Standards for Algebra  (pdf)

• 1.0 Simplifying Expressions

  Alg1.0 Simplifying Expressions
  	Students …
  1AL 1.1	Understand and use such operations as finding the opposite and finding the reciprocal.
  1AL 1.2	Understand determining a root, simplifying a root (e.g. surds) and the meaning of a fractional power (rational exponents) and understand and use the rules of exponents( Index laws).
  1AL 1.3	Simplify or evaluate linear expressions in one variable with integer, fraction and decimal coefficients.
  1AL 1.4	Solve equations and inequalities involving absolute value and know how to use both interval and number line notation.

•  2.0 Linear Equations & Inequalities

  Alg2.0 Linear Equations & Inequalities
  	Students …
  1AL 2.1	Graph a linear equation and compute the x- and y- intercepts (e.g., graph 2x + 6y = 4) using a table of points.
  1AL 2.2	Are able to sketch the region defined by linear inequality (e.g. 2x + 6y < 4).
  1AL 2.3	Can verify that a point lies on a line, given an equation of the line.
  1AL 2.4	Solve multi-step problems, including word problems, involving linear equations and linear inequalities in one variable and provide justification for each step.
  1AL 2.5	Are able to derive linear equations by using the point-slope formula.
  1AL 2.6	Understand the concepts of parallel lines and perpendicular lines and how those slopes are related and are able to find the equation of a line passing through a point and parallel or perpendicular to a given line.
  1AL 2.7	Know and apply the formula for the distance between two points and between a point and a line.

   

• 3.0 Linear Systems

  Alg3.0 Linear Systems
  	Students …
  1AL 3.1	Solve a system of two linear equations in two variables graphically.
  1AL 3.2	Solve a system of two linear equations in two variables algebraically using the elimination and substitution methods.
  1AL 3.3	Understand both algebraically and geometrically the three possible conclusions of a system of two linear equations in two variables (inconsistent, infinite and one solution).
  1AL 3.4	Solves real-world problems involving the solution of a system of two linear equations in two variables, including rate problems, work problems, and percent mixture problems.

•  4.0 Polynomials

  Alg4.0 Polynomials
  	Students …
  1AL 4.1	Add, subtract, multiply, and divide monomials and polynomials. Students solve multi-step problems, including word problems, by using these techniques.
  1AL 4.2	Students apply basic factoring techniques to second-and simple third-degree polynomials. These techniques include finding a common factor for all terms in a polynomial, recognizing the difference of two squares, and recognizing perfect squares of binomials (see also 1AL 5.2)
  1AL 4.3	Simplify fractions with polynomials in the numerator and denominator by factoring both and reducing them to the lowest terms.
  1AL 4.4	Add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions and functions. Students solve both computationally and conceptually challenging problems by using these techniques.

   

•  5.0 Quadratics

  Alg5.0 Quadratics
  	Students …
  1AL 5.1	Solve a quadratic equation by factoring or completing the square.
  1AL 5.2	Know the quadratic formula and are familiar with its proof by completing the square.
  1AL 5.3	Use the quadratic formula to find the roots of a second-degree polynomial and to solve quadratic equations.
  1AL 5.4	Graph quadratic functions and know that their roots are the x- intercepts (zeros).
  1AL 5.5	Determine the axis of symmetry of a quadratic and how the coefficients affect its position on a graph.
  1AL 5.6	Use the quadratic formula or factoring techniques or both to determine whether the graph of a quadratic function will intersect the x-axis in zero, one, or two points.
  1AL 5.7	Apply quadratic equations to physical problems, such as the motion of an object under the force of gravity.

•  6.0 Functions

  Alg6.0 Functions
  	Students …
  1AL 6.1	Understand the concepts of a relation and a function, determine whether a given relation defines a function, and give pertinent information about given relations and functions.
  1AL 6.2	Determine the domain of independent variables and the range of dependent variables defined by a graph, a set of ordered pairs, or a symbolic expression.
  1AL 6.3	Determine whether a relation defined by a graph, a set of ordered pairs, or a symbolic expression is a function and justify the conclusion.

   

•  7.0 Algebraic Logic

  Alg7.0 Algebraic Logic
  	Students …
  1AL 7.1	Identify and use the arithmetic properties of subsets of integers and rational, irrational, and real numbers, including closure properties for the four basic arithmetic operations where applicable.
  1AL 7.2	Use and know simple aspects of a logical argument: Explain the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning and identify and provide examples of each. Identify the hypothesis and conclusion in logical deduction. Use counterexamples to show that an assertion is false and recognize that a single counterexample is sufficient to refute an assertion.
  1AL 7.3	Use properties of the number system to judge the validity of results, to justify each step of a procedure, and to prove or disprove statements: Use properties of numbers to construct simple, valid arguments (direct and indirect) for, or formulate counterexamples to, claimed assertions. Judge the validity of an argument according to whether the properties of the real number system and the order of operations have been applied correctly at each step. Determine whether the statement is true sometimes, always, or never, given a specific algebraic statement involving linear, quadratic, or absolute value expressions or equations or inequalities.

   

  See also: Algebra - Glossary

   

  These standards were developed by The Team, but mostly by Rev. Graeme MacNeil who also developed the particularly nice graphics and formatting!