Intermediate Algebra Course Outline

Below you will find the topics for Intermediate Algebra as published by College of the Sequoias in their course outline:

Intermediate Algebra (Algebra II)

COURSE TOPICS:
Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities

• Solve absolute value equations and inequalities

Radical Expressions and Equations

• Properties of radicals
• Rational exponents
• Simplify radical expressions
• Operations with radicals
• Solve radical equations
• Solve radical equations which come from real-world applications
• Operations with complex numbers

Quadratic Equations

• Solve quadratic equations using factoring, extracting roots, completing the square, and quadratic formula
• Solve applications (for example: max/min problems)
• Graph quadratic equations
• Solve quadratic and rational inequalities
• Solve equations that are quadratic in form

Functions

• Understand and apply the definition of a function
• Function notation
• Apply the vertical and horizontal line tests
• Graph and determine the domain and range of the core functions
• Evaluate and apply the algebra of functions including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and composition
• Find the inverse of core functions

Logarithmic and Exponential Functions

• Graph logarithmic and exponential functions
• Apply the properties of logarithmic functions
• Solve logarithmic and exponential equations
• Solve applications of logarithmic and exponential functions including exponential growth and decay, pH, compound and continuous interest, carbon dating, half-life, and earthquake magnitudes

Conic Sections

• Apply the midpoint and distance formulas
• Convert the following conic sections into standard form by completing the square: parabolas, circles, ellipses, and hyperbolas
• Identify and graph the following conic sections: parabolas, circles, ellipses, and hyperbolas

Optional Topics

• Solve 3X3 systems of linear equations
• Solve nonlinear systems of equations

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