Algebra I is a foundational high school mathematics course designed to equip students with the essential skills and conceptual understanding needed to succeed in advanced math, science, and problem-solving tasks. Algebra I introduces students to the language and structure of algebra, where they learn how to model relationships between quantities using variables, expressions, equations, and functions. This course is critical for developing a strong mathematical mindset and is a gateway to all higher-level mathematics including Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus, and eventually courses in Calculus, Statistics, and Computer Science.
The course emphasizes both conceptual understanding and procedural fluency. Students will explore linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations, quadratic functions, exponential relationships, and data analysis. These concepts provide students with the ability to:
- Translate real-world problems into mathematical expressions and equations
- Represent mathematical relationships using graphs, tables, and symbolic notation
- Solve equations and interpret the solutions in context
- Understand and use functions to describe patterns and change
- Analyze and interpret quantitative data using statistical measures
Students will develop habits of mathematical reasoning by identifying patterns, constructing arguments, testing solutions, and justifying their reasoning. Through this problem-solving lens, Algebra I builds the analytical tools that students will use not only in future math courses, but in disciplines such as computer science, physics, economics, and engineering.
2Sigma School emphasizes project-based learning where students engage in real-world applications of algebraic thinking. Projects may include analyzing trends using linear models, creating business plans based on exponential growth scenarios, or using systems of equations to model financial or logistical problems. These projects help students actively connect abstract concepts to tangible outcomes and develop the confidence to tackle unfamiliar problems creatively and logically.
No prior algebraic coursework is required, but students should have a solid grasp of arithmetic operations, number sense, and basic geometry concepts such as area and perimeter. The highest performing students enjoy pattern recognition and abstract thinking, and are comfortable making logical deductions from structured information. Algebra I is not only a mathematics course—it is a critical thinking course that empowers students with tools to reason, model, and solve problems systematically.
Course Outline
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Foundations
This introductory unit establishes the language of algebra, including variables, expressions, equations, and inequalities. Students will learn to translate between verbal and algebraic representations, explore properties of real numbers, and develop essential problem-solving strategies.
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Statistics
Students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of data analysis. This unit covers collecting, organizing, and interpreting data through various graphical representations (histograms, box plots, scatter plots) and numerical measures (mean, median, mode, range). Students will also explore basic probability concepts.
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Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities
This core unit focuses on mastering techniques for solving linear equations in one variable using properties of equality. Students will extend these skills to solving linear inequalities and representing their solutions graphically.
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Math Models
Students will learn to translate real-world scenarios into mathematical models using linear equations and inequalities. This unit emphasizes applying algebraic skills to solve practical problems involving rates, proportions, and other linear relationships.
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Graphs
This unit explores the visual representation of linear relationships through the Cartesian coordinate system. Students will learn to graph linear equations, understand slope as a rate of change, and write equations of lines in various forms (slope-intercept, point-slope, standard)
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Systems of Linear Equations
Students will learn to solve systems of two or more linear equations using various methods, including graphing, substitution, and elimination. Applications to real-world problems involving multiple variables will be explored.
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Polynomials
This unit introduces students to polynomial expressions, including operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Students will learn to classify polynomials and understand their basic properties.
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Factoring
Students will develop techniques for factoring polynomial expressions, including common factors, difference of squares, and trinomials. Factoring is presented as a crucial skill for solving quadratic equations and simplifying rational expressions.
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Rational Expressions and Equations
This unit extends algebraic concepts to rational expressions. Students will learn to simplify, multiply, divide, add, and subtract rational expressions, as well as solve rational equations.
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Roots and Radicals
Students will be introduced to the concepts of roots and radicals, including square roots and higher-order roots. They will learn to simplify radical expressions and perform basic operations with them.
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Quadratic Equations
This unit focuses on solving quadratic equations using various methods, including factoring, the square root property, and the quadratic formula. Students will also explore the graphical representation of quadratic functions (parabolas).
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Exponential Functions
Students will be introduced to exponential functions and their properties. They will learn to graph exponential functions and explore their applications in areas such as growth and decay.
The course is 100% online. Students will have access to an online textbook. However, students must have access
to a printer at home to print out worksheets and other materials.
To take any of our courses, students must be familiar with opening a browser, navigating to a website, and joining a Zoom meeting.
Students must have a quiet place to study and participate in the class for the duration of the class. Some students may prefer a headset to isolate any background noise and help them focus in class.
Most course lectures and content may be viewed on mobile devices but programming assignments and certain quizzes require a desktop or laptop computer.
Students are required to have their camera on at all times during the class, unless they have an explicit exception approved by their parent or legal guardian.
Our technology requirements are similar to that of most Online classes.
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A desktop or laptop computer running Windows (PC), Mac OS (Mac), or Chrome OS (Chromebook).
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Students must be able to run a Zoom Client. |
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A working microphone, speaker, webcam, and an external mouse. |
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A high-speed internet connection with at least 15mbps download speed (check your Internet speed). |
This course includes several timed tests where you will be asked to complete a given number of questions within a 1-3 hour time limit. These tests are designed to keep you competitively prepared but you can take them as often as you like. We do not proctor
these exams, neither do we require that you install special lockdown browser.
In today's environment, when students have access to multiple devices, most attempts to avoid cheating in online exams are symbolic. Our exams are meant to encourage you to learn and push yourself using an honor system.
We do assign a grade at the end of the year based on a number of criteria which includes class participation, completion of assignments, and performance in the tests. We do not reveal the exact formula to minimize students' incentive to optimize for a
higher grade.
We believe that your grade in the course should reflect how well you have learnt the skills, and a couple of timed-tests, while traditional, aren't the best way to evaluate your learning.