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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.

$470 $537 w/books

What's Included?

60 interactive lessons of lively automated mathematical conversation
More than 100 supplementary videos by AoPS founder Richard Rusczyk
A class message board where students can ask instructors questions and collaborate outside of class time
Office hours held every day where instructors and assistants provide live homework help
Periodic homework assignments including challenging short-answer problems, assigned readings from our Introduction to Algebra textbook, and practice on our adaptive online learning system, Alcumus
Detailed reporting that allows students and parents to track progress and performance throughout the course
Scheduling tools that let students specify how long they wish to work each day of the week so that we can assign activities appropriately
Detailed instructor evaluation of students' written solutions to open-response problems designed to strengthen mathematical writing skills

Why AoPS?

Innovative Interactive Instruction

In our self-paced courses, students work their way through carefully scripted interactive lessons that engage students in mathematical conversations. Each lesson reacts to student input, guiding them step by step through problems and tackling common misconceptions along the way. When students have questions, they can turn to the class message board where instructors provide additional assistance.

Focus on New, 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.

Multiple Learning Avenues

Students learn in many ways, so we teach through multiple avenues. In addition to the interactive lessons, our students can read the Introduction To Algebra textbook, watch videos, solve different types of homework problems, and participate in math conversations with instructors and peers on the class message board.

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 wish to set their own schedule for their studies. While this course does provide some peer interaction and live teacher support through the class message board and office hours, students wishing to have a live group experience in an online classroom with instructors and peers should consider our weekly live version of this course.

Chapters

Show All Topics
Chapter 1
Follow the Rules
  • Rules of arithmetic
  • Equations
  • Exponents, fractional exponents, and radicals
Chapter 2
x Marks the Spot
  • Expressions
  • Distribution, subtraction, and factoring
  • Expressions with fractions
Chapter 3
One-variable linear equations
  • Solving linear equations
  • Word problems
Chapter 4
More variables
  • Evaluating expressions with multiple variables
  • Manipulating expressions
Chapter 5
Multi-variable linear equations
  • Substitution and Elimination
  • Word problems
Chapter 6
Ratios and Percents
  • Ratios
  • Conversion Factors
  • Percents
Chapter 7
Proportions
  • Direct, inverse, and joint proportion
  • Rate problems
Chapter 8
Graphing Lines
  • The number line and Cartesian Plane
  • Graphing linear equations
  • Slope, intercepts, and equations
  • Comparing lines
Chapter 9
Introduction to Inequalities
  • Linear inequalities
  • Graphing inequalities
  • Optimization
Chapter 10
Quadratic Equations - Part 1
  • Factoring quadratics
  • Sums and products of roots of a quadratic
Chapter 11
Special Factorizations
  • Difference of squares
  • Sums and differences of cubes
  • Simon's favorite factoring trick
Chapter 12
Complex Numbers
  • What are complex numbers?
  • Complex Number Arithmetic
Chapter 13
Quadratic Equations - Part 2
  • Completing the square
  • The quadratic formula

Required Textbook

Introduction to Algebra By Richard Rusczyk
A thorough introduction for students in grades 6-9 to algebra topics such as linear equations, ratios, quadratic equations, special factorizations, complex numbers, graphing linear and quadratic equations, linear and quadratic inequalities, functions, polynomials, exponents and logarithms, absolute value, sequences and series, and more!
Related courses: Introduction to Algebra A and Introduction to Algebra B
View Details
$470 $537 w/books

As a parent, I think the lessons were very good because it explains the whys of the math rules and proves them. The structure of the lessons are good and sequential. As a student, my son said he learns a lot and it is fun. He learns a lot of math tricks or shortcuts. Thank you so much.