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Algebra Course, Interactive and Comprehensive - Google Docs

The document outlines a comprehensive algebra course designed to build foundational knowledge from basic concepts to college-level algebra. It covers essential topics such as types of numbers, operations, algebraic expressions, and the manipulation of fractions, decimals, and percentages. The course emphasizes understanding principles and reasoning to prepare students for advanced mathematical applications in various fields.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
4 views

Algebra Course, Interactive and Comprehensive - Google Docs

The document outlines a comprehensive algebra course designed to build foundational knowledge from basic concepts to college-level algebra. It covers essential topics such as types of numbers, operations, algebraic expressions, and the manipulation of fractions, decimals, and percentages. The course emphasizes understanding principles and reasoning to prepare students for advanced mathematical applications in various fields.

Uploaded by

amritakashivam
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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‭ Comprehensive Course in Algebra:‬

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‭From Foundations to College Level‬
‭ mbarking on the study of algebra represents a significant step towards a deeper‬
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‭understanding of mathematics and its vast applications. Algebra, at its core, serves as the‬
‭language through which mathematical relationships are expressed and explored. It involves the‬
‭use of symbols, primarily letters, to represent numbers and quantities that may be unknown or‬
‭variable. The central aim of algebra is often to solve for these unknowns and to understand the‬
‭connections between different quantities. This discipline forms a crucial foundation not only for‬
‭higher mathematics, such as calculus and linear algebra, but also for various fields in science,‬
‭technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as numerous real-world scenarios‬‭2‭.‬ ‬
‭This course is meticulously structured to provide a thorough and engaging learning experience,‬
‭starting from the very basic concepts and progressively building towards the level of algebra‬
‭encountered in college. The emphasis will be on understanding the fundamental principles and‬
‭the reasoning behind each concept, ensuring a complete and enjoyable journey into the world of‬
‭algebra‬‭3‬‭.‬

‭ hase 1: Laying the Groundwork - Pre-Algebra‬


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‭Concepts‬

‭Module 1: The Building Blocks of Numbers‬


‭ he journey into algebra begins with a clear understanding of the different types of numbers that‬
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‭form its foundation. Mathematics utilizes various sets of numbers, each with its own‬
‭characteristics and properties.‬‭Natural numbers‬‭, denoted‬‭by the symbol N, are the counting‬
‭numbers: 1, 2, 3, and so on. These are the most basic numbers used for counting objects.‬
‭Expanding upon this set,‬‭whole numbers‬‭, symbolized‬‭by W, include all natural numbers along‬
‭with zero (0). Next,‬‭integers‬‭, represented by Z, encompass‬‭all whole numbers and their‬
‭negatives: ..., -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, .... These numbers are essential for representing quantities that can‬
‭be both positive and negative.‬

‭ eyond integers,‬‭rational numbers‬‭, denoted by Q, are‬‭numbers that can be expressed as a‬


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‭fraction qp​, where p and q are integers and q is not equal to zero. This set includes all‬
‭terminating decimals (e.g., 0.5, which is 21​) and repeating decimals (e.g., 0.333..., which is 31​).‬
‭In contrast,‬‭irrational numbers‬‭, symbolized by I,‬‭are numbers that cannot be expressed as a‬
‭simple fraction of two integers. These numbers have non-terminating and non-repeating decimal‬
‭expansions. Examples of irrational numbers include π (approximately 3.14159...) and 2​‬
‭(approximately 1.41421...). Finally, the set of‬‭real‬‭numbers‬‭, denoted by R, is the union of all‬
‭rational and irrational numbers. It includes every number that can be plotted on a number line.‬
‭Understanding these different sets of numbers is fundamental as algebra operates within the‬
‭realm of real numbers and explores relationships between them.‬

‭ lgebraic manipulations rely heavily on the basic arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction,‬
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‭multiplication, and division. Each of these operations has fundamental‬‭properties‬‭that govern‬
‭ ow numbers interact. For‬‭addition‬‭, these properties include the‬‭commutative property‬
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‭(a+b=b+a), the‬‭associative property‬‭((a+b)+c=a+(b+c)),‬‭the‬‭identity property‬‭(a+0=a, where‬
‭0 is the additive identity), and the‬‭inverse property‬‭(a+(−a)=0, where −a is the additive inverse‬
‭of a).‬‭Subtraction‬‭can be understood as the addition‬‭of the inverse: a−b=a+(−b). For‬
‭multiplication‬‭, the properties are the‬‭commutative‬‭property‬‭(a×b=b×a), the‬‭associative‬
‭property‬‭((a×b)×c=a×(b×c)), the‬‭identity property‬‭(a×1=a, where 1 is the multiplicative‬
‭identity), and the‬‭distributive property‬‭over addition‬‭(a×(b+c)=(a×b)+(a×c)).‬‭Division‬‭can be‬
‭understood as multiplication by the inverse (reciprocal): a÷b=a×b1​(where b =0). These‬
‭properties are not arbitrary rules; they reflect fundamental ways in which numbers behave and‬
‭are crucial for justifying the steps taken when simplifying algebraic expressions and solving‬
‭equations.‬

‭ hen an expression involves multiple arithmetic operations, the‬‭order of operations‬‭must be‬


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‭followed to ensure a consistent and unambiguous result. A common mnemonic for this order is‬
‭PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division from left to right, Addition and‬
‭Subtraction from left to right) or BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division and Multiplication from left‬
‭to right, Addition and Subtraction from left to right). This rule dictates that operations within‬
‭parentheses or brackets are performed first, followed by exponents or orders, then multiplication‬
‭and division from left to right, and finally addition and subtraction from left to right. For instance,‬
‭in the expression 3+2×(6−4)2, one would first evaluate the expression inside the parentheses‬
‭(6−4=2), then the exponent (22=4), then the multiplication (2×4=8), and finally the addition‬
‭(3+8=11). Adherence to this order is critical for accurate mathematical calculations.‬

‭ lgebra introduces the concept of‬‭variables‬‭and‬‭constants‬‭.‬‭Variables‬‭are symbols, typically‬


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‭letters such as x, y, or z, that represent quantities that are unknown or can change. They act as‬
‭placeholders for numbers.‬‭Constants‬‭, on the other‬‭hand, are fixed numerical values, such as 3,‬
‭-5, or π. Algebraic expressions are formed by combining variables and constants using‬
‭arithmetic operations. For example, 3x+5 is an algebraic expression where x is the variable, 3‬
‭and 5 are constants, and the operations are multiplication and addition. Understanding the‬
‭distinction between variables and constants is essential for interpreting and manipulating‬
‭algebraic expressions and equations.‬

‭Module 2: Mastering Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages‬


‭ significant portion of algebra involves working with numbers in different forms, particularly‬
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‭fractions, decimals, and percentages. A‬‭fraction‬‭represents‬‭a part of a whole or, more‬
‭generally, any number of equal parts. It is written as ba​, where a is the numerator (the number‬
‭of parts taken) and b is the denominator (the total number of equal parts). Fractions can be‬
‭classified into‬‭proper fractions‬‭(where the numerator‬‭is less than the denominator, e.g., 32​),‬
‭improper fractions‬‭(where the numerator is greater‬‭than or equal to the denominator, e.g., 25​),‬
‭and‬‭mixed numbers‬‭(which consist of a whole number‬‭and a proper fraction, e.g., 221​).‬
‭Fractions can be‬‭simplified‬‭by dividing both the numerator‬‭and the denominator by their‬
‭greatest common factor (GCF)‬‭. For example, 86​can‬‭be simplified to 43​since the GCF of 6‬
‭and 8 is 2.‬

‭ erforming‬‭operations with fractions‬‭requires specific‬‭rules. To add or subtract fractions, they‬


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‭must have a‬‭common denominator‬‭. If they do not, one‬‭must find the‬‭least common multiple‬
(‭ LCM)‬‭of the denominators and convert the fractions accordingly. For example, to add 31​+41​,‬
‭the LCM of 3 and 4 is 12. So, 31​becomes 124​and 41​becomes 123​, and their sum is‬
‭124+3​=127​. To multiply fractions, one simply multiplies the numerators together and the‬
‭denominators together: ba​×dc​=bdac​. To divide fractions, one multiplies the first fraction by the‬
‭reciprocal of the second: ba​÷dc​=ba​×cd​=bcad​.‬

‭ ecimals‬‭provide another way to represent numbers,‬‭particularly those that are not whole‬
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‭numbers. They are based on powers of 10, with each digit to the right of the decimal point‬
‭representing a fraction with a denominator of 10, 100, 1000, and so on. The‬‭place value‬‭of‬
‭each digit in a decimal is crucial for understanding its magnitude. For example, in the number‬
‭3.145, the 1 is in the tenths place (101​), the 4 is in the hundredths place (1004​), and the 5 is in‬
‭the thousandths place (10005​).‬‭Operations with decimals‬‭follow similar rules to those with‬
‭whole numbers, but careful attention must be paid to the placement of the decimal point. For‬
‭addition and subtraction, the decimal points must be aligned. For multiplication, the number of‬
‭decimal places in the product is the sum of the decimal places in the factors. For division, it may‬
‭be necessary to adjust the decimal point in both the divisor and the dividend to make the divisor‬
‭a whole number.‬‭Conversion between decimals and fractions‬‭is a useful skill. A terminating‬
‭decimal can be easily converted to a fraction by writing the digits after the decimal point as the‬
‭numerator and the appropriate power of 10 as the denominator, then simplifying. For example,‬
‭0.75 is 10075​, which simplifies to 43​. A fraction can be converted to a decimal by dividing the‬
‭numerator by the denominator.‬

‭ ercentages‬‭are a way of expressing a number as a‬‭fraction of 100. The term "percent" means‬
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‭"out of one hundred." A percentage is denoted by the symbol %. To convert a percentage to a‬
‭decimal, one divides by 100 (or moves the decimal point two places to the left). For example,‬
‭75% is equal to 75÷100=0.75. To convert a decimal to a percentage, one multiplies by 100 (or‬
‭moves the decimal point two places to the right). For example, 0.25 is equal to 0.25×100=25%.‬
‭To convert a percentage to a fraction, one writes the percentage as the numerator and 100 as‬
‭the denominator, then simplifies. For example, 40% is 10040​, which simplifies to 52​.‬
‭Applications of percentages‬‭are prevalent in everyday‬‭life, including calculating discounts,‬
‭taxes, and interest rates. Solving‬‭percentage problems‬‭often involves translating the problem‬
‭into an algebraic equation. Common types of percentage problems include finding the‬
‭percentage of a number (e.g., what is 20% of 50?), finding what percentage one number is of‬
‭another (e.g., 10 is what percentage of 40?), and finding the whole when a percentage is known‬
‭(e.g., if 15% of a number is 30, what is the number?).‬

‭ atios‬‭and‬‭proportions‬‭are also important concepts‬‭in pre-algebra. A‬‭ratio‬‭is a comparison‬


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‭between two quantities. It can be written in several ways: as a fraction (ba​), using a colon (a:b),‬
‭or using the word "to" (a to b). The order of the quantities in a ratio is important. A‬‭proportion‬‭is‬
‭an equality between two ratios: ba​=dc​or a:b=c:d. Proportions are often used to solve problems‬
‭where two quantities are related by a constant factor. They can be solved using‬
‭cross-multiplication‬‭, which states that if ba​=dc​,‬‭then ad=bc. For example, if 5x​=108​, then‬
‭10x=5×8, so 10x=40, and x=4. Understanding and working with fractions, decimals,‬
‭percentages, ratios, and proportions provides a solid arithmetic foundation for the more abstract‬
‭concepts in algebra‬‭4‬‭.‬
‭Module 3: Introduction to Algebraic Expressions‬
‭ lgebraic expressions are the fundamental building blocks of algebraic equations and formulas.‬
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‭An‬‭algebraic expression‬‭is a combination of variables,‬‭constants, and arithmetic operations. It‬
‭does not contain an equality or inequality sign. The components of an algebraic expression‬
‭include‬‭terms‬‭,‬‭coefficients‬‭, and‬‭constants‬‭. A‬‭term‬‭is a single number or a product of a‬
‭number and one or more variables raised to powers. For example, in the expression‬
‭4x2−3xy+7y−9, the terms are 4x2, −3xy, 7y, and −9. The numerical factor of a term containing‬
‭variables is called the‬‭coefficient‬‭. In the example‬‭above, the coefficient of x2 is 4, the‬
‭coefficient of xy is -3, and the coefficient of y is 7. A‬‭constant‬‭term is a term that has no‬
‭variables; in the example, -9 is the constant term.‬

‭ o‬‭evaluate an algebraic expression‬‭, one substitutes‬‭given numerical values for the variables‬
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‭and then performs the arithmetic operations according to the order of operations. For instance,‬
‭to evaluate the expression 2a+3b when a=5 and b=−2, one substitutes these values to get‬
‭2(5)+3(−2)=10−6=4. This process allows us to find the numerical value of an expression for‬
‭specific values of its variables.‬

‭ ombining like terms‬‭is a crucial skill for simplifying‬‭algebraic expressions.‬‭Like terms‬‭are‬


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‭terms that have the same variable part, meaning they contain the same variables raised to the‬
‭same powers. For example, 3x2 and −5x2 are like terms, while 3x2 and 3x are not. To combine‬
‭like terms, one adds or subtracts their coefficients while keeping the variable part the same. For‬
‭example, 7y+4y−2y=(7+4−2)y=9y. This simplification makes expressions easier to work with‬
‭and understand.‬

‭ he‬‭distributive property‬‭is a fundamental rule that‬‭allows us to multiply a factor across the‬


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‭terms inside parentheses. It states that for any numbers a, b, and c, a(b+c)=ab+ac. This‬
‭property can also be extended to subtraction: a(b−c)=ab−ac. The distributive property is‬
‭essential for simplifying expressions that contain parentheses. For example,‬
‭3(2x+7)=3(2x)+3(7)=6x+21. It is also used in reverse when factoring algebraic expressions.‬
‭Understanding and applying these concepts related to algebraic expressions is a foundational‬
‭step towards solving equations and inequalities‬‭4‬‭.‬

‭Module 4: Basic Equations and Inequalities‬


‭ lgebra is primarily concerned with finding unknown values, and‬‭equations‬‭and‬‭inequalities‬
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‭are the tools used to represent and solve for these unknowns. An‬‭equation‬‭is a statement that‬
‭two algebraic expressions are equal. It is characterized by the presence of an equality sign (=).‬
‭For example, 2x+3=7 is an equation. The goal when solving an equation is to find the value(s)‬
‭of the variable(s) that make the statement true. Equations have several important‬‭properties of‬
‭equality‬‭that allow us to manipulate them without‬‭changing their solutions. The‬‭addition‬
‭property of equality‬‭states that if a=b, then a+c=b+c‬‭for any number c. Similarly, the‬
‭subtraction property of equality‬‭states that if a=b,‬‭then a−c=b−c. The‬‭multiplication‬
‭property of equality‬‭states that if a=b, then ac=bc‬‭for any number c. The‬‭division property of‬
‭equality‬‭states that if a=b and c =0, then ca​=cb​.‬‭These properties allow us to perform the‬
‭same operation on both sides of an equation to isolate the variable.‬

‭A‬‭one-step linear equation‬‭is an equation that can‬‭be solved in a single step using one of the‬
i‭nverse operations. For example, to solve x+5=12, we use the subtraction property of equality‬
‭and subtract 5 from both sides: x+5−5=12−5, which gives x=7. To solve 3y=15, we use the‬
‭division property of equality and divide both sides by 3: 33y​=315​, which gives y=5. Similarly, for‬
‭z−8=2, we add 8 to both sides to get z=10, and for 4w​=6, we multiply both sides by 4 to get‬
‭w=24. Practicing these one-step equations builds a fundamental understanding of how to isolate‬
‭variables.‬

‭ n‬‭inequality‬‭is a statement that compares two algebraic‬‭expressions using inequality symbols:‬


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‭less than (<), greater than (>), less than or equal to (≤), or greater than or equal to (≥). For‬
‭example, 3x−1<8 is an inequality. The solution to an inequality is the set of all values of the‬
‭variable that make the statement true. Inequalities can be represented on a‬‭number line‬‭, where‬
‭an open circle is used for < and > (indicating that the endpoint is not included in the solution),‬
‭and a closed circle is used for ≤ and ≥ (indicating that the endpoint is included). The solution set‬
‭can also be written using‬‭interval notation‬‭.‬

‭ olving a‬‭one-step linear inequality‬‭is similar to‬‭solving a one-step linear equation, with one‬
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‭important difference. When multiplying or dividing both sides of an inequality by a negative‬
‭number, the direction of the inequality sign must be reversed. For example, to solve −2x>6, we‬
‭divide both sides by -2 and reverse the inequality sign: −2−2x​<−26​, which gives x<−3. For‬
‭inequalities involving addition or subtraction, the process is the same as with equations. For‬
‭example, to solve y+4≤9, we subtract 4 from both sides: y≤5. Understanding how to solve basic‬
‭equations and inequalities is a crucial first step in mastering algebra‬‭4‬‭.‬

‭Phase 2: Diving into Algebra 1‬

‭Module 5: Linear Equations and Inequalities in Detail‬


‭ uilding upon the foundation of basic equations,‬‭multi-step‬‭linear equations‬‭involve more than‬
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‭one operation to isolate the variable. A structured approach is often helpful for solving these.‬
‭Typically, one should first simplify each side of the equation by distributing and combining like‬
‭terms. Then, the goal is to get all the terms with the variable on one side of the equation and all‬
‭the constant terms on the other side, using the addition and subtraction properties of equality.‬
‭Finally, the variable can be isolated by using the multiplication or division property of equality.‬
‭For example, to solve 3(x+2)−5=10, first distribute the 3: 3x+6−5=10. Then combine like terms:‬
‭3x+1=10. Subtract 1 from both sides: 3x=9. Finally, divide by 3: x=3.‬

‭ inear equations can also have‬‭variables on both sides‬‭of the equation. The strategy to solve‬
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‭these is to use the addition or subtraction property of equality to gather all the variable terms on‬
‭one side and all the constant terms on the other side. For example, to solve 5y−7=2y+8, we can‬
‭subtract 2y from both sides: 3y−7=8. Then, add 7 to both sides: 3y=15. Finally, divide by 3: y=5.‬

‭ pplications of linear equations‬‭often come in the‬‭form of‬‭word problems‬‭. Solving these‬


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‭requires translating the words into algebraic equations. A systematic approach includes reading‬
‭the problem carefully to understand what is being asked, identifying the unknown quantity and‬
‭assigning a variable to it, translating the given information into an equation based on the‬
‭relationships described, solving the equation, and then interpreting the solution in the context of‬
t‭he original problem. For example, if the problem states "The sum of a number and 7 is 15," we‬
‭can let n be the number and write the equation n+7=15. Solving this gives n=8. Various types of‬
‭word problems exist, such as number problems, age problems, and geometry problems‬‭5‭.‬ ‬

‭ ulti-step linear inequalities‬‭are solved using the‬‭same principles as multi-step linear‬


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‭equations, with the crucial reminder to reverse the inequality sign when multiplying or dividing‬
‭by a negative number. The solutions to these inequalities are often represented on a number‬
‭line using open or closed circles and shaded regions, and can also be expressed using interval‬
‭notation. For example, to solve 2x+5≤11, first subtract 5 from both sides: 2x≤6. Then divide by‬
‭2: x≤3. The solution in interval notation is (−∞,3].‬

‭ ompound inequalities‬‭involve two or more inequalities‬‭joined by "and" or "or". For an "and"‬


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‭compound inequality (e.g., x>2 and x<7), the solution set includes all values of x that satisfy‬
‭both inequalities simultaneously. This is the intersection of the two solution sets. For an "or"‬
‭compound inequality (e.g., x<−1 or x>4), the solution set includes all values of x that satisfy‬
‭either one or both of the inequalities. This is the union of the two solution sets.‬

‭ bsolute value equations and inequalities‬‭involve‬‭the absolute value of an expression. The‬


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‭absolute value of a number is its distance from zero, and it is always non-negative. To solve an‬
‭absolute value equation of the form ∣ax+b∣=c (where c≥0), we consider two cases: ax+b=c and‬
‭ax+b=−c. We solve each of these equations separately. For absolute value inequalities of the‬
‭form ∣ax+b∣<c, the solution is equivalent to −c<ax+b<c (an "and" compound inequality). For‬
‭inequalities of the form ∣ax+b∣>c, the solution is equivalent to ax+b>c or ax+b<−c (an "or"‬
‭compound inequality)‬‭6‬‭.‬

‭ odule 6: Visualizing Algebra - Graphs of Linear Equations and‬


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‭Inequalities‬
‭ he connection between algebra and geometry is fundamental, and the‬‭Cartesian coordinate‬
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‭system‬‭provides a way to visualize algebraic relationships.‬‭This system is formed by two‬
‭perpendicular number lines, the horizontal‬‭x-axis‬‭and the vertical‬‭y-axis‬‭, intersecting at a point‬
‭called the‬‭origin‬‭, which corresponds to the coordinates‬‭(0, 0). The plane is divided into four‬
‭quadrants‬‭by these axes. Each point in the plane can‬‭be uniquely identified by an‬‭ordered pair‬
‭of numbers (x,y), where x represents the horizontal distance from the origin (the x-coordinate or‬
‭abscissa) and y represents the vertical distance from the origin (the y-coordinate or ordinate).‬

‭ ‬‭linear equation‬‭in two variables (x and y) represents‬‭a straight line when graphed on the‬
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‭Cartesian plane. There are several common forms of linear equations, each useful in different‬
‭situations. The‬‭slope-intercept form‬‭is given by y=mx+b,‬‭where m is the‬‭slope‬‭of the line and‬
‭b is the‬‭y-intercept‬‭(the point where the line crosses‬‭the y-axis). The slope m represents the‬
‭rate of change of y with respect to x, or the "rise over run" between any two points on the line.‬
‭The y-intercept is the point (0, b).‬

‭ nother useful form is the‬‭point-slope form‬‭, given‬‭by y−y1​=m(x−x1​), where m is the slope and‬
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‭(x1​,y1​) is a specific point on the line. This form is particularly helpful when we know the slope of‬
‭a line and one point that it passes through. The‬‭standard‬‭form‬‭of a linear equation is Ax+By=C,‬
‭where A, B, and C are constants, and A and B are not both zero. The intercepts of the line can‬
‭ e easily found from this form. To find the x-intercept (where the line crosses the x-axis), we set‬
b
‭y=0 and solve for x. To find the y-intercept, we set x=0 and solve for y.‬

‭ he‬‭slope‬‭of a line describes its steepness and direction.‬‭It can be calculated using the formula‬
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‭m=x2​−x1​y2​−y1​​for any two distinct points (x1​,y1​) and (x2​,y2​) on the line. A positive slope‬
‭indicates that the line goes upward from left to right, a negative slope indicates that it goes‬
‭downward, a slope of zero indicates a horizontal line (of the form y=b), and an undefined slope‬
‭indicates a vertical line (of the form x=a).‬

‭ raphing linear inequalities in two variables‬‭involves‬‭first graphing the boundary line, which‬
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‭is the graph of the corresponding linear equation (replace the inequality sign with an equality‬
‭sign). If the inequality is strict (< or >), the boundary line is drawn as a dashed line to indicate‬
‭that the points on the line are not included in the solution. If the inequality includes equality (≤ or‬
‭≥), the boundary line is drawn as a solid line. Then, we need to determine which side of the‬
‭boundary line represents the solution set. This can be done by choosing a test point (any point‬
‭not on the line, such as the origin (0, 0) if the line does not pass through it), substituting its‬
‭coordinates into the inequality, and checking if the inequality is true or false. If it is true, then the‬
‭half-plane containing the test point is the solution region; if it is false, then the other half-plane is‬
‭the solution region. The solution region is typically shaded‬‭4‭.‬ ‬

‭Module 7: Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities‬


‭ ‬‭system of linear equations‬‭(also known as a linear‬‭system) is a set of two or more linear‬
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‭equations that contain the same variables. The‬‭solution‬‭to a system of linear equations in two‬
‭variables is an ordered pair (x,y) that satisfies all the equations in the system simultaneously.‬
‭Graphically, the solution represents the point(s) where the lines intersect. There are three‬
‭possible outcomes when graphing two linear equations: the lines intersect at one point (one‬
‭unique solution), the lines are parallel and do not intersect (no solution), or the lines are the‬
‭same (infinitely many solutions).‬

‭ here are several algebraic methods for solving systems of linear equations. The‬‭graphing‬
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‭method‬‭involves graphing each equation on the same‬‭coordinate plane and finding the point of‬
‭intersection. This method is useful for visualizing the solution but may not always give exact‬
‭answers if the intersection point has non-integer coordinates.‬

‭ he‬‭substitution method‬‭involves solving one of the‬‭equations for one variable in terms of the‬
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‭other variable, and then substituting this expression into the other equation. This results in an‬
‭equation with only one variable, which can be solved. Once the value of that variable is found, it‬
‭can be substituted back into either of the original equations to find the value of the other‬
‭variable. For example, to solve the system y=2x+1 and 3x+y=6, we can substitute the first‬
‭expression for y into the second equation: 3x+(2x+1)=6. This simplifies to 5x+1=6, so 5x=5, and‬
‭x=1. Substituting x=1 back into the first equation gives y=2(1)+1=3. Thus, the solution is (1,3).‬

‭ he‬‭elimination method‬‭(also known as the addition/subtraction‬‭method) involves manipulating‬


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‭the equations so that the coefficients of one of the variables are opposites or the same. Then,‬
‭by adding or subtracting the equations, one of the variables can be eliminated, resulting in an‬
‭equation with only one variable. For example, to solve the system 2x+3y=8 and 4x−3y=−2, we‬
‭can add the two equations together. The y terms cancel out: (2x+4x)+(3y−3y)=8+(−2), which‬
‭ ives 6x=6, so x=1. Substituting x=1 into the first equation gives 2(1)+3y=8, so 3y=6, and y=2.‬
g
‭Thus, the solution is (1,2)‬‭6‭.‬ ‬

‭ ystems of linear equations can be used to solve‬‭word‬‭problems involving multiple‬


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‭unknowns‬‭. By carefully defining variables for each‬‭unknown quantity and setting up a system‬
‭of equations based on the given information, we can find the values of these unknowns.‬

‭ ‬‭system of linear inequalities in two variables‬‭is‬‭a set of two or more linear inequalities that‬
A
‭contain the same variables. The‬‭solution‬‭to such a‬‭system is the set of all ordered pairs (x,y)‬
‭that satisfy all the inequalities in the system simultaneously. Graphically, the solution is the‬
‭region where the shaded regions of all the inequalities overlap. To find the solution, we graph‬
‭each inequality on the same coordinate plane and identify the common shaded area. The‬
‭boundary lines are included in the solution if the inequality includes equality (≤ or ≥) and are not‬
‭included if the inequality is strict (< or >).‬

‭Module 8: Exponents and Polynomials‬


‭ xponents‬‭provide a concise way to represent repeated‬‭multiplication. If n is a positive integer‬
E
‭and a is a real number, then an means a multiplied by itself n times (a×a×...×a, n times). Here, a‬
‭is the‬‭base‬‭and n is the‬‭exponent‬‭or‬‭power‬‭. There‬‭are several important‬‭rules of integer‬
‭exponents‬‭that simplify expressions involving exponents.‬‭The‬‭product rule‬‭states that‬
‭am×an=am+n. The‬‭quotient rule‬‭states that anam​=am−n‬‭(where a =0). The‬‭power rule‬‭states‬
‭that (am)n=am×n. The‬‭power of a product rule‬‭states‬‭that (ab)n=an×bn. The‬‭power of a‬
‭quotient rule‬‭states that (ba​)n=bnan​(where b =0).‬‭The‬‭zero exponent rule‬‭states that a0=1‬
‭(where a =0). The‬‭negative exponent rule‬‭states that‬‭a−n=an1​(where a =0)‬‭4‬‭.‬

‭ cientific notation‬‭is a way to express very large‬‭or very small numbers in the form a×10n,‬
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‭where 1≤∣a∣<10 and n is an integer. This notation is widely used in science and engineering to‬
‭handle numbers with many zeros. For example, the number 3,000,000 can be written in‬
‭scientific notation as 3×106, and the number 0.000025 can be written as 2.5×10−5.‬

‭ ‬‭polynomial‬‭is an algebraic expression consisting‬‭of one or more terms, where each term is a‬
A
‭product of a constant and one or more variables raised to non-negative integer powers. A‬
‭polynomial with one term is called a‬‭monomial‬‭(e.g.,‬‭5x2), a polynomial with two terms is called‬
‭a‬‭binomial‬‭(e.g., 3x+2), and a polynomial with three‬‭terms is called a‬‭trinomial‬‭(e.g., x2−4x+7).‬
‭The‬‭degree of a term‬‭in a polynomial is the sum of‬‭the exponents of the variables in that term.‬
‭The‬‭degree of the polynomial‬‭is the highest degree‬‭of any of its terms. Polynomials can be‬
‭classified by their degree: a degree of 0 is a constant, degree 1 is linear, degree 2 is quadratic,‬
‭degree 3 is cubic, and so on.‬

‭ perations with polynomials‬‭include addition, subtraction,‬‭and multiplication. To‬‭add or‬


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‭subtract polynomials‬‭, we combine like terms. For addition,‬‭we simply add the coefficients of‬
‭the like terms. For subtraction, we can think of it as adding the additive inverse (negating the‬
‭coefficients of the terms in the polynomial being subtracted) and then combining like terms. For‬
‭example, (2x2+3x−1)+(x2−5x+4)=(2x2+x2)+(3x−5x)+(−1+4)=3x2−2x+3. And‬
‭(2x2+3x−1)−(x2−5x+4)=(2x2−x2)+(3x−(−5x))+(−1−4)=x2+8x−5.‬

‭To‬‭multiply polynomials‬‭, we use the distributive property.‬‭Each term in the first polynomial is‬
‭ ultiplied by each term in the second polynomial, and then the resulting like terms are‬
m
‭combined. For multiplying two binomials, a common method is called FOIL (First, Outer, Inner,‬
‭Last), which refers to the order in which the terms are multiplied. For example,‬
‭(x+2)(3x−4)=(x×3x)+(x×−4)+(2×3x)+(2×−4)=3x2−4x+6x−8=3x2+2x−8. Understanding exponents‬
‭and polynomials is crucial for further study in algebra‬‭7‬‭.‬

‭Phase 3: Advancing Your Skills - Algebra 2 Concepts‬

‭Module 9: Factoring Polynomials‬


‭ actoring polynomials‬‭is the reverse process of multiplication.‬‭It involves expressing a‬
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‭polynomial as a product of simpler polynomials or monomials. This skill is essential for solving‬
‭polynomial equations, simplifying rational expressions, and understanding the roots of‬
‭polynomial functions. The first step in factoring is often to look for the‬‭greatest common factor‬
‭(GCF)‬‭of all the terms in the polynomial. The GCF‬‭is the largest factor that divides each term. If‬
‭a GCF other than 1 exists, it can be factored out of the polynomial using the distributive property‬
‭in reverse. For example, in the polynomial 6x3+9x2−12x, the GCF of the coefficients 6, 9, and‬
‭-12 is 3, and the GCF of the variable parts x3, x2, and x is x. Thus, the GCF of the entire‬
‭polynomial is 3x, and we can factor it out as 3x(2x2+3x−4).‬

‭ actoring‬‭trinomials‬‭(polynomials with three terms)‬‭often depends on the form of the trinomial.‬


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‭For a quadratic trinomial of the form ax2+bx+c, where the leading coefficient a=1 (i.e., x2+bx+c),‬
‭we look for two numbers that multiply to c and add up to b. If we find such numbers, say m and‬
‭n, then the trinomial can be factored as (x+m)(x+n). For example, to factor x2+7x+10, we need‬
‭two numbers that multiply to 10 and add to 7. These numbers are 2 and 5, so‬
‭x2+7x+10=(x+2)(x+5).‬

‭ hen the leading coefficient a =1 in a quadratic trinomial ax2+bx+c, factoring can be more‬
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‭challenging. One common method is to use‬‭grouping‬‭.‬‭We look for two numbers that multiply to‬
‭ac and add up to b. Let these numbers be p and q. Then we rewrite the middle term bx as‬
‭px+qx, giving us ax2+px+qx+c. We then factor by grouping the first two terms and the last two‬
‭terms. For example, to factor 2x2+5x+2, we need two numbers that multiply to 2×2=4 and add‬
‭to 5. These numbers are 1 and 4. So, we rewrite the middle term as x+4x: 2x2+x+4x+2. Now we‬
‭factor by grouping: x(2x+1)+2(2x+1)=(x+2)(2x+1).‬

‭ here are also several‬‭special product‬‭factoring patterns.‬‭The‬‭difference of squares‬‭pattern‬


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‭states that a2−b2=(a−b)(a+b). For example, x2−9=(x−3)(x+3).‬‭Perfect square trinomials‬‭follow‬
‭the patterns a2+2ab+b2=(a+b)2 and a2−2ab+b2=(a−b)2. For example, x2+6x+9=(x+3)2 and‬
‭4y2−12y+9=(2y−3)2. The‬‭sum and difference of cubes‬‭patterns are a3+b3=(a+b)(a2−ab+b2)‬
‭and a3−b3=(a−b)(a2+ab+b2). For example, x3+8=(x+2)(x2−2x+4) and‬
‭27y3−1=(3y−1)(9y2+3y+1).‬

‭ actoring by grouping‬‭can also be used for polynomials‬‭with four or more terms. We group the‬
F
‭terms in pairs or other suitable combinations and factor out the GCF from each group. If the‬
‭resulting expressions in the parentheses are the same, we can then factor out this common‬
‭binomial factor. For example, to factor x3+2x2−3x−6, we can group the first two terms and the‬
l‭ast two terms: (x3+2x2)+(−3x−6). Factoring out the GCF from each group gives‬
‭x2(x+2)−3(x+2). Now we have a common binomial factor of (x+2), which we can factor out:‬
‭(x+2)(x2−3). Mastering these factoring techniques is crucial for solving polynomial equations‬‭4‬‭.‬

‭Module 10: Quadratic Equations and Functions‬


‭ ‬‭quadratic equation‬‭is an equation that can be written‬‭in the standard form ax2+bx+c=0,‬
A
‭where a, b, and c are constants and a =0. There are several methods for‬‭solving quadratic‬
‭equations‬‭. One method is by‬‭factoring‬‭. If the quadratic‬‭expression ax2+bx+c can be factored‬
‭into two linear factors, say (px+q)(rx+s), then the solutions to the equation are found by setting‬
‭each factor equal to zero and solving for x. For example, to solve x2−5x+6=0, we factor the‬
‭quadratic as (x−2)(x−3)=0. Setting each factor to zero gives x−2=0⇒x=2 and x−3=0⇒x=3. So,‬
‭the solutions are x=2 and x=3.‬

‭ he‬‭square root property‬‭can be used to solve equations‬‭of the form (x−h)2=k, where k≥0.‬
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‭Taking the square root of both sides gives x−h=±k​, so x=h±k​. For example, to solve (x−1)2=9,‬
‭we take the square root of both sides to get x−1=±3, which gives x=1+3=4 or x=1−3=−2.‬

‭ ompleting the square‬‭is a method that can be used‬‭to solve any quadratic equation. It‬
C
‭involves transforming the equation into the form (x−h)2=k by manipulating the quadratic‬
‭expression. For an equation ax2+bx+c=0, we first divide by a (if a =1) to get x2+ab​x+ac​=0.‬
‭Then we move the constant term to the right side: x2+ab​x=−ac​. Next, we take half of the‬
‭coefficient of the x term (2ab​), square it (4a2b2​), and add it to both sides of the equation:‬
‭x2+ab​x+4a2b2​=−ac​+4a2b2​. The left side is now a perfect square: (x+2ab​)2=4a2b2−4ac​. We‬
‭can then use the square root property to solve for x.‬

‭ he‬‭quadratic formula‬‭is a general formula for finding‬‭the solutions (roots) of any quadratic‬
T
‭equation in the standard form ax2+bx+c=0. The formula is given by x=2a−b±b2−4ac​​. This‬
‭formula is derived by completing the square on the general quadratic equation. The part of the‬
‭formula under the square root, b2−4ac, is called the‬‭discriminant‬‭, and it tells us about the‬
‭nature of the solutions. If b2−4ac>0, there are two distinct real solutions. If b2−4ac=0, there is‬
‭exactly one real solution (a repeated root). If b2−4ac<0, there are two complex solutions.‬

‭ ‬‭quadratic function‬‭is a function that can be written‬‭in the form f(x)=ax2+bx+c, where a, b,‬
A
‭and c are constants and a =0. The graph of a quadratic function is a‬‭parabola‬‭, a U-shaped‬
‭curve. The‬‭vertex‬‭of the parabola is the point where‬‭the parabola changes direction, and it is‬
‭either the minimum or maximum point of the function. The‬‭axis of symmetry‬‭is a vertical line‬
‭that passes through the vertex and divides the parabola into two symmetric halves. The vertex‬
‭form of a quadratic function is y=a(x−h)2+k, where (h,k) is the vertex of the parabola. The‬
‭standard form y=ax2+bx+c can be converted to vertex form by completing the square. The‬
‭x-coordinate of the vertex in standard form is given by h=−2ab​, and the y-coordinate is‬
‭k=f(h)=a(−2ab​)2+b(−2ab​)+c. The parabola opens upward if a>0 and downward if a<0. The‬
‭intercepts‬‭of the parabola (where it crosses the x-axis‬‭and y-axis) can be found by setting y=0‬
‭to find the x-intercepts (which are the real roots of the equation ax2+bx+c=0) and setting x=0 to‬
‭find the y-intercept (which is at the point (0,c)). Quadratic equations and functions have many‬
‭applications‬‭in real-world problems, such as modeling‬‭projectile motion, calculating areas, and‬
‭optimizing quantities‬‭4‭.‬ ‬

‭Module 11: Radical Expressions and Equations‬


‭ oots‬‭and‬‭radicals‬‭are closely related to exponents.‬‭The $n$th root of a number a, denoted by‬
R
‭na​, is a number that, when raised to the power of n, equals a. If n=2, we have the‬‭square root‬‭,‬
‭written as a​. If n=3, we have the‬‭cube root‬‭, written‬‭as 1a​. The number n is called the‬‭index‬‭of‬
‭the radical, and a is called the‬‭radicand‬‭. There is‬‭a strong connection between radicals and‬
‭fractional exponents‬‭: na​=a1/n. This relationship‬‭allows us to use the rules of exponents to‬
‭simplify and work with radicals. For example, a​=a1/2, 1a​=a1/3, and so on. Also,‬
‭nam​=am/n=(a1/n)m=(na​)m.‬

‭ implifying radical expressions‬‭involves using the‬‭properties of radicals‬‭. The‬‭product rule‬


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‭for radicals‬‭states that nab​=na​×nb​. The‬‭quotient‬‭rule for radicals‬‭states that nba​​=nb​na​​‬
‭(where b =0). These rules allow us to break down radicals into simpler forms. For example,‬
‭12​=4×3​=4​×3​=23​. We aim to remove any perfect $n$th power factors from the radicand.‬

‭ perations with radical expressions‬‭follow certain‬‭rules. To‬‭add or subtract radicals‬‭, they‬


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‭must be‬‭like radicals‬‭, meaning they have the same‬‭index and the same radicand. If they are‬
‭like radicals, we can add or subtract their coefficients: anc​±bnc​=(a±b)nc​. For example,‬
‭35​+75​=105​. To‬‭multiply radicals‬‭with the same index,‬‭we multiply the radicands: na​×nb​=nab​.‬
‭For example, 2​×8​=16​=4. To‬‭divide radicals‬‭with‬‭the same index, we divide the radicands:‬
‭nb​na​​=nba​​.‬

‭ ationalizing the denominator‬‭is a process of eliminating‬‭radicals from the denominator of a‬


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‭fraction. This is often done to simplify the expression and make it easier to work with. If the‬
‭denominator contains a single radical term like b​, we multiply both the numerator and the‬
‭denominator by b​. For example, 3​1​=3​×3​1×3​​=33​​. If the denominator is a binomial containing‬
‭square roots, such as a+b​or a​+b​, we multiply both the numerator and the denominator by its‬
‭conjugate, which is a−b​or a​−b​, respectively. This uses the difference of squares pattern to‬
‭eliminate the radicals in the denominator. For example, 2+3​1​=(2+3​)(2−3​)1×(2−3​)​=4−32−3​​=2−3​.‬

‭ olving radical equations‬‭involves isolating the radical‬‭term on one side of the equation and‬
S
‭then raising both sides to the power equal to the index of the radical to eliminate it. It is crucial to‬
‭check for extraneous solutions‬‭when solving radical‬‭equations, as this process can‬
‭sometimes introduce solutions that do not satisfy the original equation. For example, to solve‬
‭x+2​=3, we square both sides to get x+2=9, so x=7. Checking this solution in the original‬
‭equation gives 7+2​=9​=3, which is true, so x=7 is the solution. However, if we solve x​=−2,‬
‭squaring both sides gives x=4. But 4​=2 =−2, so x=4 is an extraneous solution, and the original‬
‭equation has no real solution.‬

‭ omplex numbers‬‭extend the real number system to include‬‭solutions to equations like x2=−1,‬
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‭which have no real solutions. We define the‬‭imaginary‬‭unit‬‭i such that i2=−1, so i=−1​. A‬
‭complex number is expressed in the form a+bi, where a and b are real numbers. The number a‬
‭is called the real part, and b is called the imaginary part. Operations with complex numbers‬
‭follow the rules of algebra, with the understanding that i2 is replaced by -1 whenever it occurs‬‭8‭.‬ ‬
‭Module 12: Rational Expressions and Equations‬
‭ ‬‭rational expression‬‭is a fraction where both the‬‭numerator and the denominator are‬
A
‭polynomials. For example, x+2x2−1​is a rational expression.‬‭Simplifying rational expressions‬
‭involves factoring both the numerator and the denominator and then canceling out any common‬
‭factors. For example, x+2x2−1​=x+2(x−1)(x+1)​. If x =−2, this expression is in simplest form as‬
‭there are no common factors to cancel.‬

‭ o‬‭multiply rational expressions‬‭, we multiply the‬‭numerators together and the denominators‬


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‭together, just like with numerical fractions: QP​×SR​=QSPR​. We then simplify the resulting‬
‭rational expression by factoring and canceling common factors. To‬‭divide rational‬
‭expressions‬‭, we multiply the first expression by the‬‭reciprocal of the second:‬
‭QP​÷SR​=QP​×RS​=QRPS​. Again, we simplify the result by factoring and canceling common‬
‭factors.‬

‭ o‬‭add or subtract rational expressions‬‭, they must‬‭have a‬‭common denominator‬‭. If they do‬
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‭not, we need to find the‬‭least common denominator‬‭(LCD)‬‭, which is the least common‬
‭multiple of the denominators. Once we have a common denominator, we can add or subtract‬
‭the numerators and keep the same denominator: CA​±CB​=CA±B​. After performing the operation,‬
‭we should simplify the resulting rational expression if possible.‬

‭ ‬‭rational equation‬‭is an equation that contains one‬‭or more rational expressions. To‬‭solve a‬
A
‭rational equation‬‭, a common strategy is to multiply‬‭both sides of the equation by the least‬
‭common denominator (LCD) of all the rational expressions in the equation. This will eliminate‬
‭the denominators and result in a polynomial equation, which we can then solve using the‬
‭techniques we have learned. However, it is crucial to‬‭check for extraneous solutions‬‭, which‬
‭are solutions to the resulting polynomial equation that make the denominator of any of the‬
‭original rational expressions equal to zero. These values are not valid solutions to the original‬
‭rational equation because division by zero is undefined. For example, to solve x−2x​=x3​, the‬
‭LCD is x(x−2). Multiplying both sides by the LCD gives x2=3(x−2), which simplifies to‬
‭x2−3x+6=0. Using the quadratic formula, we find the solutions. We must then check if these‬
‭solutions make the denominators x−2 or x equal to zero.‬

‭ ational expressions and equations have various‬‭applications‬‭,‬‭including problems involving‬


R
‭rates, work, and proportions. For instance, rate problems often involve equations with rational‬
‭expressions representing speeds or times‬‭8‭.‬ ‬

‭Phase 4: Preparing for College Algebra‬

‭Module 13: Functions in Depth‬


‭ he concept of a‬‭function‬‭is central to all of higher‬‭mathematics. A function is a relation‬
T
‭between a set of inputs (called the‬‭domain‬‭) and a‬‭set of possible outputs (called the‬‭range‬‭)‬
‭such that each input is related to exactly one output. We often use the notation f(x) to represent‬
‭a function, where x is the input variable and f(x) is the output value. The‬‭vertical line test‬
‭provides a graphical way to determine if a relation is a function: if any vertical line drawn on the‬
‭graph intersects the graph at more than one point, then the relation is not a function.‬

‭ here are several‬‭types of functions‬‭that are commonly‬‭encountered in algebra.‬‭Linear‬


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‭functions‬‭have the form f(x)=mx+b and their graphs‬‭are straight lines.‬‭Quadratic functions‬
‭have the form f(x)=ax2+bx+c and their graphs are parabolas.‬‭Polynomial functions‬‭are of the‬
‭form f(x)=an​xn+an−1​xn−1+...+a1​x+a0​, where n is a non-negative integer.‬‭Rational functions‬
‭are functions that can be expressed as the ratio of two polynomials, f(x)=Q(x)P(x)​.‬‭Exponential‬
‭functions‬‭have the form f(x)=ax (where a>0 and a =1),‬‭and‬‭logarithmic functions‬‭(introduced‬
‭briefly here and covered in more detail in the next module) are the inverses of exponential‬
‭functions.‬

‭ he‬‭graphs of functions‬‭can be transformed in various‬‭ways.‬‭Vertical shifts‬‭involve adding or‬


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‭subtracting a constant to the function: f(x)+c shifts the graph up by c units, and f(x)−c shifts it‬
‭down by c units.‬‭Horizontal shifts‬‭involve adding‬‭or subtracting a constant to the input: f(x−c)‬
‭shifts the graph to the right by c units, and f(x+c) shifts it to the left by c units.‬‭Vertical stretches‬
‭and compressions‬‭are achieved by multiplying the function‬‭by a constant: cf(x) stretches the‬
‭graph vertically if ∣c∣>1 and compresses it if 0<∣c∣<1.‬‭Horizontal stretches and compressions‬
‭are achieved by multiplying the input by a constant: f(cx) compresses the graph horizontally if‬
‭∣c∣>1 and stretches it if 0<∣c∣<1.‬‭Reflections‬‭across‬‭the x-axis are given by −f(x), and reflections‬
‭across the y-axis are given by f(−x).‬

‭ function is said to have‬‭symmetry‬‭if its graph has‬‭certain properties. A function f is‬‭even‬‭if‬


A
‭f(−x)=f(x) for all x in its domain. The graph of an even function is symmetric about the y-axis. A‬
‭function f is‬‭odd‬‭if f(−x)=−f(x) for all x in its‬‭domain. The graph of an odd function is symmetric‬
‭about the origin.‬

‭ o‬‭evaluate a function‬‭for a given input value, we‬‭substitute that value for the variable in the‬
T
‭function's expression. For example, if f(x)=x2−3x+2, then f(4)=42−3(4)+2=16−12+2=6.‬

‭ he‬‭algebra of functions‬‭involves performing arithmetic‬‭operations on functions. If f and g are‬


T
‭two functions, then their sum is (f+g)(x)=f(x)+g(x), their difference is (f−g)(x)=f(x)−g(x), their‬
‭product is (f×g)(x)=f(x)×g(x), and their quotient is (gf​)(x)=g(x)f(x)​(where g(x) =0).‬‭Composition‬
‭of functions‬‭involves applying one function to the‬‭result of another. The composition of f with g‬
‭is denoted by (f∘g)(x)=f(g(x)).‬

‭ n‬‭inverse function‬‭of a function f, denoted by f−1,‬‭is a function such that f(f−1(x))=x and‬
A
‭f−1(f(x))=x for all x in their respective domains. Not all functions have inverses; a function must‬
‭be one-to-one (pass the horizontal line test) to have an inverse. To find the inverse of a function‬
‭y=f(x), we can switch x and y and then solve the resulting equation for y. The graph of f−1 is the‬
‭reflection of the graph of f across the line y=x‬‭9‭.‬ ‬

‭Module 14: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions‬


‭ xponential functions‬‭are functions of the form f(x)=ax,‬‭where the base a is a positive‬
E
‭constant (a>0) and a =1, and the exponent x is the variable. The‬‭domain‬‭of an exponential‬
‭function is all real numbers, and the‬‭range‬‭is all‬‭positive real numbers (if a>0). The graph of an‬
‭exponential function has a horizontal asymptote at y=0. If a>1, the function represents‬
‭exponential growth; if 0<a<1, it represents exponential decay. Common examples include‬
‭f(x)=2x (growth) and f(x)=(21​)x (decay).‬

‭ ogarithmic functions‬‭are the inverses of exponential‬‭functions. If y=ax, then x=loga​(y). The‬


L
‭logarithmic function with base a is written as f(x)=loga​(x). The domain of a logarithmic function is‬
‭all positive real numbers, and the range is all real numbers. The graph of a logarithmic function‬
‭has a vertical asymptote at x=0. The graph of y=loga​(x) is the reflection of the graph of y=ax‬
‭across the line y=x. Two common bases for logarithms are base 10 (common logarithm, written‬
‭as log(x)) and base e (natural logarithm, written as ln(x), where e≈2.71828).‬

‭ he‬‭relationship between exponential and logarithmic‬‭functions‬‭is fundamental: y=ax is‬


T
‭equivalent to x=loga​(y). This equivalence is crucial for converting between the two forms and for‬
‭solving exponential and logarithmic equations.‬

‭ here are several important‬‭laws of logarithms‬‭that‬‭help simplify logarithmic expressions. The‬


T
‭product rule‬‭states that loga​(MN)=loga​(M)+loga​(N).‬‭The‬‭quotient rule‬‭states that‬
‭loga​(NM​)=loga​(M)−loga​(N). The‬‭power rule‬‭states‬‭that loga​(Mp)=ploga​(M). The‬‭change of‬
‭base formula‬‭allows us to convert logarithms from‬‭one base to another: loga​(b)=logc​(a)logc​(b)​,‬
‭where c can be any suitable base (often 10 or e).‬

‭ olving exponential equations‬‭often involves taking‬‭the logarithm of both sides of the‬


S
‭equation. For example, to solve 2x=7, we can take the natural logarithm of both sides:‬
‭ln(2x)=ln(7), which gives xln(2)=ln(7), so x=ln(2)ln(7)​.‬‭Solving logarithmic equations‬‭often‬
‭involves converting the equation to its exponential form. For example, to solve log3​(x−2)=4, we‬
‭convert it to 34=x−2, so 81=x−2, and x=83. It is important to check the domain of the logarithmic‬
‭function to ensure that the solution is valid (the argument of the logarithm must be positive).‬

‭ xponential and logarithmic functions have numerous‬‭applications‬‭in modeling real-world‬


E
‭phenomena. Exponential functions are used to model growth and decay processes, such as‬
‭population growth, radioactive decay, and compound interest. Logarithmic functions are used in‬
‭scales like the Richter scale for earthquakes and the decibel scale for sound intensity‬‭8‬‭.‬

‭Module 15: Systems of Equations and Inequalities (Advanced Topics)‬


‭ e have previously discussed systems of linear equations. Now we extend this to‬‭non-linear‬
W
‭systems of equations‬‭, which involve equations where‬‭at least one equation is not linear (e.g.,‬
‭it might involve quadratic, exponential, or logarithmic terms). Solving these systems can be‬
‭more complex. The methods of‬‭substitution‬‭and‬‭elimination‬‭are often still applicable. For‬
‭example, to solve the system y=x2 and y=2x+3 by substitution, we can set the expressions for y‬
‭equal to each other: x2=2x+3, which gives the quadratic equation x2−2x−3=0. Factoring this‬
‭gives (x−3)(x+1)=0, so x=3 or x=−1. Substituting these values back into either of the original‬
‭equations (e.g., y=x2) gives the corresponding y values: if x=3, y=32=9; if x=−1, y=(−1)2=1.‬
‭Thus, the solutions are (3,9) and (−1,1).‬

‭ ystems of inequalities in two variables‬‭can also‬‭involve non-linear inequalities. The solution‬


S
‭region is found by graphing each inequality and identifying the area where all the shaded‬
‭regions overlap. For example, to find the solution to the system y≥x2 and y≤−x+2, we would‬
‭graph the parabola y=x2 (solid line) and shade the region above it, and then graph the line‬
‭y=−x+2 (solid line) and shade the region below it. The solution is the area where these two‬
‭shaded regions overlap.‬

‭ atrices‬‭provide a powerful tool for representing‬‭and solving systems of linear equations,‬


M
‭especially those with more than two variables. A matrix is a rectangular array of numbers‬
‭arranged in rows and columns. We can perform basic‬‭matrix operations‬‭such as addition,‬
‭subtraction, and multiplication under certain conditions. The‬‭determinant of a square matrix‬‭is‬
‭a scalar value that can be calculated from the elements of the matrix and has several important‬
‭properties. For a 2×2 matrix (ac​bd​), the determinant is ad−bc. For larger matrices, the‬
‭calculation is more involved. Matrices can be used to solve systems of linear equations using‬
‭methods like‬‭Cramer's rule‬‭or by using the‬‭inverse‬‭of a matrix‬‭. Cramer's rule uses‬
‭determinants to find the solution for each variable in a system of linear equations. The inverse of‬
‭a matrix, if it exists, can be multiplied by the constant terms of the system to find the solution‬
‭vector. These methods are particularly useful for larger systems of linear equations where‬
‭substitution or elimination can become cumbersome‬‭11‬‭.‬

‭Module 16: Sequences and Series‬


‭ ‬‭sequence‬‭is an ordered list of numbers. Each number‬‭in the sequence is called a term.‬
A
‭Sequences can be finite or infinite. An‬‭arithmetic‬‭sequence‬‭is a sequence where the difference‬
‭between any two consecutive terms is constant. This constant difference is called the‬‭common‬
‭difference‬‭, denoted by d. The formula for the $n$th‬‭term (an​) of an arithmetic sequence is‬
‭an​=a1​+(n−1)d, where a1​is the first term. A‬‭geometric‬‭sequence‬‭is a sequence where the ratio‬
‭between any two consecutive terms is constant. This constant ratio is called the‬‭common ratio‬‭,‬
‭denoted by r. The formula for the $n$th term (an​) of a geometric sequence is an​=a1​×r(n−1),‬
‭where a1​is the first term.‬

‭ ‬‭series‬‭is the sum of the terms of a sequence. An‬‭arithmetic series‬‭is the sum of the terms of‬
A
‭an arithmetic sequence. The sum of the first n terms (Sn​) of an arithmetic series is given by‬
‭Sn​=2n​(a1​+an​) or Sn​=2n​(2a1​+(n−1)d). A‬‭geometric‬‭series‬‭is the sum of the terms of a‬
‭geometric sequence. The sum of the first n terms (Sn​) of a geometric series is given by‬
‭Sn​=1−ra1​(1−rn)​(where r =1). An‬‭infinite geometric‬‭series‬‭is the sum of an infinite number of‬
‭terms of a geometric sequence. An infinite geometric series converges to a finite sum if the‬
‭absolute value of the common ratio is less than 1 (∣r∣<1), and the sum is given by S=1−ra1​​. If‬
‭∣r∣≥1, the series diverges and does not have a finite sum. Understanding sequences and series‬
‭provides a foundation for more advanced topics in mathematics, such as calculus and discrete‬
‭mathematics‬‭8‭.‬ ‬

‭Interactive Practice and Review‬


‭ hroughout this course, it is crucial to incorporate‬‭interactive exercises‬‭after each sub-topic‬
T
‭and module to reinforce learning and assess understanding‬‭13‬‭. These exercises should include‬
‭a variety of question types, such as multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, true/false, and open-ended‬
‭problems, to cater to different learning styles and evaluate comprehension at various levels‬‭3‬‭.‬
‭Practice problems with step-by-step solutions‬‭should‬‭be readily available to allow for‬
‭self-checking and to provide insights into the problem-solving process‬‭2‭.‬ ‬‭Quizzes‬‭at the end of‬
‭each module will help gauge mastery of the key concepts covered‬‭3‬‭.‬
‭ o maintain engagement and demonstrate the relevance of algebra, it is essential to include‬
T
‭real-world applications and examples‬‭throughout the‬‭course‬‭2‭.‬ Connecting abstract algebraic‬
‭concepts to concrete situations can make the learning process more meaningful and‬
‭memorable.‬

‭ egular‬‭review exercises‬‭and‬‭cumulative assessments‬‭are vital for reinforcing learning and‬


R
‭ensuring long-term retention of the material‬‭3‭.‬ These‬‭can include revisiting previously covered‬
‭topics in later modules and providing comprehensive tests that cover material from multiple‬
‭modules. Resources such as Khan Academy, Mathplanet, VideoText Algebra, Accelerate Online‬
‭Academy, and Thinkwell offer various interactive tools and practice materials that can‬
‭supplement this course‬‭3‬‭. The availability of step-by-step‬‭solutions is particularly important for‬
‭self-learners, enabling them to identify and correct mistakes and understand the correct‬
‭approach to solving problems. By actively engaging with the material through practice and‬
‭review, a deeper and more lasting understanding of algebra can be achieved.‬

‭Conclusion: Your Foundation in Algebra‬


‭ his comprehensive course has taken you on a journey through the fundamental concepts of‬
T
‭algebra, starting from the basic building blocks of numbers and progressing through advanced‬
‭topics such as functions, exponential and logarithmic equations, and systems of non-linear‬
‭equations. The material covered spans pre-algebra, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2, laying a solid‬
‭foundation for college-level algebra studies‬‭21‬‭. Consistent‬‭practice and regular review of the‬
‭concepts and techniques learned throughout this course are essential for continued success in‬
‭mathematics. The ability to think logically, solve problems systematically, and understand the‬
‭relationships between different mathematical concepts are skills that will be invaluable not only‬
‭in future mathematics courses but also in many other academic and professional fields. This‬
‭course has been designed to provide you with a thorough and detailed understanding of‬
‭algebra, addressing your desire for completeness and interactivity. With the knowledge and‬
‭skills gained, you are well-prepared to embark on further mathematical endeavors with‬
‭confidence.‬

‭Table 1: Sets of Numbers‬

‭Set Name‬ ‭Symbols‬ ‭Description‬ ‭Examples‬

‭Natural Numbers‬ ‭N‬ ‭Counting numbers‬ ‭1, 2, 3, ...‬

‭Whole Numbers‬ ‭W‬ ‭ atural numbers‬


N ‭0, 1, 2, 3, ...‬
‭plus zero‬
‭Integers‬ ‭Z‬ ‭ hole numbers and‬
W ‭..., -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, ...‬
‭their negatives‬

‭Rational Numbers‬ ‭Q‬ ‭ umbers that can‬


N ‭ 1​, −43​, 0.5,‬
2
‭be expressed as a‬ ‭-0.333...‬
‭fraction qp​(where‬
‭p,q∈Z and q =0)‬

‭Irrational Numbers‬ ‭I‬ ‭ umbers that‬


N ‭π, 2​, e‬
‭cannot be‬
‭expressed as a‬
‭simple fraction‬

‭Real Numbers‬ ‭R‬ ‭ he set of all‬


T ‭ ll numbers on the‬
A
‭rational and‬ ‭number line‬
‭irrational numbers‬

‭Table 2: Properties of Arithmetic Operations‬

‭Property Name‬ ‭Addition (a+b)‬ ‭Multiplication (a×b)‬

‭Commutative‬ ‭a+b=b+a‬ ‭a×b=b×a‬

‭Associative‬ ‭(a+b)+c=a+(b+c)‬ ‭(a×b)×c=a×(b×c)‬

‭Identity‬ ‭a+0=a‬ ‭a×1=a‬

‭Inverse‬ ‭a+(−a)=0‬ ‭a×a1​=1 (if a =0)‬

‭Distributive‬ ‭a×(b+c)=(a×b)+(a×c)‬

‭Table 3: Rules of Exponents‬


‭Rule Name‬ ‭Rule‬

‭Product Rule‬ ‭am×an=am+n‬

‭Quotient Rule‬ ‭anam​=am−n (if a =0)‬

‭Power Rule‬ ‭(am)n=am×n‬

‭Power of a Product Rule‬ ‭(ab)n=an×bn‬

‭Power of a Quotient Rule‬ ‭(ba​)n=bnan​(if b =0)‬

‭Zero Exponent Rule‬ ‭a0=1 (if a =0)‬

‭Negative Exponent Rule‬ ‭a−n=an1​(if a =0)‬

‭Works cited‬

‭ . VideoText Algebra Modules A-C Set with Online Course - Memoria Press, accessed on‬
1
‭March 18, 2025,‬
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‭14. Study math for free - Mathplanet, accessed on March 18, 2025,‬
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‭a‬
‭21. VideoText Algebra - Milestone Books, accessed on March 18, 2025,‬
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