Algebra 2+

Course Overview

This course is the second course in algebra and is usually required for admission to a 4-year university. The first half of this course quickly reviews concepts taught in Algebra 1 then introduces some new concepts such as matrices, Cramer’s rule, quadratics, powers, roots and radicals. The second half of the course explores such topics as exponential, polynomial and rational functions, synthetic division, conic sections and a brief introduction to probability theory and Trigonometry.

In preparing for this course the student may wish to review material taught in previous courses such as Algebra 1 and Geometry.  The student should also be a master of Arithmetic.  This means the student should have a working knowledge of fractions, decimals, percents, basic geometric formulas (area, perimeter), basic operation (add/subtract/multiply/divide ) on Real numbers, factoring, and so forth.  Calculators are not generally used while taking this course.

It is also strongly advised to the student that concepts be learned for the long term.  Cramming for tests will allow a short term memory of enough material to give the illusion of understanding, however I will not be fooled by this illusion and neither will your future self.  Students who typically study for “Friday’s test” only to forget the material upon leaving the classroom will have great difficulty passing this class.

This course (especially the second part) is not easy for most people.  Work outside of class (in addition to the homework) will most likely be necessary.  Students have benefited from forming study groups to practice the material and help each other on a regular basis as well as before tests.  I am also available for extra help before school Tuesday through Friday and after school Monday through Thursday until about 3 PM.

While this course is not easy, it can be rewarding; you’ll get from it what you put into it.

I look forward to working with you in this course and wish you the best of luck.


 Tier

To access the online textbook and Math XL programs, go to the high school’s webpage and in the right column scroll down then click on the link looking like this:pearson.JPG

Once there, log in using your standard credentials, except omit the “my.” between the “@” and “tvusd.k12.ca.us”

From there you can access both the online version of the textbook and the Math XL program where there may be assigned homework and/or quizzes.  Be sure to see your teacher for details and for help in logging in.

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