Instructor Access (optional grading support) for Unlimited Access families is available for this course!

“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.

How to get the most out of Financial Algebra, Part One with Margaret Morrow, Ph.D.:

• First, read the course materials below before the first class recording.

• Then have a notebook ready and available for class notes each recorded session.

• Read assignments before each class recording.

• Watch the class recording.

• Do the assignments, quizzes, and any extra work assigned for that class.

• Once the course is completed to the parent's and professor’s satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.

Special Notes: This course can count as Algebra 2 on a high school transcript if the student completes the extra problems provided by Dr. Morrow. This course is Part One of a 2-part course. Students are expected to register for Part Two after completion of this part.

Finding Answer Keys:

Homework Assignments - students submit their answers to even problems and Caravel scores them automatically, and then shows the correct answer. Students can submit corrections to increase their score to either a parent or to Instructor Access.  Answers to odd problems are attached to Financial Algebra homework assignments and are in the back of the Algebra 2 textbook.

Unit Quizzes -  Almost every unit has a unit quiz which is Caravel grades automatically.

Unit Projects - almost every unit has a unit project which includes a rubric that you can use to score your student's work.  For the second unit, live students participate in the Stock Market Simulation.  Recorded course students can opt out of this.

Total Classes: 14 live classes plus pre-recorded lessons.

Duration: 60 minutes per recorded live, interactive class. Pre-recorded lessons are 20-30 minutes.

Prerequisite: One year of High School Algebra, and a general familiarity with computers.

Suggested Grade Level: 10th to 12th grade

Suggested High School Credit: 1 full semester Math, 2nd year of High School Algebra, Personal Finance

Instructor: Margaret Morrow, Ph.D.

Instructor Email: peggymorrow@protonmail.com

Course 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!

Course 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

Course Materials:

Access to either Google Sheets, Open Office, or Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets;

1.       Level 1 and 2 Textbook (all students) - 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.

2.       Level 2 Textbook (only level 2 students) – Saxon Algebra 2, Third Edition ISBN-13: 9781565771406 or ISBN-10 1565771400 https://www.amazon.com/Algebra-Incremental-Development-Saxon/dp/1565771400/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2Q1YM8N7Q0OXU&keywords=9781565771406&qid=1653579313&sprefix=9781565771406%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-2

For additional help with Algebra 2, you can purchase both a solutions manual and a DVD series that shows the steps to solve each problem. The ISBN for the Solutions Manual is ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1565771435, ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1565771437. The DVD series is available on this website: https://diveintomath.com/stream-download-video-lectures-for-saxon-algebra-2-2nd-and-3rd-editions/

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.

Grading: learning experiences - 60%, assessments - 30%, participation - 10%

Technical Help: If you have any technical trouble or questions about course content, please email us at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com.

©2022 Homeschool Connections and Margaret Morrow, Ph.D. All rights reserved. This course is designed by Margaret Morrow, Ph.D.

• This material is only to be used for its intended purpose by active subscribers of Homeschool Connections. Any other use without explicit permission is in violation of the seventh commandment (yes, the 7th commandment) and in violation of US and International copyright laws. 

• You may print or download to local hard disk extracts for your personal homeschool and non-commercial use only. This is not to be used for homeschool co-ops without express written permission from Homeschool Connections.