Algebra II (Period 1)

Algebra II expands on the mathematical content of Algebra I and Geometry. There is no single unifying theme. Instead, many new concepts and techniques are introduced that will be basic to more advanced courses in mathematics and the sciences and useful in the workplace. In general terms the emphasis is on abstract thinking skills, the function concept, and the algebraic solution of problems in various content areas. Students who master Algebra II will gain experience with algebraic solutions of problems in the various content areas, including the solution of systems and quadratic equations, logarithmic and exponential functions, the binomial theorem, and the complex number system.

In this course students will know and be able to:
• Solve equations and inequalities involving absolute value
• Solve systems of linear equations and inequalities in two and three variables
• Demonstrate knowledge of how real and complex numbers are related both arithmetically and graphically
• Add, subtract, multiply and divide complex numbers
• Be adept at operations on polynomials, including long division
• Factor polynomials representing the difference of squares, perfect square trinomials, and the sum and difference of two cubes
• Add, subtract, multiply, divide, reduce and evaluate rational expressions with monomial and polynomial denominators
• Solve and graph quadratic equations
• Demonstrate and explain the effect that changing a coefficient has on the graph of quadratic functions
• Graph quadratic functions and determine the maxima, minima, and zeros of the function
• Prove simple laws of logarithms
• Know the laws of fractional exponents and understand exponential functions
• Determine the truth of specific algebraic statements involving rational expressions, radical expressions, or logarithmic or exponential functions
• Derive summation formulae for arithmetic series and for both finite and infinite geometric series
• Know the binomial theorem and use it to expand binomial expressions
• Use fundamental counting principles to compute combinations and permutations
• Use combinations and permutations to compute probabilities