Algebra 1 Concepts and Skills

Are you confused about what is taught in an Algebra 1 curriculum?

This page will give you an idea of the Algebra 1 concepts and skills that are taught and the order in which they are presented.

This is the order in which I like to teach the units; however, not all curriculum is set up exactly the same. So, please use this as a guide, but remember that there are many different Algebra 1 textbooks and curricula and each is set up a little different.

Introductory Unit: Review of Essential Pre-Algebra Skills

  • Integers and Absolute Value
  • Order of Operations
  • Distributive Property
  • Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
  • Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

Unit 1: Solving Equations

  • Solving One-Step Equations
  • Solving Two-Step Equations
  • Solving Equations with the Distributive Property
  • Solving Equations with Fractions
  • Solving Literal Equations
  • Solving Equations With Variables on Both Sides
  • Making Connections with Real World Problems (Word Problems)

Unit 2: Graphing Equations

  • Graphing Using a Table of Values
  • Calculating Slope
  • Graphing Slope
  • Using Slope Intercept Form
  • Rate of Change (Includes a lot of word problems)
  • Standard Form Equations and X and Y Intercepts (Includes a lot of word problems)

Unit 3: Writing Equations

  • Writing Equations in Slope Intercept Form
  • Writing Equations in Standard Form
  • Writing Equations Given Slope and a Point (Includes word problems)
  • Writing Equations Given Two Points (Includes word problems)

Unit 4: Systems of Equations

  • Graphing Systems of Equations
  • Substitution Method
  • Linear Combinations Method (Addition Method)
  • Making Connections with Real World Problems (Word Problems)

Unit 5: Inequalities

  • Inequalities in One Variable (Including Word Problems)
  • Graphing Linear Inequalities
  • Systems of Inequalities
  • Making Connections with Real World Problems (Word Problems)

Unit 6:  Relations and Functions

  • Introduction to Relations and Functions
  • Identifying Functions (Vertical Line Test)
  • Evaluating Functions
  • Linear Functions
  • Exponential Functions
  • Exponential Growth
  • Exponential Decay
  • Step and Discontinuous Functions

Unit 7:  Exponents and Monomials

  • Review of Exponents
  • Laws of Exponents
  • Multiplying and Dividing Monomials
  • Working with Negative and Zero Exponents
  • Scientific Notation

Unit 8: Introduction to Polynomials

  • Adding and Subtracting Polynomials
  • Multiplying Polynomials
  • Factoring by Using the GCF
  • Factoring by Grouping
  • Factoring Trinomials with a Coefficient of 1
  • Factoring Trinomials with a Coefficient Greater Than 1

Unit 9: Quadratic Equations

  • Square Roots
  • Solving Simple Quadratic Equations
  • Using the Pythagorean Theorem
  • Solving Quadratic Equations by Graphing
  • Solving by Factoring
  • Solving By Completing the Square
  • Solving by Using the Quadratic Formula
  • Solving Real World Problems (Applications)

I teach two other supplemental units as well during the year. One is on Statistics and the other is Probability. I stick these units in when either the students need a "break" or when I don't have enough time to complete a full Unit (i.e. before Winter or Spring Break). These units are necessary because they are heavily tested on state and standardized tests!

Supplemental Unit: Statistics

  • Measures of Central Tendancy (Mean, Median, and Mode)
  • Stem and Leaf Plots
  • Box and Whisker Plots
  • Time Lines, Circle Graphs

Supplemental Unit: Probability

  • Expected Value
  • Independent and Dependent Events
  • Simulations
  • Geometric Probablility

Hopefully this gives you an indication of the different Algebra 1 concepts and skills that are typically taught! Just remember, the sequence of units can vary among different textbooks!

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