of the equation, we keep things nice and equal throughout every step.
The activity in this lesson should help drive the point home. Or wherever the point needs to be driven to. Does the point have a curfew?
Sample Lesson - Activity
Activity 9.05: Driving Down the Elimination Highway
Well, we said we were going to drive the point home, so everybody get in the car. We call shotgun!
Wait, the car is out of gas. Guess we'll have to stick with paper, pencils, and graph paper. Since we have graph paper, let's start by graphing something. (By that logic, thank goodness we didn't have a jackhammer.)
Showing Work and Short Answer Rubric - 25 Points
- Credit Recovery Enabled
- Course Length: 18 weeks
- Course Type: Basic
- Category:
- Math
- Middle School
- High School
Schools and Districts: We offer customized programs that won't break the bank. Get a quote.