Course Description
Extending their knowledge of linear, exponential, and quadratic functions to polynomial, rational, and radical functions, students in Algebra 2 model situations and solve equations, discovering how the rules they learned in arithmetic continue to apply as they work with polynomials. Students focus on the properties and factors of polynomials, learning to find the zeros of a polynomial and graph it as a function. Students use complex numbers to solve quadratic equations and exponential expressions, and learn how to rewrite rational expressions in different forms and solve simple rational and radical equations. The trigonometric concepts students learned previously are expanded as they focus on the unit circle and apply these concepts to models of periodic phenomena. Students then extend their knowledge of function families to model functions defined as square roots or cube roots, as well as piecewise-defined functions. A detailed look at exponential and logarithmic functions is applied to showing intercepts and end behavior. Students collect data through sample surveys, experiments, and simulations, and learn about the role of randomness in this process. Quantitative reasoning is emphasized as students compare the differences between sample surveys, experiments, and observations, and explain how randomization relates to each one

Course Breakdown

Graphing linear functions
Characteristics of linear functions
Systems of equations
Linear programming
Matrices Graphing and transforming quadratic equations
Complex numbers and solutions
Inverse functions
Exponential and logarithmic functions
Permutations and combinations
Probability
Normal distribution

Course Goals
Solve quadratic equations with complex solutions.
Reveal features of polynomials by factoring.
Solve systems of equations using a variety of methods. Use the properties of exponents to simplify expressions.
Analyze the unit circle and its relationship to trigonometric functions.
Use characteristics of normal distributions to solve problems.