Algebra 2, Semester A

Course Description

Algebra 2A is the first semester in a two-semester series that will prepare you for higher math such as Precalculus and Statistics. You will add to your bank of function knowledge by further investigating linear functions and square root functions as well as exploring square root functions and polynomial operations. In Algebra 2A students will learn additional techniques for solving equations of various degrees and will reinforce prerequisite knowledge of linear functions, factoring, and solving equations up to degree two. 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: Foundations of Functions
• Unit 2: Linear Functions
• Unit 3: Quadratic and Square Root Functions
• Unit 4: Quadratic Equations and Polynomials

Course Objectives

Upon completing this course, you will be able to—

• graph and describe the features of quadratic, exponential, rational, polynomial and power functions with various transformations; 
• solve equations using the algebraic methods of factoring, completing the square, method of square roots and rational exponents; 
• describe and interpret function behavior in appropriate notations;; 
• solve logarithmic and exponential equations using the inverse relationship 
• apply functions in real-world applications.

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:

• Textbook: A textbook is not required for this course.
• Pencil or Pen: In order to do well in the course, you must take notes, sketch diagrams and graphs, and solve problems when instructed to do so. 
• Interactive Notebook: A paper or digital composition book is acceptable. For paper composition books, please also have the following items on hand:
  • Pens or Pencils
  • Colored Pens or Pencils: red, blue, green, and black
  • Tape or Glue
• Graphing Calculator: A TI-84 is recommended for all UTHS math courses. Please review the UTHS Graphing Calculator Policy before purchasing a device.

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.