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Algebra
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"The single highest failure rate in high school
is Algebra I. After pregnancy, it’s the leading
indicator of high school dropout.
[Notably] The leading indicator of success in
Algebra I is English 8. The Algebra 1 test is a
reading test with numbers."
- Douglas Reeves, chairman of the Center for
Performance Assessment. |
Why is knowing Algebra important?
- Any professional
occupation in the Earth, Physical, Life or Social
sciences, Engineering or even in non-technical middle
management requires at least a moderate capability in
math, beyond ordinary arithmetic.
- Many other
responsible non-science or non-technical occupations
likely require a fair amount of organizational
capabilities. Organization is structure through which
individuals cooperate systematically. Systems include
discrete inputs and outputs as well as variables, in
other words algebra-like situations. Maintaining systems
requires the logic and problem solving capability that
is in-part, derived from success in 9th grade Algebra
class.
- If you plan to
graduate high school, pass a GED, or succeed in college,
algebra is required.
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"Learning algebra isn't about acquiring a
specific tool; it's about building up a mental
muscle that will come in handy elsewhere. You
don't go to the gym because you're interested in
learning how to operate a StairMaster; you go to
the gym because operating a StairMaster does
something laudable to your body, the benefits of
which you enjoy during the many hours of the
week when you're not on a StairMaster." -Steven
Johnson, "Everything Bad Is Good For You" |
What is Algebra?
Algebra is a one of the
foundation branches in all mathematics. It is an advanced
form of arithmetic that uses variables (represented by
letters in the alphabet) as placeholders in equations for
the unknown quantities. The variable often represents the
relationship between two or more things.
PRE-ALGEBRA CURRICULUM
Integers
Equations
Factors & Fractions
Rational Numbers
Ratio, Proportion, & percent
Functions & Graphing
Equations & Inequalities
Real Numbers & Right Triangles
Statistics & Probability
Polynomials & Nonlinear Functions |
COLLEGE ALGEBRA
CURRICULUM
Pre-Algebra
Equations & Inequalities
Graphs & Lines
Functions
Polynomials
Logarithms
Conic Sections
Matrix Algebra
Systems Of Equations
Counting & Probability
Geometric Shapes
Complex Numbers |
ALGEBRA 1
CURRICULUM
Fundamental operations
Ratios & exponents
Algebraic expressions
Solving equations & inequalities
Coordinates, slope, & distance
Variation & linear equations
Quadratic equations |
ALGEBRA 2
CURRICULUM
Functions
Functions & Relations
Systems
Quadratic Functions
Algebraic Transformations
Other Functions
Trigonometric Functions
Probability & Data
Vectors & Matrices |
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Non-math
based occupations requiring math beyond simply
arithmetic |
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APPLIED
MATHEMATICS
Accountants and auditors
Administrative services managers
Aircraft pilots
Budget analysts
Chiropractors
College and university faculty
Computer programmers
Construction and building inspectors
Construction contractors and managers
Cost estimators
Dentists
Dispensing opticians
Drafters
Education administrators
Engineering technicians
Farmers and farm managers
Financial managers
General managers and top executives
Government chief executives and legislators
Industrial production managers
Insurance agents and brokers
Insurance underwriters
Loan officers and counselors
Management analysts and consultants
Optometrists
Pharmacists
Physician assistants
Physicians
Podiatrists
Psychologists
Real estate agents, brokers, and appraisers
Respiratory therapists
School teachers, k-12
Science technicians
Securities and financial services sales reps
Special education teachers
Surveyors and mapping scientists
Urban and regional planners
Veterinarians
PRACTICAL
APPLICATION OF MATHEMATICS
Air traffic controllers
Aircraft mechanics, incl engine specialists
Automobile mechanics
Automotive body repairers
Blue collar worker supervisors
Boilermakers
Broadcast technicians
Carpenters
Concrete masons and terrazzo workers
Diesel mechanics
Dietitians and nutritionists
Power plant operators, distributors
Electricians
Electronic equipment repairers
Elevator installers and repairers
Farm equipment mechanics
Funeral directors
General maintenance mechanics
Heating, air-conditioning technicians
Industrial machinery repairers
Inspectors, testers, and graders
Jewelers
Landscape architects
Machinists and tool programmers
Millwrights
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics
Motorcycle, boat, and small-engine repairers
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians
Photographers and camera operators
Purchasers and buyers
Sheetmetal workers
Stationary engineers
Tool-and-die makers
Water & wastewater treatment operat.
Welders, cutters, & machine operators |
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