OST Algebra I study plan
OST Algebra I · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Algebra
Classify and simplify polynomial, rational, and radical expressions by rewriting them in equivalent forms
Solve multi-step linear equations and inequalities, including literal equations for a named variable
Translate short word problems into algebraic equations and justify each step of the solution
Build a personal error log listing every mistake type from practice sets
Your checkpoint
A 20-problem worked set on expression simplification and linear equations, scored, with every wrong item corrected and annotated in the error log
Algebra
Solve systems of two linear equations by substitution, elimination, and graphing, and identify no-solution versus infinite-solution cases
Graph linear equations and inequalities in two variables, including shading half-planes
Interpret slope and intercepts in context and write equations from two points or a point and slope
Solve compound inequalities and express solution sets in interval and inequality notation
Your checkpoint
A one-page reference sheet of system-solving methods plus a 15-problem timed set (25 minutes) scored at 80% or better
Algebra
Factor quadratics with leading coefficient 1 and greater than 1, including difference of squares
Solve quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula
Interpret the discriminant to predict the number and type of solutions
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomials and apply exponent rules
Your checkpoint
A 25-problem quadratics and polynomials set with full solutions shown, plus a written summary of when each solving method is fastest
Algebra & Functions
Distinguish functions from relations using tables, graphs, and ordered pairs, and apply the vertical line test
Evaluate functions in function notation and compute average rate of change over an interval
Identify domain and range from graphs and equations, including restricted contexts
Perform operations on functions and find inverse functions for simple linear cases
Your checkpoint
A 30-problem mixed Algebra and Functions set scored at 75% or better, with a half-page write-up of the two weakest subskills
Functions
Graph linear, quadratic, absolute value, and exponential functions and describe key features of each
Write equations of functions from graphs, tables, and verbal descriptions
Recognize and model arithmetic versus geometric sequences as linear and exponential patterns
Apply transformations (shifts, stretches, reflections) to parent function graphs
Your checkpoint
A hand-drawn or sketched graph portfolio of 8 functions across 4 families, each labeled with domain, range, intercepts, and a one-sentence description of the transformation
Number and Quantity
Apply exponent and radical rules to rewrite and simplify expressions, including rational exponents
Classify numbers within the real number system and use units to guide multi-step problems
Perform operations with numbers in scientific notation and interpret scale in context
Solve rate, density, and dimensional-analysis problems while tracking units
Your checkpoint
A 20-problem Number and Quantity set scored at 80% or better, plus a units-and-exponents cheat card
Statistics and Probability
Interpret dot plots, histograms, and box plots and compare distributions by center, spread, and shape
Compute and interpret mean, median, interquartile range, and standard deviation
Fit a linear model to bivariate data, interpret slope and correlation, and distinguish correlation from causation
Evaluate study design, sampling methods, and sources of bias in short scenarios
Your checkpoint
A two-part deliverable: a 15-problem statistics set scored at 80% or better and a written analysis of one data scenario (minimum 200 words) covering center, spread, model fit, and bias
Algebra & Statistics and Probability
Complete two full-length timed practice tests under exam conditions and record per-domain accuracy
Re-teach the three lowest-accuracy subskills using corrected notes and fresh practice problems
Build a final one-page formula and concept sheet from memory, then verify it against notes
Practice pacing by allocating minutes per question and flagging items to revisit
Your checkpoint
A scored practice-test report with per-domain accuracy, a final one-page formula sheet, and a written list of five remaining weak spots with a fix for each
Milestones
Week 2: Score 80% or better on the timed 15-problem linear systems and inequalities set, and correctly identify at least one no-solution and one infinite-solution system without hints
Week 4: Score 75% or better on the mixed Algebra and Functions set; if below, spend the first two hours of week 5 re-drilling the missed subskills before moving on
Week 6: Score 80% or better on the Number and Quantity set and demonstrate unit cancellation correctly in at least 8 of 10 dimensional-analysis problems
Week 8: Improve overall practice-test accuracy by at least 10 percentage points from the first full-length test to the second, with no domain below 60%