Honors Algebra 1, Semester A

Course Description

Honors Algebra 1A is the first semester in a two-semester series that sets the foundational building blocks of functions for all mathematics courses that follow, including geometry, algebra 2, and pre-calculus. Students will explore linear equations, linear inequalities, polynomials, quadratics, and exponentials, making connections between the various forms and discovering applications related to the real-world. In Honors Algebra 1A, students will solve and graph a variety of functions and interpret function behavior using the appropriate notation. Students will also analyze multiple representations of functions including graphs, tables, mapping diagrams, ordered pairs, and verbal situations. As an advanced pathway course, Honors Algebra 1A will emphasize higher order thinking skills, justifying claims, utilizing multiple representations, and creating models related to authentic scenarios and careers.  

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: Equations and Inequalities
• Unit 2: Linear Relationships
• Unit 3: Systems of Two Linear Equations
• Unit 4: Linear Inequalities

Course Objectives

Upon completing this course, you will be able to—

• solve and graph linear equations and linear inequalities in one and two variables algebraically and graphically; 
• write and describe linear equations in various forms, including slope-intercept form, point-slope form, and standard form; 
• use models of best fit (linear regressions) to estimate solutions and make predictions for real-life applications; 
• describe and interpret function behavior in appropriate notations, including function notation, set notation, and interval notation; 
• solve and apply systems of linear equations and linear inequalities; 
• write and describe arithmetic sequences.

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. 
• 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.