# Pre-Algebra

This course is designed for the middle school student preparing to enter a high school level algebra course. Students taking this course should have strong skills in arithmetic to include fraction operations.

The first part of Pre-Algebra will explore areas of Real Numbers (positive/negative numbers), solving equations, graphing and writing lines and inequalities.

Part 2 of the course deals with topics such as functions and relations, systems, quadratic equations, polynomials, powers and exponents and rational/radical expressions. There are also sections on basic geometry to include circles, area, volume, Distance Formula and Pythagorean Theorem.

### Chapter 1: Introduction to Algebra Terms and Concepts

This chapter introduces students to basic terms and concepts used in algebra. Time is taken to ensure the student understands basic number operations, variables and their applications. Additionally, the student gains a fundamental sense of equations, inequalities and their solutions.

### Sections:

• 1.1 Number Operations

• 1.2 Variables

• 1.3 Order of Operations

### Chapter 2: Real Numbers and Simplifying Variable Expressions

This chapter focuses on getting the student to master working with the Real Numbers. Students learn the rules of integers and practice through many examples. Also, students will learn to apply the Distributive Property and simplify variable expressions by combining like terms.

### Sections:

• 2.1 Real Number System

### Chapter 3: Fractions and Decimals

This chapter reviews how to work with fractions. Although it is assumed students posses these skills, time is taken to ensure the student has mastered the procedures to perform operations involving fractions.

### Chapter 4: Solving Equations

The chapter breaks down the steps to solve multi-step linear equations. Students will build up their skills as they progress from one and two-step equations to more advance equations. Core concepts involved will be reviewed to include the Distributive Property and combining like terms.

### Sections:

• 4.1  One Step Equations

### Chapter 5: Inequalities

In this chapter students will apply their equation solving skills to solve linear inequalities. Basic concepts and terms are introduced first, along with how to graph inequalities.

### Sections:

• 5.1  Linear Inequalities

### Chapter 6: Graphing Linear Equations

This very important chapter walks the student step-by-step to master how to graph linear equations. Concepts involving the coordinate plane, slope and methods to graph lines are thoroughly reviewed and introduced. Upon completion of the chapter students will gain the necessary knowledge and skills needed to learn more advance topics involving linear equations.

### Sections:

• 6.3  The Slope of a Line

• 6.5  XY Intercept Method

### Chapter 7: Writing the Equations of Lines

This chapter builds on the student’s prior knowledge and skill of linear equations. Various methods to find and write the equation of a line are introduced and practiced. The chapter focuses on the proper way to set-up and use formulas to write linear equations. Additional related topics are explored to include linear models, linear regression and word problems.

### Chapter 8: Introduction to Systems

Understanding systems and the methods to solve them are vital in algebra. This chapter introduces the student to systems and what their solutions represent. Techniques to solve systems will build from the student’s prior knowledge of solving linear equations. Upon completion of the chapter a student will have a solid skill set in systems that prepares them for Algebra 1 and 2.

### Chapter 9: Absolute Value

Absolute value problems can be challenging for some students to grasp. Time is taken to teach students core concepts and build understanding. Students will learn how to graph absolute value functions and apply the steps to solve absolute value equations/inequalities.

### Chapter 10: Powers and Exponents

This chapter covers the rules of powers and exponents a student needs to learn in algebra. Also, important applications of these rules are covered to include scientific notation, compound interest and exponential growth and decay.

### Sections:

• 10.4  Scientific Notation

• 10.5  Compound Interest

### Chapter 11: Polynomials

Polynomials are the key building blocks of algebra. The chapter starts by covering the parts of a polynomial and related terminology. Students then learn how to perform various polynomial operations, and a special focus is placed on avoiding common mistakes. Lastly, there is a section dedicated to introduce quadratic equations which are extremely important in more advance topics in algebra.

### Sections:

• 11.3  Multiplying Polynomials

### Chapter 12: Rational Expressions

This chapter takes the student through fundamental rational expressions to include ratios, proportions, percent and variation. Students will learn different methods to solve rational expression problems. The section on simplifying rational algebraic expressions starts by reviewing basic examples using numbers before introducing variable examples.

### Sections:

• 12.1  Ratios and Proportions

• 12.2  Percent

### Chapter 13: Introduction to Functions and Relations

Functions and relations transcend all through mathematics. This chapter explains core concepts at the Pre-Algebra level and prepares the student for more advance study of the topic. Time is taken to explain the difference between a function and relation; and introduce the student to the language of functions to include the domain, range and linear/nonlinear functions.

### Sections:

• 13.2  Graphing Functions

### Chapter 14: Area and Volume

This chapter explores the link between algebra and geometry. Basic formulas for area and volume are covered. Also, a section is dedicated to explain concepts related to circles to include area, volume, diameter, radius, and pi.

### Sections:

• 14.1  Area of Basic Figures

• 14.4  Volume of Basic Figures

### Chapter 15: Right Triangle Theorems and Formulas

Properties of right triangles form the basis of many more advance topics in algebra, geometry and trigonometry. Sections in the chapter introduce fundamental theorems and formulas to include the Distance and Mid-Point formula and the Pythagorean Theorem.

### Sections:

• 15.2  The Pythagorean Theorem

### Course Completion:

TabletClass makes course management for your student easy and secure! Although we do not issue grades or transcripts, we do provide all the materials you need so that you can generate them on your own, including:

Chapter Tests and Keys

Chapter Tests Summary Worksheet

Course Guidebook

Final Exam Directions

Final Exam

Final Exam Key
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