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Algebra Math Course
Is your child READY for ALGEBRA?
How do you know if she should be taking “prealgebra” or just moving straight into algebra?
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about MATH TOPICS specifically as they relate to science, and also questions like the ones above.
Actually, there is no such thing as “prealgebra” when you look at the different areas of math. You’ll find Calculus, Geometry, Algebra, Arithmetic… but prealgebra is not usually listed as a specific area of math.
What usually people mean by “prealgebra” is that it is an optional prerequisite course for algebra where students show their mastery of arithmetic, which includes: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with positive and negative integers, fractions, decimals and percent.
Once your student has covered these basics, then she is ready for algebra. You just have to take a dive and go for it, and expect that you’ll need a little help along the way, because the difference between the stuff you studied up til now is a bit different than the thinking you’ll do in an algebra course.
If you’re new to homeschooling, here’s the areas of math that should be covered in sequence so that it makes sense.
- addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
- positive and negative integers
- fractions, decimals and percent
- algebra 1* (algebra workbook set)
- geometry (geometry workbook set)
- algebra 2
- trigonometry/pre-calculus or statistics
- calculus or statistics
*Algebra Topics include: variables, equations, exponents, polynomials, rational numbers and expressions, graphs, systems of equations, square roots and quadratic equations.
We can help you with the first four (1-4) above, however 5-8 are usually taught in a rigorous high school setting and require studies for an entire year.
I’ve put together a short overview course for Algebra since science uses it so much when it comes to Physics. If you need a workbook recommendation, please use the links above for the same workbook set I’ve used with my own kids.
The videos below will walk through the topics in Algebra specifically – I hope you enjoy it!
Algebra Part 1
I’ve put together a short overview course for Algebra since science uses it so much when it comes to Physics. Even though we went through all of the videos below all in one session, I’ve separated them out into smaller sessions so you can take your time to really work with the material.
Download the workbook and start by watching the first video! You can work through this at your own pace, going as slow and repeating as much as you need to until you're comfortable with the ideas we're presenting here. We're going to cover basic operations, exponents, handling unknowns, and get started on how to model real world problems using math.
(Note: This is an intensive algebra workshop that may be too rigorous for some kids. If you find it too difficult to keep up with, go here for our Introduction to Algebra series which is easier, slower, and doesn't have as much in-depth practical application demonstrations.)
Algebra Class Part 2
We covered a LOT in Part 1! If you feel that you need more time, feel free to re-watch any of the videos above before moving onto Part 2.
This second section covers the quadratic equation and how to find roots, using the content we covered in the first 12 videos above... and we'll finish up with four more astronomy and space problems!
Algebra Class Part 3
Wow - what an amazing two days! We covered a TON in Parts 1 & 2! If you feel that you need more time, feel free to re-watch any of the videos above before moving onto Part 3 where we focus on graphing functions.
This section more applications of algebra including graphing of lines and curves, plotting ellipses and drawing circles. ... and we'll finish up with six more astronomy and space problems!
