The study of Algebra is the study of relations. Algebra is a comprehensive exploration of mathematical relationships, including both equations and inequalities. In this course, equations and inequalities are studied together, and distinctions are made only when necessary, to clarify functional differences.

The concepts of Algebra develop by degrees. Relations of first-degree should be mastered first. We will continue our investigation of first-degree relations with two placeholders, by examining systems of relations (considering more than one relation at a time), working with special cases, and finishing up with our adventure into story problems.

Weekly Breakdown of Lessons:

1. Solution Sets of Equations
2. Solution Sets of Inequalities
3. Graphing Terminology
4. Graphing Techniques for y = mx
5. Graphing Techniques for y = mx + b
6. Graphing Techniques - Intercepts
7. Special Cases - y =a, y > a, y < a
8. Special Cases - x = a, x > a, x < a
9. Absolute Value
10. Finding Relations from Solution Sets: Given the slope and y-intercept
11. :Given the slope and one solution
12. :Given two solutions
13: Special Cases - Given parallel or perpendicular lines and one solution
14. Systems of two open sentences: graphic solutions for equations
15: Systems...: graphic solutions for inequalities
Review 
Mid-Term
16. Algebraic Solution for Equations - elimination by addition
17. Elimination by substitution
18. Special Cases of Solution Sets for Systems:  no solution
19. Special Cases...Infinite number of solutions
20. Problem-solving using two placeholders: General setup
21. ...two placeholders: "Number" problems
22. "Age" problems
23. "Geometric Figure" problems
24. "Motion" problems
25. "Percent" problems
26. "Value" or "Mixture" problems
 Review
  

Prerequisites: Students should have finished the first two units of Pre-Algebra with me. I cannot enroll students who have not taken the previous part two course of Pre-Algebra.