It also explains: formulas (e.g., A = L x W); equations (e.g., 5 x 2 = 10); inequalities (e.g., 3 < 11); graphing (a visual representation of numbers); exponents (“shorthand” way of writing a lengthy multiplication problem); roots (e.g., square roots); quadratic equations (equations with a squared variable, such as x 2); and algebraic fractions (those with variables, such as a and b).

• Perform basic operations with signed numbers; evaluate exponential expressions, variable expressions, and formulas; combine monomials and polynomials, using the four basic operations.
• Solve equations; set up equations and inequalities that describe real problems; solve inequalities with one unknown.
• Locate and graph points; graph lines; write equations of lines; solve equations with two unknowns by graphing; understand the use of graphing in applications.
• Perform operations involving monomials and polynomials with exponents; translate numbers from decimal notation to scientific notation, and vice versa; perform square root operations; solve equations containing radials.
• Factor constants, monomials, trinomials, and the difference of two perfect squares; solve quadratic equations by factoring or via the quadratic formula.
• Simplify numeric, algebraic, and complex fractions; multiply, divide, add, or subtract monomial and polynomial fractions; find the lowest common denominators and equivalent fractions; solve linear and quadratic equations containing fractions. 

• Operations with Signed Numbers: Introduction; Number Lines; Absolute Value; Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division; Special Properties of 0 and 1; Exponents; Order of Operations; Symbols of Inclusion
• Mathematical Properties: Cumulative, Associative, and Distributive Properties
• Variables and Formulas: Definitions; Algebraic Expressions
• Monomials and Polynomials: Definitions; Like Terms; Degree of a Polynomial
• Basic Operations with Monomials and Polynomials: Addition; Subtraction; Multiplication; Multiplication with Exponents; Raising a Monomial to a Power; Multiplying a Polynomial by a Monomial
• Multiplying Binomials: Using the FOIL Method; The Difference of Two Perfect Squares; Squaring a Binomial
• Dividing Monomials: Writing a Division Problem in Fraction Form; Cancellation Method; Factoring Method; Dividing Monomials with Exponents; Negative Exponents
• Dividing Polynomials: Fraction Method; Long Division Method; Dividing One Polynomial by Another

Equations and Inequalities

• Equations with One Unknown: Definition; Solving Addition and Subtraction Equations; Solving Multiplication and Division Equations; Equations Involving More Than One Operation
• Simplifying Equations: Equations with Like Terms, and with Variable Terms on Both Sides; Equations with Symbols of Inclusion; Unusual Equations
• Solving Equations with Two Unknowns: Addition-Subtraction Method; Using Multiplication; Using the Substitution Method; Dependent and Inconsistent Systems of Equations; Using Equations to Solve Word Problems
• Inequalities with One Unknown: Definition; Solving Problems; Inequalities with Variables; Graphing; Simplifying; Inequalities Involving Multiplication and Division; Using Inequalities to Solve Word Problems

• Rectangular Coordinate System: Introduction; Cartesian Plane and Its Points; Quadrants of a Plane; Plotting Points; Identifying the Coordinates of a Point
• Graphing Lines: Overview; Point-Sampling Method; Double-Intercept Approach; Graphing Equations with One Variable
• The Slope of a Line: Definition; Slope Formula; Slopes of Horizontal and Vertical Lines
• Graphing Linear Equations: General Form of an Equation; Point-Slope Form; Slope-Intercept Form; Comparison of Methods for Graphing; Graphing a System of Equations; Some Practical Applications

• Exponents: Review; Positive and Negative Bases; Powers of Ten; Variables in Exponential Expressions; Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying, and Dividing Exponential Expressions; Negative Exponents in Division Problems; Raising an Exponential Expression to a Power; Raising a Fraction to a Power; Expressions and Fractions with Negative Exponents; Scientific Notation
• Roots: Definition; Cube Roots and Fourth Roots; Radicals with Variables; Rational and Irrational Numbers; Simplifying Square Roots; Simplifying Radical Expressions with Variables; Fractional Exponents; Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying, and Dividing Radicals; Simplifying Fractions Containing Radicals; Using Square Roots to Solve Equations; Radical Equations
• The Pythagorean Theorem: Definition; Pythagorean Theorem Problems

• Basics of Factoring: Introduction; Factors and Prime Numbers; Constants; Common Factors; Factoring Monomials; Finding the Greatest Common Factor of Two Monomials; Factoring Polynomials; The Difference of Two Perfect Squares; Factoring Trinomials; Perfect Square Trinomials; Trinomials That Won’t Factor
• Quadratic Equations: Definition; The Zero Property; Solving Quadratic Equations; The Quadratic Formula; Why Bother Factoring? The Discriminant

Algebraic Fractions

• Introduction: Review of Numeric Fractions; Reducing or Simplifying Numeric Fractions; The Sign of a Fraction
• Algebraic Fractions: Working with Algebraic Fractions; Reducing Fractions with Monomial Terms; Illegal Values in Monomial Fractions; Reducing Fractions with Polynomial Terms; Illegal Values in Polynomial Fractions
• Multiplying Fractions: Multiplying Numeric, Monomial, and Polynomial Fractions
• Dividing Fractions: Dividing Numeric, Monomial, and Polynomial Fractions
• Like and Unlike Fractions: Finding the Lowest Common Denominator; Equivalent Fractions
• Adding and Subtracting Fractions: Adding and Subtracting Like Fractions; Adding and Subtracting Unlike Fractions
• Complex Fractions: Definition; Simplifying
• Linear Equations Containing Fractions: Isolating the Variable; Using Cross Multiplication; Quadratic Equations Containing Fractions  

There are six exams that need to be passed to complete your course in Algebra 1 and you’ll have up to 15 weeks to complete the course.
 
Support
If you should ever need help with your studies, you can e-mail or call our instructors who will gladly help you with any questions that you might have.

Study Time
Since there is no set class schedule, you study when and where it’s convenient for you. You can complete your course as quickly as you’d like.

Completion
When you have successfully completed your course, you will receive a letter of completion along with an official transcript listing your completed course(s) and grades. You can apply your course towards our Diploma Program or a diploma from your local High School (be sure to check with your school authorities regarding mandatory attendance policies and whether they agree that the Penn Foster High School Program is acceptable toward the completion of your high school education). 
 
Accreditation
Penn Foster High School is accredited by The Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools; has met the high standards of integrity and performance set by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), Washington D.C., and is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools.

Whether you’re looking for accelerated studies or credit recovery, regionally and nationally accredited Penn Foster High School provides the courses you need to complete your High School Diploma.