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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.
What's Included?
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.
- 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