Algebra 2 Review/Preview, Session 1

Schedule: We will meet for two weeks, five days a week, 1.5 hours per day. (15 hours total.)

Format: An intro course to prep for a semester of algebra 2, with lecture to cover concepts, and lots of class interaction and individual practice. We will learn concepts and practice them to attain the mastery we can in a short time, in preparation for a longer, graded course during a school year. No grading; homework is optional.

Cost: $269 per person for a group class of 4 or more students; $935 for one-on-one tutoring.

Payment options: Payments can be made via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, cash, or check.

Materials: Paper, pencil, and a graphing calculator like a TI-84, TI-89, HP Prime, or Casio is recommended. No text. We’ll use free worksheets on the Internet for homework and supplements.

For more details or to schedule a class, contact Michael by email at michaelgold@goldams.com or by phone at 281-770-2276.

Class Description.

We will learn some algebra 2 — a “doorway” into later math and science — and will work to develop a real understanding of math.

We will have a mix of lecture, Q&A, and in-class work. We will have some interactive lecture in which students practice concepts and techniques as we go. Everyone will get a chance to ask and answer questions, get feedback, and check their understanding.

You will get some class notes posted everyday on Outschool (you will need to take some of your own notes!), some optional extra reading for understanding, and lots of optional practice work. All classes on Outschool are recorded, so you can watch ones you might have to miss or watch classes over again to take notes or review.

Prerequisite: algebra 1 and geometry.

Topic covered:

1. Systems of Equations
2. Matrices
3. Polynomials
4. Rational Expressions and Functions
5. Radical Expressions and Functions
6. Graphing Tools and Techniques
7. Analytic Tools and Techniques

Tentative schedule
Week 1
Day 1: systems of equations, 2×2 and 3×3; matrices
Day 2: matrices: adding and multiplying; 2×2 and 3×3; inverses; determinants and Cramer’s Rule
Day 3: polynomials: adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing; factoring; polynomial equations and graphing
Day 4: polynomial equations and graphing; polynomial theorems; real zeros and complex zeroes
Day 5: solving absolute value equations and inequalities; solving quadratic, radical, and factorable equations and inequalities

Week 2
Day 6: exponents: positive, negative, rational; rules of exponents
Day 7: rational expressions: simplifying; multiplying and dividing; adding and subtracting
Day 8: rational functions: equations; graphing zeros, roots, asymptotes; transformations
Day 9: radical functions: equations, graphing and transformations
Day 10: complex conjugates; compositions of functions

Learning Goals.
To be able to solve systems of equations.
To understand matrices and their workings.
To understand polynomials and how to analyze, graph, and use them.
To understand exponents and how they work.
To understand rational functions and how to analyze, graph, and use them.
To understand radical functions and how to analyze, graph, and use them.
To be prepared for a year-long course in algebra 2.
To understand how algebra 2 is useful to fields like physics, chemistry, and biology.
To learn some logic and thinking skills that will help all through life in all areas of life.

“For the past 2 years, my son has taken a different math class over the summer with Michael Gold just to sharpen up before the upcoming school year, and the payoff has been tremendous. He loves this teacher’s style, is surprisingly riveted during the class, always on time, and absorbs the equivalent of an entire years worth of work in 2 weeks, helping him to breeze through the academic school year with great grades and a real sense of satisfaction. You’re kids might roll their eyes at you at first, but they will thank you if you are lucky enough to grab a spot in one of Michael Gold’s classes. He is fast, clear, to the point and gives real life application examples to make math make sense. 10 stars if I could.”
–Lia J., parent, about the Outschool class “Summer Algebra 2 Review/Preview, Session 1,” 10 Jul 2021