74854793Basic Algebra
Course Information
Description
Graded course focusing on Basic Algebra skills for intermediate level (6.0 - 8.9 grade equivalent) students.   This course was designed and intended for those who have never taken Algebra, those who struggled with Beginning Algebra, or those who have not had Algebra in a long time. The course reviews arithmetic skills as Algebra skills are developed including: solving equations, working with fractions, exponent rules, operations with polynomials, and solving word problems.
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies
  1. Perform calculations on whole number expressions
    Assessment Strategies
    You score at the 70% proficiency level or higher on both portions of the exam (with and without use of calculator)
    Criteria
    You add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole number expressions
    You translate English statements into algebraic expressions
    You simplify and evaluate algebraic expressions
    You identify and apply algebraic properties (commutative, associative, identity, zero product, and distributive)
    You solve applied/word problems related to real-life situations
    You solve multi-step whole number problems applying order of operations
    You solve problems using a calculator when appropriate
    You label solutions using correct units
    You estimate the reasonableness of an answer

  2. Apply knowledge of integers
    Assessment Strategies
    You score at the 70% proficiency level or higher on both portions of the exam (with and without use of calculator)
    Criteria
    You add, subtact, multiply, and divide integers and signed fractions
    You solve multi-step integer problems applying order of operations
    You solve applied/word problems involving signed numbers
    You estimate reasonableness of an answer

  3. Apply knowledge of basic equations and algebraic expressions
    Assessment Strategies
    You score at the 70% proficiency level or higher on both portions of the exam (with and without use of calculator)
    Criteria
    You solve equations using the addition and division principles of equality
    You translate English statements into equations
    You apply the product rule to exponents when multiplying algebraic expressions
    You solve applied/word problems involving perimeter, area, and profit/loss
    You estimate reasonableness of an answer
    You label solutions using correct units

  4. Apply knowledge of fractions, ratios, and proportions
    Assessment Strategies
    You score at the 70% proficiency level or higher on both portions of the exam (with and without use of calculator)
    Criteria
    You convert between improper fractions, mixed numbers, and whole numbers
    You write rates, ratios, and proportions from statements and word problems
    You compute unit rates and use unit rates to comparison shop
    You solve numerical proportion problems
    You solve applied/word problems using proportions
    You estimate reasonableness of an answer
    You label solutions using correct units

  5. Perform calculations on fractional expressions
    Assessment Strategies
    You score at the 70% proficiency level or higher on both portions of the exam (with and without use of calculator)
    Criteria
    You convert between improper fractions, mixed numbers, and whole numbers
    You multiply and divide fractions and mixed numbers with like and unlike denominators
    You add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with like and unlike denominators
    You solve applied/word problems using mixed operations including multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction of fractions
    You reduce answers to lowest terms
    You estimate reasonableness of an answer
    You label solutions using correct units
    You estimate reasonableness of an answer
    You label solutions using correct units

  6. Perform calculations on polynomials
    Assessment Strategies
    You score at the 70% proficiency level or higher on the exam
    Criteria
    You add, subtract, and multiply polynomials
    You factor the greatest common factor from a polynomial
    You write variable expressions from phrases and word problems

  7. Solve equations
    Assessment Strategies
    You score at the 70% proficiency level or higher on the exam
    Criteria
    You solve equations using the addition, multiplication and division principles of equality
    You solve equations needing significant simplifying (containing parenthesis and fractions)
    You verify solutions to equations by evaluation
    You solve applied problems by defining variable expressions, writing equations and solving equations
    You estimate reasonableness of answers

  8. Perform calculations using percents
    Assessment Strategies
    You score at the 70% proficiency level or higher on both portions of the exam (with and without use of calculator)
    Criteria
    You convert between decimals, percents, and fractions
    You identify base, part, and whole from percentage problems
    You solve solve basic percentage problems
    You solve applied/word percentage problems, including discounts and tax, percent change, and I=PRT
    You estimate reasonableness of an answer
    You label solutions using correct units

  9. Graph linear equations
    Assessment Strategies
    You score at the 70% proficiency level or higher on both portions of the exam (with and without use of calculator)
    Criteria
    You plot points on a rectangular coordinate system and identify coordinates on given points
    You find solutions to linear equations with two variables
    You graph solutions to linear equations with two variables