Viewing Online On Ground Online sections — 7 topics, discussion questions, one cumulative final In-person sections — 3 units, Exams 1–3, then the final

Course format

Topic 1

Unit 1 · Topic 1

Linear Functions and Problem Solving

Functions, slope, and linear modeling — plus the Excel moves (formulas, cell references, basic graphs) you'll lean on the rest of the term.

First time here? Take a tour of the week.

80 pts 160 pts in Unit 1 6 objectives

What you'll learn

Explore the basics of functions and their uses.
Use spreadsheet applications: functions, cell references, and basic graphing.
Use rounding and estimation to solve application problems.
Apply deductive and inductive reasoning to solve problems.
Define the slope as a rate of change.
Use linear modeling to predict outcomes from data.

Unit 1 point breakdown

160 pts total

Covers Topics 1 and 2 together.

Topic 1 & 2 Homework (ALEKS) graded under Topic 1 20
Exam 1 Review (ALEKS) graded under Topic 2 15
Exam 1 (in class, LockDown) graded under Topic 2 75
Major Assignment 1: Budgeting graded under Topic 2 50

Participation 150 pts — Across all 14 weeks — not tied to one unit. Discussion questions are not graded in your section.

Sections

Mini Lesson A quick read on the week's core ideas. ~250 words. DQ 1: Discussion Walkthrough, posting rhythm, and what the DQ is really asking. DQ 2: Discussion Walkthrough, posting rhythm, and what the DQ is really asking. Review Six worked questions to practice before ALEKS. Mastery Check 4 quick questions - 2 multiple choice, 2 calculations. Perfect score earns one substantive participation post.

Interactive tools

Playground Interactive Line Graph Explorer Slide m and b, flip between slope-intercept / standard / point-slope, and sharpen with four skill-check games. Playground Excel Fundamentals A hands-on primer on cell references, absolute vs. relative addressing, and the basic formulas every MAT-144 workbook leans on.

Tools & Resources

Library Topic 1 resource library Curated extras across all 6 lessons. 2 items available so far. Study aid Glossary Every vocab term across the 6 lessons in one study sheet. 39 terms so far. Study aid Cheat sheet Key formulas, common mistakes, and quick-reference factors. Printable for the test.