Introduction to Algebra

About

This book should be commenced once the student completes the Prealgebra textbook and is the equivalent of the Algebra 1 course usually taken in middle or high school.

This textbook covers the material in greater depth than a traditional middle-school course, and includes many challenging problems. For this reason, we recommend that you take things as slowly as the student needs and err on the side of completing a small number of problems with full understanding and without overwhelming the student. Aim to spend between thirty minutes and an hour per day five days a week on this book.

Start each new section by watching the free videos for the relevant section at artofproblemsolving.com/videos/algebra1. Then, go over the example problems together with your child. Finally, have the child work through the problems at the end of the section in the textbook (there is no workbook). It will normally take multiple days to complete one section.

Be aware that the textbook includes problems of a wide range of difficulty, and the majority of students (and parents!) are not expected to solve the most challenging ones without help. Use the solutions manual to work through any missed problems together. You may opt to skip the "Challenge" sections and complete only the regular problems if desired.

You may start this book in seventh or eighth grade, depending on when you complete the precursor Prealgebra course. Take the time to work through it at the student's own pace. Once completed, the student will be well prepared for high school Geometry or Algebra 2.