Need help finding the right class? Have a question about how classes work?
Introduction to Algebra A Self-Paced
Summary
In this online class, students proactively engage with the fundamental concepts of algebra. Part of our introductory math series, Introduction to Algebra A builds on the foundations of both Prealgebra 1 and Prealgebra 2.
This advanced math course is offered in two formats: a live online course or a self-paced course. Both formats include instructor feedback, office hours, and a class message board for student support.
Introduction to Algebra A: Self-Paced
Length: 60 Lessons
In our self-paced Introduction to Algebra A course, students proceed at their preferred pace through a series of automated mathematical conversations. For the independently motivated learner, interactive automated instruction replaces live class meeting times.
Self-paced math classes offer live interaction through the class message board, where students can collaborate with peers and get support from instructors. We reinforce lessons with our Introduction to Algebra textbook and videos, as well as multiple types of homework problems.
Although many students complete Algebra A in 3–6 months, we offer unlimited class access for 9 months.
What's Included?
Why AoPS?
Innovative, Interactive Instruction
In our self-paced courses, students progress through interactive lessons that engage them in mathematical conversations, guiding them step-by-step and addressing common misconceptions. Students learn in various ways, so we offer multiple learning avenues: interactive lessons, a textbook, videos, diverse homework problems, and opportunities to engage in discussions with instructors and peers on the class message board.
Active Learning
Learning is not a spectator sport, and students learn best by tackling hard problems themselves. Our lessons start with challenging questions to help students develop new mathematical strategies. If students get stuck, our learning technology supplies helpful hints and adapts lesson structure to further reinforce key concepts.
Focus on Non-Routine, Challenging Problems
To prepare our students for the challenges of tomorrow, we teach them how to apply fundamentals to different types of problems, not just variations on the same problem they’ve seen before. Building a critical problem-solving skill set, our students are prepared for the rigors of top-tier colleges and internationally competitive careers.
Who Should Take This Class?
Before taking this course, students should master arithmetic with fractions, decimals, percents, negative numbers, and integer exponents.
Most students who have completed a typical Prealgebra course are ready for this course. Students finishing our Beast Academy curriculum should take Prealgebra 1 and Prealgebra 2 prior to taking this course.
- To determine if you’re ready for the course, students can take the diagnostic pretest.
- To determine if you need this course or can move on to the next, students can take the diagnostic post-test.
Please note: Our algebra sequence will likely not match up exactly with your school's. This course covers much of the algebra of a typical honors Algebra 1 course, some of the content of an honors Algebra 2 course, and some additional material not taught in most standard curricula. Visit our Recommendations page for help in choosing the right class.
Self-Paced vs. Weekly Live
Our self-paced class is designed for students who prefer to set their own study schedule. In this format, students can engage with peers and receive support from staff through the class message board. For students interested in a live group experience with real-time interactions in an online classroom setting, we recommend considering the weekly live version of this course.
- Rules of arithmetic
- Equations
- Exponents, fractional exponents, and radicals
- Expressions
- Distribution, subtraction, and factoring
- Expressions with fractions
- Solving linear equations
- Word problems
- Evaluating expressions with multiple variables
- Manipulating expressions
- Substitution and Elimination
- Word problems
- Ratios
- Conversion Factors
- Percents
- Direct, inverse, and joint proportion
- Rate problems
- The number line and Cartesian Plane
- Graphing linear equations
- Slope, intercepts, and equations
- Comparing lines
- Linear inequalities
- Graphing inequalities
- Optimization
- Factoring quadratics
- Sums and products of roots of a quadratic
- Difference of squares
- Sums and differences of cubes
- Simon's favorite factoring trick
- What are complex numbers?
- Complex Number Arithmetic
- Completing the square
- The quadratic formula
Required Textbook
Related courses: Introduction to Algebra A and Introduction to Algebra B
