Linear Modeling Activity - Here is a copy of the assignment involving linear modeling.  If you are interested in the worksheet we did in class together (it might help you with the graded activity), you can find it here.

Common Parent Functions - There are several "new" parent functions that are used in Algebra 2.  This document highlights the more common ones, including some of their properties.

Function Transformations - Here is a summary of the work we explored in class, including a little additional terminology.  For additional help, check out the site from Hofstra University that provides information and practice on function transformations. If you would like to try something a little more basic to start with, PurpleMath has this tutorial.

Systems of Equations in Three Variables - These are the notes from the lesson on solving systems of linear equations in three variables.  It includes three examples - one each for a single solution, no solution, and the solution to a dependent system.  The homework worksheet is also included here.

Linear Programming Example - Here is a "portfolio quality" solution to one of the linear programming examples from our textbook.

 

Elementary Row Operations - This is an introductory mini-lesson and worksheet on the three elementary row operations for matrices.

 

Finding Inverse Matrices - For those interested in techniques for finding the inverse of any square matrix, this is the document for you.

 

Finding Determinants - This document not only reviews the techniques for evaluating 2x2 and 3x3 determinants, it also outlines the expansion by minors technique that can be used for any determinant.

 

Area of a Triangle - This document defines, proves, and gives some examples of using determinants to find the area of a triangle given three vertices.

 

Polynomial Summary - Here is a summary of the more important concepts involving polynomial functions, including a couple of examples.

 

Solving Polynomial Equations - This is a brief review of a strategy for solving polynomial equations.  This does assume that the reader understands the Rational Root Theorem and synthetic division.

 

Extreme Values - This is a brief exploration on using calculus concepts to locate the exact values for relative maximum and minimum values on the graph of a polynomial function.  Don't worry... no calculus experience required!

 

Conics Introduction - This is a brief introduction to the four main conic sections.  It highlights the names, equations, and graphs of the circle, ellipse, hyperbola, and parabola.

Calculator Basics - Unfortunately, not all Algebra 1 students have the opportunity to use graphing calculators in their studies... but you will certainly need them in Algebra 2!  This document is a first timer's step-by-step guide for a few of the functionalities that we use in class (it's also handy for anyone who has forgotten the steps).  In particular, this document illustrates how to enter lists of data, create a scatter plot, and find the line of best fit.

 

Excel Basics - Some of the activities in class require the use of Excel for graphing and/or finding model equations.  This document walks those unfamiliar with the software through a linear example.

 

Graphing Systems of Inequalities - This is a tutorial document on how to graph systems of inequalities using the program Advanced Grapher.  If you would like to see the AG file used in the screen shots, you can download it here.

Graphing Linear Equations - This is a brief review of a strategy for graphing linear equations.

 

Writing Linear Equations - Here is a graphic organizer to help with writing linear equations.

 

Solving Linear Equations - This document outlines a strategy for solving practically any linear equation in one variable.  It includes several examples along with a few tips at the end.

 

Systems of Equations in Two Variables - Here is a review on solving systems of linear equations from Algebra 1.  It includes one example of each type of system solved three different ways.

 

Factoring Review - This document offers a strategy for factoring basic polynomials using the major techniques from Algebra 1.

 

Solving Inequalities - This is a link to a site that finds solutions to polynomial and rational inequalities.  I thought others might enjoy it.

 

Exponential Growth and Decay - Here is a little presentation lesson I have used in Algebra 1.  It pretty much describes the growth and decay models as well as give some examples.

 

Sequences and Notation - I realize that I teach and use sequences differently than our textbook, so I've put together this brief introduction on the notation and terminology for those that might want it for reference.

 

Unit Circle - Here is a link to the completed unit circle illustration from the trigonometry class (I thought it might be useful here).

Flight Lab (linear modeling) - In this activity, students must research flight times from the Internet and then model and analyze the data.

 

Falling Object Activity (quadratic modeling) - This activity has students take data from a free falling object experiment and then analyze the motion's position and velocity behavior.

 

Complex Operations Assignment (complex numbers) - Here is the assignment and rubric that involves the algebraic and geometric interpretations for certain operations of complex numbers.

M&M Lab (exponential decay) - This activity has students perform an experiment with candy to simulate radioactive decay.

Population Lab (exponential growth) - This activity has students research and analyze location population data.

Direct Variation Lab (direct variation) - This activity has students measure several objects to model a direct variation.

Boyle's Law Lab (inverse variation) - This activity has students use a gas pressure sensor in an experiment to model the relationship between volume and pressure.

 

1st Quarter Exam - The topics here cover Chapters 1-4, plus a few additional concepts.

 

1st Semester Exam - This is the review packet put together for the fall semester exam.  The topics cover Chapters 1-6, 9, plus a few additional concepts.

 

3rd Quarter Exam - The topics here cover most of Chapters 7-10, plus a few additional concepts.

 

2nd Semester Exam - This is the system-wide set of review problems for the CCA (common county assessment).  The problems include topics from both semesters.  The review contains the answers to each problem on the last page, but I (quickly) put together sample solutions for those that might like a little more help.