Algebra 1 Course Notes
Unit 1: Algebra Foundations
This unit introduces the basics of algebra, including:
- Variables and expressions:
- Representing numbers with symbols (e.g., x + 5 = 10)
- Order of operations: Following PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division,
Addition/Subtraction)
- Properties of numbers: Commutative, associative ,and distributive properties
Example:
Evaluate 3 (2+4)-52 Solutions:
Parentheses: 3(6) - 52
Exponents: 3(6) - 25
Multiplication: 18 - 25
Subtraction: -7
Unit 2: Solving Equations and Inequalities
This unit covers solving different types of equations and inequalities.
- One-step and multi-step equations: Solving for x
- Inequalities: Representing solutions on a number line
- Absolute value equations: Considering both positive and negative cases
Example:
Solve 2x - 3 = 7.
Add 3: 2x = 10
Divide by 2: x = 5
Unit 3: Working with Units
This unit focuses on unit conversions and dimensional analysis.
- Converting between units (e.g., inches to centimeters)
- Rates and proportions
Example:
Convert 5 feet to inches.
5 × 12 = 60 inches
Unit 4: Linear Equations and Graphs
- Slope-intercept form: y = mx + b
- Graphing lines using slope and y-intercept
- Finding intercepts
Example:
Graph y = 2x + 3 (slope = 2, y-intercept = 3)
Unit 5: Forms of Linear Equations
- Standard form: Ax + By = C
- Point-slope form: y - y1 = m(x - x1)
Example:
Convert y =-3x+6 to standard form:
3x + y = 6
Unit 6: Systems of Equations
Solving multiple equations with two variables using:
- Substitution method
- Elimination method
- Graphical method
Example:
Solve
X + y =10 x - y
=2
Adding both equations: 2x = 12 => x = 6, then y = 4.
Unit 7: Inequalities (Systems and Graphs)
- Graphing inequalities on coordinate planes
- Solving systems of inequalities
Example:
Graph y > 2x - 5. The shaded region is above the line.
Unit 8: Functions
- Understanding functions and their notation
- Domain and range
Example:
If f(x) =3x+2, find f (4).
f (4) = 3(4) + 2 = 14
Unit 9: Sequences
- Arithmetic sequences (an = a1 + (n-1)d)
- Geometric sequences (an = a1 . r(n-1))
Example:
Find the 5th term of the sequence: 2, 5, 8, 11,...
a5 = 2 + (5-1)3 = 14
Unit 10: Absolute Value and Piecewise Functions
- Absolute value equations
- Piecewise functions
Example:
For f(x) = |x-3|, find f(0).
f(0) = |0 - 3| = 3
Unit 11: Exponents and Radicals
- Exponent rules
- Simplifying square roots
Example:
23 x24 = 2(3+4) = 27
Unit 12: Exponential Growth and Decay
- Growth formula: y = a(1 + r)t
- Decay formula: y = a(1 - r)t
Example:
A population grows at 5% per year from 1000.
After 3 years: 1000(1.05) 3 = 1157.63
Unit 13: Quadratics: Multiplying and Factoring
- FOIL method for expansion
- Factoring trinomials
Example:
Factor x2+5x+6
(x+2) (x+3)
Unit 14: Quadratic Functions and Equations
- Graphing parabolas
- Solving using the quadratic formula
Example:
Solve x2-4x-5=0 using factoring:
(x - 5)(x + 1) = 0
x = 5 or x = -1
Unit 15: Irrational Numbers
Understanding numbers like √2, π
- Approximating irrational numbers
Example:
Estimate √50 ≈ 7.07
Unit 16: Creativity in Algebra
- Exploring real-world applications
- Using algebra in creative problem-solving
Example:
Using algebra to calculate costs in a business model