Chapter 1: Foundations for Algebra

It is the goal of the instructor that the students:

-Explain the difference between a constant quantity and a variable quantity
-Explain the difference between an expression and an equation
-Write an algebraic expression for an English word phrase
-Write an English word phrase for an algebraic expression
-Write an algebraic expression and English word phrase to describe the rule of a given number pattern
-Identify exponents as repeated multiplication, multiplication as repeated addition, etc.
-Simplify numerical expressions using the order of operations
-Evaluate numerical expressions by hand and on the TI calculator
-Evaluate algebraic expressions (formulas) by hand and on the TI calculator
-Complete a table of values for an algebraic expression (formula)
-Simplify and estimate radical numerical expressions
-Define the set of real numbers and its subsets
-Classify a number according to the subset of the real numbers to which it belongs
-Compare and order real numbers
-Define, identify, and apply the axiomatic properties of addition and multiplication, multiplication property of zero and -1, definition of subtraction, definition of division
-Simplify expressions with justification (proof)
-Disprove a statement by providing a counter-example
-Calculate the sums and differences of real numbers
-Calculate the product and quotient of real numbers
-Apply the distribute property to simplify algebraic expressions
-Simplify an algebraic expression by combining like terms
-Write an equation to model and solve a real-world problem
-Classify an equation as true, false, or open
-Verify a value is the solution to an equation
-Solve an equation using mental math
-Solve an equation using a table
-Estimate the solution of an equation
-Generate a table of data given a real world pattern
-Generate a graph given a real world pattern, table, or equation
-Generate an equation given a real world pattern, table, or graph
-State the connections between a real world pattern, table of data, equation, and graph
-Determine whether an ordered pair is a solution to an equation