Learn the Key Algebra 2 Topics in a Good High School Math Curriculum
Algebra 2, in it's style and goals as part of the high school math curriculum, is simply a continuation of algebra 1. More advanced equations are introduced; such as ones with exponents and logarithms.
In some courses, non-algebra topics are included in the curriculum; such as matrices, trigonemetry, or data analysis.
The main determinor for success is mastery and retention of the basic algebra 1 skills. If that's in place, the student should have a good year, but if not, some basic algebra review could save the day, especially if started in the summer before the class begins.
By the way, many parents are not really certain why their child needs to learn math at all. If you can't confidently answer why your child should learn high school math, please read my article
"Why Your Child Needs a Good High School Math Education."
Resources Outside the Classroom
Here is a handy web-resource for finding the needed formulas when completing homework.
If the course homework gets too hard for your student (and you) to complete in a reasonable amount of time, extra help may be necessary. Its very important for your child "get the hang" of algebraic thought and techniques now, when those ideas are still relatively simple and concrete.
Investing in math skills enrichment, like the courses offered by Kumon (pronounced koo-Mohn), an after-school program or a private tutor may be well worth the time and money you'll spend.
Want more helpful tips and ideas to help your child achieve math success? Complete the form below to receive the Sensible Math Tips - the e-Zine for parents.
Key Algebra 2 Topics Should Include
- Basic Concepts of Algebra 2: real numbers; simplifying; properties; solving and applying equations in one variable.
- Inequalities: solving and applying inequalities in one variable and combined inequalities; absolute value.
- Linear Equations and Functions: open sentences in two variables and their graphs; slope; finding the equation of a line; systems of linear equations in two variables and applications; linear inequalities in two variables; functions and relations.
- Products and Factors of Polynomials: polynomials; exponents and their properties; multiplying and factoring polynomials; solving polynomial equations.
- Rational Expressions: quotients of monomials; zero and negative exponents; scientific notation; simplifying and operations with rational expressions; complex fractions; fractional coefficients; fractional equations.
- Irrational and Complex Numbers: roots and radicals; equations and operations with radicals; rational and irrational numbers; i and complex numbers.
- Quadratic Equations and Functions: completing the square; the quadratic formula; the discriminant; quadratic equations and functions; graphs of parabolas.
- Variation and Polynomial Equations: direct, inverse, and joint variation and proportion; dividing polynomials and synthetic division; the remainder and factor theorems; finding rational roots; approximating irrational roots.
- Analytic Geometry: circles; parabolas; ellipses; hyperbolas; nonlinear systems of equations; systems of linear equations in three variables.
- Exponential and Logarithmic Functions: rational exponents; real exponents; composition and inverses of functions; logarithms; laws of logarithms; applications of logarithms; the natural logarithm function.
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