Texas Algebra I Curriculum

Texas Algebra I: What Students Learn

Algebra I is one of the most important courses in a Texas student's high school career. It introduces the core concepts that all future math courses build on — and it's also the subject of the STAAR Algebra I end-of-course exam, which Texas students must pass. StudyPug covers every topic in the Texas Algebra I TEKS with clear video lessons and practice problems.

Linear Functions and Equations

A large portion of Algebra I focuses on linear functions. Texas students learn to write linear equations in slope-intercept, standard, and point-slope form. They determine domain and range, calculate rates of change, and graph lines on the coordinate plane. Students also explore direct variation, parallel and perpendicular lines, and transformations of the parent function f(x) = x.

• Write linear equations given a point and slope, or two points
• Determine slope from tables, graphs, two points, or equations
• Graph linear functions and identify key features
• Write equations of lines parallel or perpendicular to given lines
• Explore transformations of f(x) = x using af(x), f(x) + d, f(x − c), and f(bx)

Linear Inequalities and Systems

Students extend their understanding of linear equations to inequalities and systems. They write, graph, and solve linear inequalities in one and two variables, and work with systems of two linear equations and inequalities on the coordinate plane.

• Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable
• Graph solution sets of linear inequalities in two variables
• Solve systems of two linear equations algebraically and graphically
• Graph and interpret systems of linear inequalities

Data Analysis and Linear Models

Texas Algebra I students use technology to analyze real-world data. They calculate correlation coefficients, distinguish between association and causation, and write linear functions that fit data sets to make predictions.

Quadratic Functions

Quadratic functions are a major unit in Algebra I. Students learn to graph parabolas, identify key attributes like vertex and zeros, and write equations in both vertex form and standard form. They solve quadratic equations by factoring, taking square roots, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula.

• Determine domain and range of quadratic functions
• Write equations in vertex form: f(x) = a(x − h)² + k
• Graph quadratic functions and identify vertex, axis of symmetry, and zeros
• Solve quadratic equations by factoring, square roots, completing the square, and the quadratic formula
• Explore transformations of f(x) = x² using af(x), f(x) + d, f(x − c), and f(bx)

Exponential Functions

Students explore exponential growth and decay models of the form f(x) = ab^x. They interpret the values of a and b in real-world contexts, graph exponential functions, and use technology to write exponential models that fit data.

Polynomial Operations and Factoring

Algebra I includes a full unit on polynomial expressions. Students add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomials of degree one and two. They factor trinomials including perfect square trinomials, identify differences of two squares, and rewrite expressions using the distributive property.

• Add and subtract polynomials of degree one and two
• Multiply polynomials of degree one and two
• Factor trinomials in the form ax² + bx + c
• Identify and factor differences of two squares
• Simplify numerical radical expressions involving square roots
• Simplify expressions using laws of exponents, including rational exponents

Functions, Sequences, and Literal Equations

Students develop a strong understanding of what makes a relation a function, evaluate functions using function notation, and work with arithmetic and geometric sequences. They also solve literal equations and scientific formulas for a specified variable.

• Determine whether a relation is a function from tables, graphs, verbal descriptions, and equations
• Evaluate functions using function notation
• Identify and write formulas for arithmetic and geometric sequences
• Solve literal equations for a specified variable

Prepare for STAAR Algebra I with StudyPug

The STAAR Algebra I end-of-course exam tests students on all of the TEKS topics listed above. StudyPug's video lessons walk through each concept step by step, and practice problems help students build the fluency they need to perform confidently on test day. Students can study at their own pace, revisit any topic, and practice as many times as they need.