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Algebra I / Elem. Algebra

The Basics

1.1 Intro to Algebra
1.2 Real Number System and Calculators

Linear Equations and Inequalities

Functions and Graphs I

3.1^s Introduction to Graphing
3.2 Solving Equations Graphically
3.3 Functions I - Introduction
3.4 Functions II - Domain, Range, & Operations

Lines and thier Graphs

4.1 Intercept Points
4.2^s Slopes
4.3 Equations of Lines
4.4 Graphing Linear Inequalities

Algebra II / E&I Algebra

Linear Systems

5.1 2x2 Systems of Equations I - Graphically
5.2 2x2 Systems of Equations II - Substitution Method
5.3 2x2 Systems of Equations III - Elimination Method
5.4^s 3x3 Systems of Equations
5.5 Applications
5.6 Systems of Linear Inequalities

Exponents & Polynomials

Intermediate Algebra starts here!

Factoring

Rational Expressions

Rational Equations and Applications

Algebra III / Inter. Algebra

Radical Expressions

10.1 Roots & Radicals
10.2 Fractional Exponents
10.3 Operations I - Simplify & Multiply
10.4 Operations II - Add, Subtract, & Divide
10.5 Operations III - Distribute, Foil, & Factor
10.6^s Complex Numbers

Nonlinear Equations and Applications

11.1 Radical Equations
11.2 Quadratic Equations I - Root Method
11.3^s Quadratic Equations II - Complete the Square
11.4^s Quadratic Equations III - Quadratic Formula
11.5^s Applications - Geometry & Pythagorean Theorem

Functions and Graphs II

12.1 Parabolas I - Algebraic Approach
12.2 Pareabolas II - Graphical Approach
12.3^s Functions III - Composite & Inverse

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

13.1^s Exponential Functions & Graphs
13.2 Logarithmic Functions & Graphs
13.3 Exponential & Logarithmic Equations

Liberal Arts Maths

Under Construction

College Algebra

Equations and Inequalitites

Functions and Graphs

Polynomial and Rational Functions

3.1 Polynomial Functions I - Introduction, Zeros
3.2 Polynomial Functions II - Division, Remainder Thm, Factor Thm
3.3 Polynomial Functions III - Complex Zeros, Fundamental Thm of Algebra, Descartes Rule
3.4 Rational Functions & Graphs
3.5 Partial Fractions

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Systems and Matrices

Conic Sections

Sequences and Series

7.1^s Introduction to Sequences and Series
7.2 Arithmetic Sequences and Series
7.3 Geometric Sequences and Series

Trigonometry

The Six Trigonometric Functions

Right Triangle Trigonometry

Circular Functions

Graphs of Trigonometric Functions

4.1^s Basic Graphs
4.2^s Amplitude & Period
4.3^s Vertical Translations & Phase Shift
4.4 General Equation & Graph to Equation
4.5^s Combination Graphs & Harmonic Motion
4.6^s Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Trigonometric Identities

5.1 Proving Trig Identities
5.2 Sum/Difference Identities
5.3 Double-Angle Identities
5.4^s Half-Angle Identities
5.5 IDs Involving Inverse Trig Functions

Trigonometric Equations

Oblique Triangles and the Laws

Vectors

Complex, Parametric, and Polar Forms

9.1 Trigonometric Form of Complex Numbers
9.2 Products and Quotients in Trig Form
9.3 Powers and Roots in Trig Form
9.4 Parametric Equations and Graphs
9.5^s Polar Equations and Graphs

Calculus I

Limits and Continuity

Derivatives

2.1 Definition of Derivative
2.2 Derivatives of Basic Functions
2.3 Motion and the Derivative
2.4 Product Rule, Quotient Rules, & Deriv. of Trig Functions
2.5 Chain Rule
2.6 Implicit Differentiation
2.7 Derivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
2.8 Logarithmic Differentiation
2.9^s Derivatives of Inverse Functions
2.10^s Derivatives of Inverse Trig Functions
2.11 Related Rate Applications

Analysis of Curves

3.1 Extreme Values
3.2 Mean Value Theorem for Derivatives
3.3 First Derivative Test & Increasing-Decreasing Functions
3.4 Second Derivative Test & Concavity
3.5^s Curve Sketching
3.6 Fun with Reform Calculus
3.7 Optimization Applications

Antiderivatives

Calculus II

Transcendental Functions

5.0^s Review of Transcendental Functions and thier Derivatives
5.1 Integrals Resulting in Logarithmic Functions
5.2 Integrals Resulting in Inverse Trig Functions
5.3 Hyperbolic Trigonometric Functions
5.4 Numeric and Electronic Integration

Geometry

Physics

Integration Techniques

Calculus of Infinity

Parametric, Polar, and Conic Curves

Calculus III

Under Construction

S = contains supplemental resources

Course: Algebra II / Intermediate Algebra
Topic: Rational Equations and Applications
Subtopic: Applications - Work & Motion

Overview

Today we are going to apply our knowledge of solving rational equations to two types of word problems. We cover work problems where people or machines are working and motion problems where people or machines are moving. Organizing the information into a chart is recommended. Once you are able to form an equation it will likely be rational in nature solvable by the LCD or cross-products method we recently studied.

Objectives

By the end of this topic you should know and be prepared to be tested on:

9.3.1 Solve word problems involving proportions
9.3.2 Solve word problems involving work (e.g., painters, plumbers, copy machines)
9.3.3 Solve word problems involving motion (e.g., cars, bikes, trains, planes, boats)
9.3.4 Solve motion problems involving currents (e.g., headwinds, river currents)

Terminology

Define: rate, memorize the distance=rate*time formula D=RT

Text Notes
Text: Intro & Inter Algebra for CS 3ed by Blitzer, sect. 7.7-7.8

This section covers several types of word problems. Concentrate mostly on the work and motion types. Also be prepared to be tested on the proportion types which are readily solved by the cross-products method.
pg 522-524 You can SKIP all the "similar triangles" problems. This material is covered in a pre-calculus class.
SKIP section 7.8 completely.

Supplementary Resources

Translating and solving word problems is often a sticking point for students, but if you keep an optimistic attitude, take one step at a time, and read the problem carefully, you can do it! Here are some useful free resources:

Mildred Johnson wrote an excellent little book that covers solving several different types of word problems in a manner similar to that we do here. Most of it is available free online in Google books How to Solve Word Problems in Algebra, 2nd ed. Start at page 19 for motion problems and at page 123 for work problems.
OnlineMathLearning.com covers examples of Motion Problems and Work Problems.
PurpleMath.com is always recommended! See Motion Problems and Work Problems.

Prof. Keely's Lesson Notes for Mathematics Online