Algebraic Reasoning A

Course Description

In Algebraic Reasoning A, students will compare linear, absolute value, and quadratic functions and study how they are used to model real-world data. Students will explore these functions by analyzing patterns and applying them to solve real-life situations. In this course, students will use spreadsheets and other resources to prepare for future jobs and college. As part of this course, students are expected to watch explanation videos, take notes on key concepts, solve practice problems, and analyze and correct errors.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) 

UTHS courses are designed in alignment to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) which define the skills and content to be taught in each course and grade level in the state of Texas. 

Semester Topics

• Unit 1: Linear Functions
• Unit 2: Quadratic Functions
• Unit 3: Analyzing Real World Models

Course Objectives

Objectives for this course include but are not limited to the objectives listed below. Upon completing this course, you will be able to—

• represent domain and range of a function using interval notation, inequalities, and set (builder) notation.
• solve equations related to linear, absolute value, and quadratic functions that model real-world applications tabularly, graphically, and symbolically.
• compare and contrast the key attributes, including domain, range, maxima, minima, and intercepts, of a set of functions tabularly, graphically, and symbolically.
• add and subtract matrices.
• Write and solve systems of three linear equations arising from real world scenarios

Required Course Materials

Please visit the Computer Requirements page to view minimum device, internet, and application requirements for all UT High School courses. Generally, a desktop or laptop device five (5) years or newer with access to an office suite, such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, will be adequate to participate in most UTHS courses.

Unless otherwise noted, students are responsible for purchasing or securing all the following course materials:

• Pencil or Pen: UTHS expects students to take notes, sketch diagrams and graphs, and solve problems when instructed to do so.
• Notebook: A paper or digital composition book
• Graphing Calculator: A TI-84 is required for this and most UTHS math courses. Please review the UTHS Graphing Calculator Policy before purchasing a device.
• Textbook (Free): Algebra and Trigonometry by Jay Abramson

Course Organization

Students must complete the course in sequence: You will not be able to access the next unit until all work in the preceding unit is completed. You may take your final exam only after completing all units and submitting all graded assignments.  

• Units: Each unit includes multiple lessons and graded assignments as well as ungraded practice quizzes to help you check your understanding of the material.
  
  
• Summative Assessments: Each course includes two online, virtually proctored summative assessments testing your understanding of the material presented in the preceding 2-3 Units.
  • Format: Online, Multiple-choice
  • Time Allowed: 1 hr 30 min
    
    
• Final Exam: Each course includes an online, virtually proctored final exam testing your knowledge of all material presented in the course.
  • Format: Online, Multiple-choice
  • Time Allowed: 3 hrs 20 min

Course Grade Weighting

Your final course grade is calculated by weighting the three assignment groups displayed in the table below:

Online Proctored Exams

All course exams, including both summative assessments and the final exam, must be completed online. Students must test online with Proctorio and are required to add the Proctorio extension to either their Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome browser—installation instructions are provided in the student's course. Proctorio uses a student's computer, web camera, and microphone to record video of both the student and their desktop during the exam. Then, UTHS instructors review the student's exam video data collected by Proctorio. Only authorized UTHS staff and instructors can view the exam recordings. Student data is not shared with any persons or organizations outside of UTHS and are deleted after one year. We encourage you to visit Proctorio's Data Security and Privacy site pages to learn more about how we protect student date.