Basic Algebra Notes

The notes in the first group are on basic math, rather than basic algebra: The kind of math you'd take before taking a basic algebra course.

• Absolute value with numbers [PDF]

These are notes on basic algebra. (Not all the topics that I cover in class have been written up yet. For example, I still have to write up the notes on solving systems of linear equations.) The notes here are fairly complete, but sometimes the examples are given without much explanation.

• Solving linear equations [PDF]
• Solving linear inequalities [PDF]
• Formulas (solving an equation for a variable) [PDF]
• Word problems that give linear equations [PDF]
• Solving absolute value equations [PDF]
• Solving absolute value inequalities [PDF]
• Slope and equations of lines [PDF]
• Functions: A quick review of graphs, domain and range, intervals of increase and decrease, composites [PDF]
• Word problems giving rise to systems of linear equations (items with different prices), simple interest, mixtures, complementary angles [PDF]
• Integer exponents [PDF]
• Polynomials: Addition and multiplication [PDF]
• Factoring polynomials [PDF]
• Simplifying rational expressions [PDF]
• Solving fraction equations (equations involving rational functions of the variable) [PDF]
• Word problems (sometimes) involving fractions (tank problems, speed-time-distance, and work problems) [PDF]
• Graphing and Cartesian coordinates: midpoints, distance, graphing equations; intercepts, symmetry [PDF]
• Direct and inverse variation [PDF]
• Rational exponents and radicals [PDF]
• Complex numbers [PDF]
• Completing the square; the Quadratic Formula [PDF]
• Word problems leading to quadratics [PDF]
• Solving radical equations [PDF]
• Solving equations which are quadratic in form [PDF]
• A brief description of the graph of a quadratic function. [PDF]
• Solving quadratic inequalities by graphing; solving other inequalities using a sign chart [PDF]
• Inverse functions [PDF]
• Exponential functions [PDF]
• Logarithms [PDF]

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