Art of Problem Solving Algebra Big Ideas Algebra 1

Algebra 1 curriculum – recommendations for home schooling

This commodity lists some recommendations for an algebra 1 curriculum for home schooling – in particular for those of yous who accept used Math Mammoth during middle school years, and want to know where to keep afterwards that.

(Please note: Math Mammoth users can go to an algebra 1 program directly after finishing Math Mammoth grade seven, since MM7 is a pre-algebra program.)

In a nutshell, I recommend for near homeschooling parents to use a textbook along with some video instruction.

Why a textbook? Because information technology is good for students to learn to utilise a regular algebra textbook at this stage of their studies. It helps prepare them for any further studies (whether college or vocational) where they need to learn on their ain, reading a textbook.

Also, proficient textbooks include not only basic exercises but also challenging ones. If yous decide to go with some online algebra curriculum or video teaching, a regular textbook can deed as a reference and every bit an boosted problem "bank" for those challenging problems. Y'all tin also use information technology to check that your student is really getting instruction in all the typical algebra one topics.

Why videos? Because those replace the component that is present in regular classroom: the teacher explaining concepts and ideas. Learning algebra from a textbook lonely might exist besides difficult for some students. If the parent cannot explain the math, videos volition help bridge the gap. In today's world, there be MANY free websites with algebra videos that tin be used. And, some companies provide videos tailored to a specific textbook.

In this article, I outset explain some bones options for algebra ane in a homeschool setting. Then, some textbooks are described in more than item. The article also lists gratuitous algebra video websites, algebra online curricula, and gives a link to algebra tutorial website list.

Bound to:

• Options for algebra ane in a nutshell
• Textbook choices
• Jacobs' Algebra
• Foerster's algebra
• Prentice Hall algebra
• AOP Introduction to algebra
• Free algebra video websites
• Online algebra courses
• More free algebra tutorials

Options for algebra 1 course in a nutshell

1. Employ a regular textbook, along with video educational activity specifically tailored for that volume. At that place exist several companies offering this, often with a steep price tag, considering that present you can find even free algebra video courses online. Here'southward a list of some options:
   
   • Math Without Borders (using Foerster's Algebra). Includes video lessons to match the textbook plus solutions to assigned problems on video. $79 + you lot demand to purchase the textbook separately. Please come across my review for more information.
   • Ask Dr. Callahan (using Jacob's Algebra). about $200.
   • VideoText Algebra — both algebra 1 and algebra 2. This i does not have a textbook only printed course notes and exercises (the videos are the "textbook"). I would consider purchasing some used textbook for a handy reference and for boosted bug, especially for applications and give-and-take problems. $299 online version; $599 on DVDs.
     
   • Chalkdust (using Algebra by Ron Larson). $469. See also the site Algebrawithinreach.com mentioned further down on this page.
2. Apply a regular textbook, forth with videos from diverse math websites that may not be exactly tailored to the volume. This is probably one of the most affordable options, because there exist so many sites offering costless math videos.
3. Utilize a regular textbook, forth with an online math curriculum. Like to the ane above, but more expensive. However, you get more back up and resources, such as online quizzes, worksheets, reporting, etc.
4. An algebra course from one of the popular homeschooling companies. The drawback is that the authors of these products may not be math professors or even math teachers, and and then the mathematics is often on a more "shallow" and superficial level than in textbooks authored past mathematics professors & teachers. Also, the explanations given for concepts may besides be lacking in depth, and concentrate simply on how to do the calculations, and non on the "why", or on the connections between concepts. Of course this varies from product to product, but I have seen some that judging from the samples were actually "shallow".

   Nonetheless, I'm not maxim these can't be used. If your pupil does not demand a strong math background for future studies, they can be fine. Some families may also adopt the "format", whether it be many workbooks, a computer-based curriculum, or another format.

5. Enroll your kid in a customs college bones algebra course.
6. Hire a tutor, either a tutor that visits your home or an online math tutor.
7. What about Saxon algebra one? The trouble with Saxon is not the content itself, but how the lessons are organized. Saxon mixes in the topics and does not have chapters on sure broad topics, like other algebra books. For example, one lesson is on range, mean, median, and mode. The next is on conjunctions, the next is on percents, and the next i on polynomials—and so on. I don't think that is the best manner to learn. You can read more about my stance on Saxon math here.
8. What about Education Textbooks? This programme is more often than not recognized equally existence quite easy and not challenging. The give-and-take bug I take seen in their samples are definitely besides like shooting fish in a barrel, for whatever class I've looked at. Therefore, you cannot expect it to teach problem solving very well. This is actually unfortunate, considering many parents and kids similar its format. It would be a good programme for low-performing students because information technology is so piece of cake.

   This is verified for example by this review left for my other math site:

   Nosotros loved this curriculum until we looked at the Prentice Hall Algebra I book that the local loftier school was using. Then we realized that Pedagogy Textbooks Algebra I is way behind form level! My son completed TT Algebra I and at present is going through the Prentice Hall Algebra I book, to fill in the gaps, which are huge. This is taking him some other 4-5 months! I had trusted Cathy Duffy's reviews of TT, and plant I was wrong not to cheque it out more.
   Yet, the method of Instruction Textbook is bully -- the kids enjoyed doing it on their ain, with admission to the CD's and textbook.

   If your pupil is college jump and plans to have the SAT and/or enter public loftier school, I would not recommend this curriculum.

   Cindy

9. What about Singapore New Elementary Mathematic (NEM)? This serial of books covers grades 7-10, and is considered to exist quite challenging in its problems. As well, it may not have plenty explanations of concepts, and the sequence of topics does not follow the traditional American way, only prealgebra, algebra, geometry, and statistics topics are mixed. If you feel comfortable with this, it volition exist fine, but I would but consider it for "mathy" kids because of the difficulty of the problem sets. Singapore Math as well offers other series for grades 7-10 that are easier than NEM; please meet a comparison here. Well-Trained Mind forum has lots of discussions nigh using NEM.
10. Someone one time asked my thoughts concerning Algebra 1 book by the Critical Thinking Company. This is a unmarried textbook/workbook that contains the instruction and exercises all in one volume. Based on what I read nearly it, it looks good! At that place are plenty of give-and-take problems and also challenging issues. However, based on user reviews, the explanations in this book may not exist detailed plenty for many students. Also, Cathy Duffy says it lacks tests and mixed reviews. I suggest supplementing this volume with online videos that teach the concepts and with some source for review problems (maybe a textbook).

A regular algebra one textbook

If you go with the option #2 or #3 listed above, the textbooks that I recommend are:

• Harold Jacobs Algebra
• Foerster Algebra 1
• Prentice Hall Mathematics Algebra 1
• Fine art of Problem Solving Introduction to Algebra (for strong math students)

The choice betwixt the elevation three might not exist piece of cake. In a nutshell, Jacob's book is lively, concentrates on concepts, well-admired by a lot of people for its entertaining style, and has very good and interesting practise sets. However, information technology is as well a bit "lite" in content.

Foerster's book is considered one of the best, if not the best, by some. Information technology goes much deeper, perhaps too deep for some students. It has superior, detailed explanations, lots of basic exercises, and challenging word problems.

Prentice Hall book is a regular, colorful schoolbook that is comprehensive in the content covered, and has a free online video & other resource to go with information technology.

The boxes below describe these books in more detail.

Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases fabricated through Amazon links on this page.

Harold Jacobs Algebra 1

Jacobs' book is kind of a literary work in itself. The didactics for a new topic e'er starts out with an interesting example from history, a cartoon, or such like. This makes the text livelier and easier to read, and can brand math "more fun" in a sense. The practice sets also include some very interesting problems that necktie in with history or are otherwise amusing or amazing! The interesting problems thrown in assistance build mathematical intuition AND the love for mathematics.

One of the primary drawbacks though is that the writer frequently gives minimal explanations in the text, and not many worked-out examples. This is considering a lot of the learning is supposed to happen inside the exercises, which oftentimes follow the "guided enquiry" method of teaching.

In that location are iii practise sets for each lesson, of which set 1 is always review. In that location are answers in the back of the book for each exercise fix ii.

Jacobs' algebra is also on the easy side, every bit far as CONTENT goes. While information technology does have the same chapters every bit any regular algebra book, in several topics, information technology does not encompass the aforementioned depth as Foerster's or other algebra books. I'll give you some examples.

In inequalities involving absolute value, Jacobs but teaches inequalities that have "x" without a coefficient, for instance | x + iv | < −v. He does not include inequalities of the type | 2x + iv | < −5. Likewise, he does not cover inequalities with two variables at all (for example, y > x + 4). In radical equations, the bug are express to such equally have x nether the radical sign, for example √x + ii = v. Bug that include both √x and x are not included (for case √ten + ii = v + x). Also, Pythagorean Theorem is not covered. Scientific notation is not covered. These lacks are non necessarily a problem, since whatever algebra 2 book will review all of algebra 1, and should cover those topics.

The volume also seems to teach the math on an easier level than Foerster or the Prentice Hall book, oft practicing visual models in detail, and using exercises that build student's conceptual understanding step past step. This can actually be of great benefit for students who are not ready for more "algebraic" or analytic reasoning. It also ways Jacobs' book could hands be used with younger audiences—some expert, "mathy" kids could even study information technology in 7th grade.

See this listing to purchase this book and the supplements at Amazon:

• Elementary Algebra or a newer edition
• A Instructor'southward Guide to Elementary Algebra, which includes notes for the teacher and a total answer fundamental.
• Solutions transmission
• Ask Dr. Callahan sells video lessons for Jacob'south book covering each topic and working examples as needed.

Foerster Algebra 1

With Foerster, you can definitely "hear" a teacher speaking to you through the text. The volume is written to the student, with excellent, sometimes even pedantic, explanations. The text often includes petty tips like what a classroom teacher might say, such every bit "the vinculum is supposed to extend over here" or illustrations why something cannot be done.

Foerster's algebra goes fairly deep into the usual topics of algebra i. The volume includes both bones and challenging exercises, including lots of give-and-take bug. Information technology is an excellent textbook when it comes to explaining mathematics. Foerster's arroyo is very analytical and logical, relying on mathematical thinking—which can be very good for students who are going into sciences.

The main difficulty I can encounter for homeschooling parents is that some of the exercises are quite challenging. Thus, Foerster's book may be also difficult for some students.

Answers to odd-numbered exercises are given in the back of the book.

David Chandler from Math Without Borders has created a Habitation Study Companion for Foerster'due south volume, which can be incredibly helpful for homeschoolers. Please see my review on Foerster'southward algebra 1 and of the Home Report Companion for more than information and example pages.

To buy Foerster'southward volume on Amazon:

• Algebra I: Expressions, Equations, and Applications (1994 edition)
• Algebra 1: Expressions, Equations, and Applications (1999 edition), and
• Algebra 1: Expressions, Equations, and Applications (2006 edition).
  

Prentice Hall Algebra 1

Notation: the original publisher of this book was Prentice Hall, then for a few years it was Pearson, and now information technology is Savvas.

This is a basic, comprehensive textbook used in public schools. It is typical of modern textbooks in that it has quite a bit of color and multiple authors. The book is more "cut and dried", without the bits of sense of humour that you find in both Jacobs' and Foerster's books. It seems to take sufficient amount of examples, and lots of varied exercises.

The newer editions of Prentice Hall Algebra one (2011, 2012 and 2015 editions) are fine products, also. The 2012 and 2015 editions are aligned to the Common Core Standards, and thus emphasize conceptual understanding and mathematical modeling more the previous editions. For example, the publisher has added "Fault Analysis" exercises, "Reasoning" exercises, and rich mathematical and real-globe bug to the volume.

In fact, the newer editions sound ameliorate to me than the earlier ones; all the same in that location are two drawbacks: 1) They are also more expensive on Amazon—even used copies—and 2) The companion website for the new editions requires an access code. The access code is supposed to be simply the ISBN of the teacher edition, just I did not get it to work. Update: The companion website for these editions patently used Flash and is no longer functional.

The current publisher Savvas also sells their own algebra 1 curriculum called Envision Algebra 1. I do not know if it'due south based on Prentice Hall books or non. Rainbow Resource Center carries it present in place of the older Prentice Hall books. The product includes a textbook and a 1-year license to an online platform called Savvas Realize.

The following links go to Amazon.com.

• Prentice Hall Mathematics, Algebra ane 2007/2009 ed., ISBN 978-0133659467
  
• Algebra one: Solution Fundamental, for 2007/2009 edition, ISBN 9780132504782
• Prentice Hall Mathematics: Algebra i 2006 ed., ISBN 978-0131339965
  
• Prentice Hall Mathematics Algebra i 2004 ed., ISBN 9780130523167
  
• Solution Cardinal to Prentice Hall Algebra 1 2004/2006, ISBN 9780130375568
  To my agreement, 2006 ed. is identical to 2004 ed.
• Prentice Hall Mathematics Algebra ane (Florida edition), ISBN 978-0131808546
  
• Algebra 1, 1997 edition, ISBN 978-0130264855
• Envision Algebra ane: Look through Amazon's offerings on Envision Algebra 1 here.

Art of Problem Solving Introduction to Algebra
(for high-performing math students)

This volume is written by the founder of Fine art of Problem Solving, Richard Rusczyk. For each topic, in that location are many example problems with detailed solutions and explanations, through which algebraic techniques are taught. The explanations often highlight ideas on best problem solving approaches, which is something you don't ordinarily see in regular algebra textbooks. Exercises for the student follow.

Introduction to Algebra volume goes through all the typical algebra one topics, plus present several topics that are usually part of Algebra 2 curriculum, such as exponents and logarithms, quadratic inequalities, functions, and circuitous numbers. The solutions manual includes full solutions, non merely answers, which is a definite plus.

This volume is indeed quite skillful for its intended purpose. It contains challenging problems, and is specially meant for "loftier-performing" math students, considering information technology emphasizes trouble solving, proof, and challenging bug. It is NOT for weak or average students or for those who do not like problem solving. Delight check out the long excerpts (samples) on AOP website to see if the book would be a good fit for your student.

Links to Amazon:
Introduction to Algebra
Introduction to Algebra Solutions Manual

Free algebra video websites

Yous can utilize these FREE video websites to accompany any algebra textbook yous might have. To use them, start check the topic of the lesson in your textbook. And then observe matching videos on these sites. You can definitely also leave this job to your student: he/she can read the textbook text, notice videos, and then watch one or several videos on the same topic, earlier attempting to exercise any of the exercises in the textbook.

MathTV.com
Over half-dozen,000 free, online video lessons for bones math, algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Videos besides available in Spanish. Also includes online textbooks. Encounter too my review.
www.mathtv.com

BrightStorm Math
Hundreds of free videos covering all high schoolhouse math topics from algebra to calculus.
https://www.brightstorm.com/sample-video-lessons

Algebra Within Accomplish
Gratuitous algebra videos presented by Dana Mosely, worked-out solutions for selected exercises, and other companion helps for Ron Larson's algebra textbooks.
www.algebrawithinreach.com/eia6e/content/instructional-videos

Khan University algebra
Learn algebra 1 — linear equations, functions, polynomials, factoring, and more. Full curriculum of exercises and videos.
www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra

HippoCampus
Free online interactive lessons for high school algebra, calculus, and AP calculus. Also for other subjects.
world wide web.hippocampus.org/HippoCampus/Algebra%20%26%20Geometry

An online algebra curriculum

There be several commercial online curricula offering algebra courses to homeschoolers. I cannot really say which ones would exist the best since it'due south not possible for me to review and evaluate all of them, so that will be left to you.

These curricula are always based on either videos or animated tutorials. The practice sets may be less comprehensive than those establish in regular algebra textbooks, and oft focus on the most bones types of exercises. You commonly get access to unproblematic online quizzes and a system that tracks pupil progress. You may even go 1-on-one support from a tutor or teacher.

From what I've found, a lot of the online curricula don't have enough give-and-take problems, or the problems are not very good (too easy). Another typical lack is in challenging problems and applications. Consider supplementing — for example with the discussion problem lessons from Foerster's Algebra 1 textbook. His word problems are splendid!

Besides commercial algebra online curricula, in contempo years some organizations have started offering FREE online courses. This is of course a fantastic opportunity. Only go on in listen that such courses may non provide enough exercises nor any support. This means the parent should know some algebra so as to be able to guide the student. For additional exercises and challenging issues, you can use some algebra textbook, online worksheets, or such.

Khan University algebra
Gratis videos and exercises for algebra topics.
www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra

Complimentary algebra flexbook from CK-12
A complete algebra textbook (free) by CK-12 Foundation. Yous can also observe lots of algebra videos, tutorials, animations, and exercises.
www.ck12.org/book/CK-12-Algebra-I/r5

Derek Owens Algebra 1 course
An algebra form based on video pedagogy and a student workbook that the student fills in while watching the videos. Mr. Owens and his assistants are available for questions and can likewise provide extra exercise problems. Based on what trivial I could see in the workbook sample and some of his videos on Youtube, this course looks good. (However, delight don't have this as an absolute recommendation; check out actual user reviews etc. to learn more.)
world wide web.derekowens.com/course_info_algebra1.php

EdX Introduction to Algebra
A free self-paced video course covering a standard curriculum in high school Algebra I. You lot may demand to supplement this with an boosted source of bug and exercises.
www.edx.org/grade/introduction-algebra-schoolyourself-algebrax-one

MA001: COLLEGE ALGEBRA from Saylor.org
A free form with videos, a PDF textbook, and lots of exercises. It begins with a review of some pre-algebra concepts. Topics include linear equations and inequalities, graphing, exponents, polynomials, and rational expressions.
larn.saylor.org/form/ma001

Unlock Math
Unlock Math courses are based on engaging video instruction and interactive exercises. The courses are comprehensive and quite stride-by-footstep. Nevertheless, it doesn't take many word issues, and some that it has are quite piece of cake, in my opionion. The class includes 1 challenging problem per lesson, which is a good thing; I just wish it had more of those!
www.unlockmath.com

Mathletics
A multimedia curriculum with activities, videos, interactivites, and assessment tools. Gratuitous trial bachelor.
world wide web.mathletics.com/united states/for-home/

CTC Math
CTC Math offers math courses with video tutorials, interactive questions (mostly multiple-choice), and worksheets. Information technology provides a skillful coverage of topics and plenty of practice. All the same (as is mutual with these video-based curricula), it lacks in word bug/problem solving.
www.ctcmath.com

ThinkWell
Multimedia video lectures that take the place of a traditional textbook, plus automatically graded exercises & homework. Titles offered are from grade 6 through calculus. The instructor on the videos is Edward Burger, who has a unique and intuitive approach to learning math. Online access to any 1 course $125 a year.
www.thinkwell.com

Educator
A drove of lectures by college professors, including algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics courses (for high schoolhouse/college). Subscriptions $45 commencement calendar month, $35 monthly thereafter; $300 a year; they give you access to all courses.
www.educator.com

Tablet Class
An online curriculum and math learning organisation. Includes videos lessons, course materials, review notes, do worksheets, tests and respond keys. Courses offered are prealgebra, algebra i & 2, intermediate and college algebra, and GED math.
tcmathacademy.com/

Alcumus
Fine art of Problem Solving's online learning arrangement for gifted students. Offers a customized learning experience, adjusting to student performance. It is specifically designed to provide high-performing students with a challenging curriculum. Alcumus is complimentary.
artofproblemsolving.com/alcumus

ONE MATHEMATICAL Cat, Delight! A First Form in Algebra
While not supported by videos, this is a very good resource, since it provides a full online text for algebra 1 with interactive exercises. The full text is provided every bit PDF files (ane for each section), and those include solutions to the exercises in the text. costless.
onemathematicalcat.org/algebra_book/online_problems/table_of_contents.htm

Conquermaths
An online maths tutoring system with 480 full audio/visual lessons presented by a real instructor, synchronised with blithe graphics and backed up by tests and progress reports. For U.k. key stages iii and iv (11-16 yr olds). xvi free trial lessons. Subscriptions £xv.99 a month, £99.99 a twelvemonth.
www.conquermaths.com

More than algebra tutorials — complimentary

There exist dozens of algebra websites, which usually have short tutorials on algebra topics. Some of them have brusque quizzes also. They wouldn't supervene upon a textbook considering of lack of exercises, only sometimes information technology's helpful to read several explanations for the same concept.

Please see a LONG list of these algebra websites here. The list also includes algebra worksheet sites, online calculators, and a few algebra games.

---

If you have suggestions or comments near this article, let me know.

By Maria Miller

Math Mammoth Tour Confused most the unlike options? Take a virtual email bout around Math Mammoth! You'll receive: An initial email to download your GIFT of over 400 free worksheets and sample pages from my books. Six other "TOURSTOP" emails that explicate the important things and unremarkably asked questions apropos Math Mammoth curriculum. (Find out the differences between all these different-colored series!) This way, you'll have time to digest the information over one or two weeks, plus an opportunity to ask me personally about the curriculum. A monthly drove of math education tips & Math Mammoth updates (unsubscribe any time) Note: You will First go an email that asks you to ostend your electronic mail address. If yous cannot find this confirmation email, please bank check your SPAM/JUNK binder.

"Mini" Math Teaching Course This is a piffling "virtual" 2-calendar week course, where yous volition receive emails on important topics on education math, including: - How to assistance a educatee who is behind - Troubles with give-and-take problems - Instruction multiplication tables - Why fractions are and so hard - The value of mistakes - Should yous use timed tests - And more! Yous will too receive: A GIFT of over 400 free worksheets and sample pages from my books right in the very offset. A monthly collection of math didactics tips & Math Mammoth updates (unsubscribe whatever fourth dimension) Note: You volition FIRST get an e-mail that asks you to confirm your e-mail accost. If yous cannot notice this confirmation e-mail, please bank check your SPAM/JUNK folder.

Maria's Math Tips Enter your email to receive math education tips, resources, Math Mammoth news & sales, humor, and more! I tend to transport out these tips nigh once monthly, almost the outset of the calendar month, only occasionally yous may hear from me twice per month (and sometimes less oftentimes). Peek at the previous tips here. You will as well receive: A GIFT of over 400 complimentary worksheets and sample pages from my books.

albaradociary1948.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.mathmammoth.com/complete/algebra_1

Share this post