Algebra 2 - Second Semester (Full Year Course)

This course provides in-depth instruction of Algebra 2 topics to prepare students for higher level math including Geometry, Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus.  The class is listed in the Outschool “on-going” format to offer flexibility for parents.  The on-going format allows students to enroll for weekly sessions as needed without committing to a full year.  Students may enroll for additional support and practice, to learn about a new topic, or for the complete Algebra 2 curriculum.  

Algebra 2 is more rigorous and builds on previous algebra courses. Besides review and expansion of topics taught in Algebra 1, the course covers advanced factoring, imaginary and complex numbers, conjugate numbers, the binomial theorem, the quadratic formula, motion problems, and other kinds of application problems. Graphing includes extensive practice with conic sections and solving systems of equations visually and algebraically. 

My teaching style combines lecture with examples and exercises completed both independently and with other students in the course.  Word problems are integrated throughout the sessions to teach logic, reasoning, and critical thinking.  Word problems also demonstrate a student’s ability to apply what they’ve learned to everyday, real life situations.  The class meets for two 45-minute sessions each week through the fall and spring semesters.  Students will have homework for each class and should plan on spending 30-45 mins on homework for each class session.  

Following are the topics by week for first and second semester:

Week Beginning:
Sept 9        Algebra 1 Key Concepts Review
Sept 16       Exponents
Sept 23      Rational Expressions
Sept 30      Scientific Notation; Combining Like Terms
Oct 7          Radicals: Basic Operations and Simplifying
Oct 14        Radicals: Reducing and Rationalizing the Denominator
Oct 21        Factoring Polynomials
Oct 28        Complex Rational Expressions
Nov 4         Fractional Exponents
Nov 11        Imaginary and Complex Numbers
Nov 18        Imaginary and Complex Numbers (continued)
Nov 25       BREAK - NO CLASSES
Dec 2         Conjugate Numbers
Dec 9         Complex Conjugate Numbers
Dec 16       Squares, Cubes, and Pascal’s Triangle

Dec 23       BREAK - NO CLASSES

Jan 6         Binomial Theorem
Jan 13        Discriminants
Jan 20       Isolating One Variable
Jan 27        Complex Ratios
Feb 3         Unit Multipliers and Metric Conversions
Feb 10       Distance and Motion Problems
Feb 17       Linear Equations, Slope Intercept, Graphing Complex Lines
Feb 24      Parallel and Perpendicular Lines; Inequalities
Mar 3        Distance Formula and Midpoint Formula
Mar 10      BREAK - NO CLASS
Mar 17       Conic Sections: Circle and Ellipse
Mar 24      Introduction to Parabola and Graphing
Mar 31       Parabola: Maxima and Minima
Apr 7         Hyperbola
Apr 14       Solving Systems of Equations
Apr 21       Word Problems: Coins, Consecutive Integers, and Mixtures
Apr 28      Word Problems: Age and Boat in the Current Problems
May 5       Solving Equations with Three Variables
May 12      Vectors