This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
“How will I use algebra in real life?” This course is the answer! While you earn a second-year high school algebra credit, learn to apply mathematical ideas to everyday life topics such as credit, banking, insurance, the stock market, independent living, running a business, and more.
Total classes: 14 live classes plus pre-recorded lessons
Prerequisite: One year of High School Algebra, and a general familiarity with computers
Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th
Suggested credit: 1 full semester of Math, 2nd year of High School Algebra, Personal Finance
Description
This year-long course teaches practical financial skills in a Catholic context. Students will be able to use what they’ve learned both right away and throughout their lives. Not only will it help students to become good financial stewards, but it serves as an ideal class for 3rd or 4th year math students. The course has two levels based on post-secondary plans: 1) students working towards post-secondary careers that require basic algebra only will complete problems that emphasize applying basic algebra and some algebra 2 and geometry to financial situations; 2) students working towards post-secondary careers that require algebra 2 will complete level 1 problems and also learn and practice algebra 2 problems so that they will build the foundation to study trigonometry or pre-calculus the next year. Because of the multiple level approach, the course can serve a practical purpose for accelerated math students, and as a core math class for students planning on non-science and engineering-based careers after high school. Additionally, many school districts award “personal financial literacy” credit for this course. Students learn to apply Algebra 1 concepts to everyday personal finance situations, providing both financial training and math exercises to prepare for college placement exams. Financial Algebra encourages students to be actively involved in applying mathematical ideas to everyday life topics such as credit, banking, insurance, the stock market, independent living, running a business, and more!
Outline
Unit 1 – Goal Setting
Week 1: two-year financial plan
Week 2: ten-year financial plan
Unit 2 – Stock Market
Week 3: Stock Market Data and Business Organization
Week 4: Moving Averages and Transactions
Week 5: Splits and Dividends
Unit 3 – Modeling a Business
Week 6: Forecasting Profit
Week 7: Fixed and Variable Expenses, Expense and Revenue Functions
Week 8: Break-Even Analysis
Week 9: Profit Equations and Business Modeling
Unit 4 – Banking
Week 10: Checking and Savings Accounts
Week 11: Simple and Compound Interest
Week 12: Present and Future Value
Unit 5 – Credit
Week 13: Buying on Installment, Layaway, Personal Loans
Week 14: Credit Cards and Final Review
Materials and Homework
Course Materials: access to either Google Sheets, Open Office, or Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets;
Textbook – Financial Algebra: Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications, ISBN-13: 9781285444857 or ISBN-10 128544485X (https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/128544485X/catholictreas-20) We suggest purchasing used; sites such as bookfinder.com may assist you in this process.
Homework: Assignments, unit quizzes, and applied unit projects will provide students with hands-on practice using the tools of finance. Daily practice is important to apply and master the concepts. A daily schedule will be provided to guide student learning. Students can expect to spend .5-2 hours a day, 5 days per week on their assignments.
Important Dates
Class Dates: Wednesdays, September 4 to December 11, 2024. (No class November 27)
Starting Time: 1:00 PM Eastern (12:00 PM Central; 11:00 AM Mountain; 10:00 AM Pacific)
Duration: 60 minutes per recorded live, interactive class. Pre-recorded lessons are 20-30 minutes.
