Algebra Won: Practical Algebra I Skills

Learners will explore the important, practical topics of Algebra I in this hand-on course. The goals are to provide each learner with 1) a solid foundation of basic mathematical operations, 2) the ability to solve algebraic equations with a single variable, and 3) an introduction to graphical analysis for equations with two variables. The course is structured to provide learners with the math skills they really need to study science, technology, business/economics, and other quantitative topics.

Each class will have a lecture in which new methods are presented, followed by hands-on  activities in which we apply our skills to solve problems. There will be a homework problem set for each class to provide more practice. Learner progress will be evaluated based on the homework as well as participation in the hands-on activities during class. The intention is for learners to become comfortable using algebra. As such, the class will avoid "proofs" and other mathematically rigorous analyses that have limited real-world utility.

Be sure to bring paper, pencil, and an eraser to each class. You'll need to participate in the hands-on activities to learn the material. Nobody has ever learned math by watching a teacher do it for them! As a prerequisite, learners should already be comfortable with arithmetic including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

week 1: Numbers & order of operations
week 2: Numbers: distributing & exponents/powers
week 3: Numbers: scientific notation, absolute value, square roots
week 4: Numbers: fractions
week 5: One variable: Solve an equation for “x”
week 6: One variable: factoring perfect squares
week 7: One variable: factoring polynomial expressions
week 8: One variable: factoring polynomial equations
week 9: One variable: the quadratic formula
week 10: Two variables: solving equations using substitution
week 11: Two variables: lines, slope & distance
week 12: Two variables: linear plots & graphical analysis