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Algebra 1

Unit 4 Overview

Algebra 1Unit 4 Overview

Unit 4 Overview

Unit 4 Overview

Why Should I Care?

What do you do when faced with a challenge or problem? Do you brainstorm ideas to solve it? Ask others for help? Watch the video to learn how researcher Supratim Das uses creativity and functions to solve the issue of a longer life for batteries.

Unit 4 Overview

In this unit, you will learn about functions. Understanding how to use functions to model relationships can help you, for example, decide which smartphone plan is better and how much you will need to earn each week to pay for the one you choose.

Building Character: Creativity

As a scientist, Supratim Das uses his creativity to solve challenging issues. Similarly, in this course, you will want to use your creativity to solve problems.

Throughout this unit, you will work on developing your creativity. Creativity is the ability to think of new solutions. When you approach life with a creative attitude, you are more open to new ideas and possibilities, better able to understand others’ perspectives, and more likely to seek out multiple solutions to problems. Despite the stereotype of the mad genius, everyday creativity is just as important. You can use it to help you improve your mood and cope with stress, feel more connected with other people and the world—and even help you find meaning and purpose in life.

Think about your current sense of creativity. How many of the following statements are true for you?

  • I often seek out new experiences and ways of doing things.
  • I like to think of different ways to reach my goals.
  • I often make decisions that take me outside my comfort zone.
  • I have a playful attitude toward learning something new.
  • I enjoy connecting the dots between seemingly different perspectives and thoughts.

Don’t worry if none of these statements are true for you. Developing this trait takes time. Your first step starts today!

Am I Ready to Learn This?

Getting Ready for Unit 4

To be ready for this unit, you need to be able to:

  • Find the slope of the line that goes through two points on a graph.
  • Interpret the meaning of a situation from a graph.
  • Use a pattern to find the next term in a sequence.

Next, you will answer some questions that will help you see how ready you are for this unit. If you need help, some mini-lessons will help you brush up on anything you need to work on.

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