This is a self-paced course in which students will understand and apply concepts, graphs and applications of a variety of families of functions, including polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, logistic and trigonometric. An emphasis will be placed on use of appropriate functions to model real world situations and solve problems that arise from those situations. A focus is also on graphing functions by hand and understanding and identifying the parts of a graph. A scientific and/or graphics calculator is recommended for work on assignments, and on examinations.
Major topics include:
Principles of Algebra
Rational Numbers
Graphs, Functions and Sequences
Exponents and Roots
Ratios, Proportions and Similarity
Percents
Students learn through online lesson activities, videos, and interactive activities. Each module includes lessons that conclude with a brief quiz as well as a module exam. The course contains a cumulative final exam.
About Summer Math Courses
Summer initial-credit math courses are self-paced courses intended to help students accelerate their math study. The courses use content from Accelerate Education taught by certified VHS Learning teachers who will support students, answer questions, and provide feedback. The courses are hosted in the Buzz learning management system. Students may spend 60-80 hours completing this course, though time-spent will vary based on a student’s performance and capacity for independent study. Students will have up to 6-weeks to complete a course and can request a transcript in as little as 4 weeks, if they finish all course activities in that timeframe.
Course Essential Questions:
- How are different types of linear equations like quadratic and exponential forms solved systematically?
- What information does the graph of a linear function reveal about its behavior and real-world applications?
- How can different types of functions, like linear and parent functions be used to model real-world scenarios?
- What is the result of combining functions or reversing their operation?
- What are the unique features and different behaviors of rational and exponential functions?
- How are concepts like speed, arc length, and area used in solving circular motion problems?
Course Learning Objectives:
- Solve linear equations: Apply properties, construct plans, use factoring, quadratic formula, and square root methods.
- Graph linear functions: Recognize transformations, slope, intercept, and graph equations.
- Analyze quadratic functions: Understand roots, intercepts, increasing/decreasing intervals, and domain/range.
- Model with functions: Build and interpret linear and basic parent function models.
- Compose and inverse functions: Apply rules, identify domains, and differentiate inverses.
- Explore rational and exponential functions: Recognize features, graph equations, and find asymptotes.
- Solve polynomial equations: Apply the Remainder Theorem and synthetic division.
- Model with exponential and logarithmic functions: Convert between forms, solve equations, and graph functions.
- Apply trigonometry: Define and calculate values, solve right triangles, and use identities.
- Solve circular motion problems: Calculate speeds, arc lengths, and areas.