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A stated objective of Common Core State Standards (CCSS) is to standardize academic guidelines nationwide. In other words, what Algebra 1 students learn in math in one state should be the same as what students of the same age are learning in another state. The curricula may vary between these two states, but the general concepts behind them are similar. This approach is intended to replace wildly differing guidelines among different states, thus eliminating (in theory) inconsistent test scores and other metrics that gauge student success.
An increased focus on math would seem to include a wider variety of topics and concepts being taught at every grade level, including Algebra 1. However, CCSS actually calls for fewer topics at each grade level. The Common Core approach (which is clearly influenced by “Singapore Math”—an educational initiative that promotes mastery instead of memorization) goes against many state standards. Many states mandate a “mile-wide, inch-deep” curriculum in which children are taught so much in a relatively short time span, that they aren’t effectively becoming proficient in the concepts they truly need to understand to succeed at the next level. Hence, CCSS works to establish an incredibly thorough foundation not only for the math concepts in future grades, but also toward practical application for a lifetime.
For Algebra 1, Common Core’s focus is on helping students develop the skills required to formulate and reason about expressions and equations. Students learn to represent a situation with a linear equation and solve real-world problems using linear equations and systems of linear equations. Students also learn to model quantitative relationships in the real-world using functions, analyze two and three-dimensional space and figures, and apply the Pythagorean Theorem.
Thinkster Algebra 1 worksheets are aligned to the common core state standards. These worksheets help students extend their understanding of different types of functions, for example, linear piecewise, absolute value, step functions, quadratic functions, and exponential functions. These worksheets cater to the primary goal of CCSS, which is to help students develop a deep understanding of the features of functions so that they can be analyzed graphically and algebraically, and used to model and solve problems in the real-world.
In Algebra 1, some concepts require greater emphasis than others based on the depth of the cluster and the time that students take to master. Concepts learned in Algebra 1 are important to future mathematics, and they cater to the demands of college and career readiness. Here are two critical areas that Common Core brings to Algebra 1 math:
Expressions
Students use reasoning to define and make sense of rational exponents and explore the rational and real number systems’ algebraic structure. They understand that numbers in real-world applications often have units (quantities). Students explore the structure of algebraic expressions and polynomials and see that certain properties must persist when they work with expressions. These properties are meant to represent numbers, which they learn to write in abstract form using variables.
Students refine techniques for solving equations and finding the solution set and clearly explain the algebraic steps they used to do so.
Equations & Inequalities
Students extend their previous knowledge of linear equations to work with absolute value equations, linear inequalities, and systems of linear equations. Students learn a more precise definition of functions and examine this in the context of linear equations. They continue to build their understanding of functions beyond linear ones by investigating tables, graphs, and equations built on their previous understanding of numbers and expressions.
Students make connections between different representations of the same function. They also learn to build functions in a modeling context and solve problems related to the resulting functions. The focus is on linear, simple exponential, and quadratic equations.
Seeing Structure in Expressions
• Interpret the structure of expressions Students will learn how to interpret expressions that represent a quantity in terms of its context. This includes interpreting parts of an expression, such as terms, factors, and coefficients, and interpreting complicated expressions by viewing one or more of their parts as a single entity. Students will also learn how to use the structure of an expression to identify ways to rewrite it.
• Write expressions in equivalent forms to solve problems Students will learn how to choose and produce an equivalent form of an expression to reveal and explain properties of the quantity represented by the expression. They will be able to factor a quadratic expression to reveal the zeros of the function it defines. They will also learn to complete the square in a quadratic expression to reveal the maximum or minimum value of the function it defines; use the properties of exponents to transform expressions for exponential functions. Students will learn to derive the formula for the sum of a finite geometric series (when the common ratio is not 1) and use the formula to solve problems.
Arithmetic with Polynomials and Rational Functions
• Perform arithmetic operations on polynomials Students will learn to understand that polynomials form a system analogous to the integers; namely, they are closed under the operations of addition, subtraction, and multiplication; add, subtract, and multiply polynomials.
• Understand the relationship between zeros and factors of polynomials Students will learn and apply the Remainder Theorem: For a polynomial p(x) and a number a, the remainder on division by x - a is p(a), so p(a) = 0 if and only if (x - a) is a factor of p(x). They will also be able to identify zeros of polynomials when suitable factorizations are available, and learn how to use the zeros to construct a rough graph of the function defined by the polynomial.
• Rewrite rational functions Students will learn how to rewrite simple rational expressions in different forms; write a(x)/b(x) in the form q(x) + r(x)/b(x), where a(x), b(x), q(x), and r(x) are polynomials with the degree of r(x) less than the degree of b(x), using inspection, long division, or, for the more complicated examples, a computer algebra system. They will understand that rational expressions form a system analogous to the rational numbers, closed under addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division by a nonzero rational expression; add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions.
Creating Equations
• Create equations that describe numbers or relationships Students will learn how to create equations and inequalities in one variable and use them to solve problems. This includes equations arising from linear and quadratic functions and simple rational and exponential functions. Students will learn how to create equations in two or more variables to represent relationships between quantities; graph equations on coordinate axes with labels and scales. Students will learn how to represent constraints by equations or inequalities and by systems of equations and/or inequalities, and interpret solutions as viable or nonviable options in a modeling context. They also learn how to rearrange formulas to highlight a quantity of interest, using the same reasoning as in solving equations.
Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities
• Understand solving equations as a process of reasoning and explain the reasoning Students will learn how to explain each step in solving a simple equation as following from the equality of numbers asserted at the previous step, starting from the assumption that the original equation has a solution. Construct a viable argument to justify a solution method. They will also learn to solve simple rational and radical equations in one variable, and give examples showing how extraneous solutions may arise.
• Solve equations and inequalities in one variable Students will learn how to solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable, including equations with coefficients represented by letters. Students will learn how to solve quadratic equations in one variable. This includes using the method of completing the square to transform any quadratic equation in x into an equation of the form (x - p)² = q that has the same solutions (Derive the quadratic formula from this form). They also learn to solve quadratic equations by inspection (e.g., for x² = 49), taking square roots, completing the square, the quadratic formula, and factoring, as appropriate to the initial form of the equation.
• Solve systems of equations Students will learn how to prove that, given a system of two equations in two variables, replacing one equation by the sum of that equation and a multiple of the other produces a system with the same solutions. Students learn to solve systems of linear equations exactly and approximately (e.g., with graphs), focusing on pairs of linear equations in two variables. Students will learn to solve a simple system consisting of a linear equation and a quadratic equation in two variables algebraically and graphically. For example, find the points of intersection between the line y = -3x and the circle x² + y² = 3.
• Represent and solve equations and inequalities graphicallyStudents will understand that the graph of an equation in two variables is the set of all its solutions plotted in the coordinate plane, often forming a curve (which could be a line). Students will learn how to explain why the x-coordinates of the points where the graphs of the equations y = f(x) and y = g(x) intersect are the solutions of the equation f(x) = g(x); find the solutions approximately, e.g., using technology to graph the functions, make tables of values, or find successive approximations. Include cases where f(x) and/or g(x) are linear, polynomial, rational, absolute value, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
Some of parents’ trepidation with Common Core isn’t so much with the guidelines themselves, but with the testing now aligned with CCSS via local math curricula. Fortunately, CCSS does not have to be that stressful for you or your Algebra 1 student. Here are some tips to help your children succeed with Common Core math:
Be informed; be involved
If Common Core concerns you, intrigues you, or confuses you, don’t hesitate to learn as much about it—in your child’s classroom, at your kids’ school, and on a national level. Talk with teachers, principals, and other parents. Seek advice on how you can help your kids and yourself navigate CCSS math. If you want to take further action, become involved with PTA or other organizations and committees that deal with your school’s curriculum. The more you know, the more, ultimately, you can help your child.
Live them some real-world math
A basic tenet of Common Core is to apply math principles to real-world situations. Why not start now? Your Algebra 1 student might struggle with understanding quadratic equations. Let your child know that quadratic equations describe the curved path that a soccer ball takes when it is thrown. Emphasize that diving from a platform and shooting a cannon are examples of situations that can be modeled using quadratic equations.
Take time to learn what they are learning
Solve problems with your Algebra 1 student. Your child will be motivated to learn when you show interest in tackling problems together. Take help from a tutor or online math learning platform to brainstorm strategies to break up a problem into smaller steps to solve them easily.
Encourage them to practice
You can help your Algebra 1 student practice new concepts at home. There are many puzzles that an Algebra 1 student can solve that involve equations and inequalities. Students can learn to enjoy Algebra by solving puzzles. This exercise will help your child solve more complex equations and inequalities.
Embrace mathEmbrace math
Many parents believe that math is a difficult subject to grasp. Research shows that a child’s math scores improve when parents embrace math and encourage their child to practice it in their everyday life. A child’s performance in math is adversely impacted when parents suffer from math anxiety and express that using negative statements about math.
Seek more help if necessary
If your Algebra 1 student is struggling with math, talk with his or her teacher first. You then might want to seek outside resources to help your child. Several online resources provide math help, including worksheets and sample tests that conform to Common Core standards. Tutoring might be an option you consider as well. Innovative iPad-based math programs have emerged that combine the personalized approach of a tutor with today’s technology. This revolutionary approach also may feature a curriculum based on Common Core, thus ensuring your child’s learning at home is aligned with what he or she is learning at school.
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