Week 1 Overview

Week 1

Equations, Expressions & Functions

Student-friendly Goal: To build a solid foundation by identifying what we know and learning how to approach new algebraic challenges.
Major Skills: Interpreting parts of expressions, solving linear equations, solving simple linear inequalities, introductory function notation, and evaluating functions.
NC Math 1 Standards: NC.M1.A-SSE.1a, NC.M1.A-CED.1, NC.M1.A-REI.1, NC.M1.A-REI.3, NC.M1.F-IF.1, NC.M1.F-IF.2.

This is a foundation/review week. We aren't covering every standard in the full unit, but focusing on the essential building blocks.

Weekly Student Message

"I may not know this yet, but I know what to try next."

Welcome to Week 1! This week is all about building confidence. We aren't here to be perfect; we are here to practice. Remember, mistakes are just information--they tell us exactly what we need to work on. Your goal is to identify what you know, practice what you need, and learn what to try when you get stuck.

Start Here

Strategies That Improve Your Success

Read the problem again. What is it actually asking?

Example: Ask yourself whether you are being asked to solve, evaluate, identify, graph, or explain.

Write down what you know.

Example: If the problem says x = 5, write that down before substituting.

Choose a representation: equation, table, graph, or diagram.

Example: A table may help you see a pattern more clearly.

Try one reasonable step.

Example: If you see x + 7 = 15, subtracting 7 is a reasonable first step.

Use a tool strategically, such as Desmos, when appropriate.

Example: Use Desmos to check or visualize a relationship after you have thought about the problem.

Check whether your answer makes sense.

Example: Substitute your answer back into an equation to see whether both sides match.

Identify the type of mistake.

Example: Was the issue understanding, process, or calculation?

Try again.

Example: Use what you learned from the first attempt to choose a different next step.

Choose a Day

Week 1 Daily Practice

Start here

Monday - What Do You Know Already?

This low-stakes skill check helps you identify your starting point for the week.

Available now

Tuesday - Learn & Practice: Solving Equations With a Plan

Use guided examples, practice problems, and staged support to solve equations with a plan.

Available now

Wednesday - Learn & Practice: Inequalities and What the Answer Means

Use guided examples, practice problems, and mistake analysis to solve inequalities and interpret answers.

Available now

Thursday - Apply & Problem Solve: From Equations to Functions

Apply function notation to a gym-cost situation and connect the equation to a graph.

Available now

Friday - Learn From the Week

Use mixed review, mistake analysis, and reflection to close out Week 1.