About Algebra l

Algebra I is the first course in a sequence of three required high school courses designed to
ensure career and college readiness. The course represents a discrete study of algebra with
correlated statistics applications.

The fundamental purpose of Algebra I is to formalize and extend the mathematics that students
learned in the middle grades. The critical areas, organized into units, deepen and extend
understanding of functions by comparing and contrasting linear, quadratic, and exponential
phenomena. The Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout each course and, together
with the content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful,
and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations. The
pacing suggested below will allow students to gain a foundation in linear, quadratic, and
exponential functions before they are brought together to be compared/contrasted in Unit 5.
Although units 2, 3, and 4 look lengthy in terms of the number of standards, only their
application to one function type per unit will be addressed. As key characteristics of functions
are introduced in unit 2 and revisited within units 3, 4, and 5, students will gain a deeper
understanding of such concepts as domain and range, intercepts, increasing/decreasing, relative
maximum/minimum, symmetry, end behavior, and the effect of function parameters. Unit 5 will
also provide an excellent opportunity for review of many concepts in preparation for the
administration of the Georgia Milestones EOC assessment.