Introduction to Algebra B

Introduction to Algebra B covers quadratic equations, graphing, complex numbers, functions, sequences
and series, and exponents and logarithms. Problem solving skills are emphasized throughout, and time is
devoted to advanced topics like telescoping sums and piecewise functions.

This course is specifically designed for high-performing students and draws material from many programs
for top middle and high school students in the country. Our philosophy is that students develop more by
learning to solve problems they havent seen before, as opposed to offering repeated drills that students
can memorize their way through. In this way, our classes are structured much more like courses at top-tier
colleges.

Book: Introduction to Algebra, Chapters 10-22, by Richard Rusczyk

Time Commitment: This 16-week course includes 1.5 in-class hours and 4-5 hours of homework each week,
corresponding to a 3/4-year course.

Grading: 40% Alcumus homework, 35% Short-Answer Challenge Problems, 20% Writing Challenge Prob-
lems (proofs), and 5% Class Participation. Alcumus is the AoPS online learning system that adjusts to
student performance to deliver appropriate problems and lessons.

Content

Course Syllabus
Week 1 Factorization
Week 2 Quadratics and Complex Numbers
Week 3 Completing the Square and the Quadratic Formula SCCHS Content Standards
Week 4 Graphing Quadratics Domain Standard
Week 5 Quadratic Inequalities N.CN 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9
Week 6 Optimizing Quadratics and AM-GM Inequality A.SSE 1.b, 3.a, 3.b, 4
Week 7 Functions A.APR 1, 5, 7
Week 8 Composition and Inverses A.CED 1, 3, 4
Week 9 Graphing Functions A.REI 2, 4, 4.a, 4.b, 7, 10, 11
Week 10 Polynomials F.IF 1, 3, 7, 7.a, 7.b, 8, 8.a, 8.b, 9
Week 11 Exponential Functions F.BF 1, 1.a, 1.c, 2, 3, 4, 4.a, 4.b, 4.c, 5
Week 12 Special Functions: Logarithms, Radicals, and Absolute Value F.LE 1.a, 1.b, 2, 4
Week 13 Special Functions: Floor & Ceiling, Rational, and Piecewise G.GMD 4
Week 14 Sequences & Series: Arithmetic and Finite Geometric
Week 15 Sequences & Series: Infinite Geometric and Telescoping
Week 16 Challenging Problems Day

Art of Problem Solving is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
 Introduction to Algebra B

Sample Problems

What ordered pairs satisfy the system

x + 3y = 4,
x + y2 4y = 12?
2

Find all complex numbers a + bi such that a + bi = (a + bi)2 .

1 13
Solve the equation x+1+ = .
x+1 6

The function f (x) = mx + b is such that f and f 1 are the same function. Find all possible values of m.
The number 210 can be written as the sum of consecutive integers in several ways. What is the greatest
possible number of consecutive integers that sum to 210?

Art of Problem Solving is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.