Introduction to Algebra

Curriculum details

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

This textbook covers the material in greater depth than a traditional 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, four or 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. Finally, work through the problems at the end of the section in the textbook (there is no workbook). Aim to spend about two days on each 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. There are 120 sections in the book. At a pace of two sections per week, you can complete the book within fourteen months (spanning two grades plus vacations). You can complete the book within nine months at a pace of three sections per week.

For students who would like to go more in depth or prefer a live class format, Art of Problem Solving also offers challenging, instructor-led online classes at artofproblemsolving.com/school.

Once this book is completed, the student will be well prepared for high school Geometry or Algebra 2.