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Gary Thomson

Math is a frustrating subject which makes many students feel anxious . . . but it's also a key skill required for many university programs, careers and also just in daily life. This course will help you deeply understand the key topics found in high school Math to 1) Make excellent grades 2) Study or use Math in the future.

Deeply Understand High School Math Topics and Achieve Exam Success   

Understand important techniques and how to apply them   

Solve a wide range of Math problems     

Confidently take tests and exams   

Prepare to use Math in the future   

Read more

Math is a frustrating subject which makes many students feel anxious . . . but it's also a key skill required for many university programs, careers and also just in daily life. This course will help you deeply understand the key topics found in high school Math to 1) Make excellent grades 2) Study or use Math in the future.

Deeply Understand High School Math Topics and Achieve Exam Success   

Understand important techniques and how to apply them   

Solve a wide range of Math problems     

Confidently take tests and exams   

Prepare to use Math in the future   

Understanding is the key for Math success. Understand it, Ace it.    

Math students often say they know every theorem and equation but are unable to answer exam questions - sound familiar? Why is this? Because you can never anticipate how a question will be presented. But if you really understand the material it doesn’t matter, you can still nail your answers.  

This course focuses on the second half of high school Math, for 15-17 year olds. Regardless of which Math course you're taking or where you live, there's a set of key topics that you’ll be studying. This course covers a lot of ground. The topics you'll master are: 

Algebra

Functions

Graphs of Functions

Log and Exponential Functions

Trigonometric Functions

Trigonometric Identities

Polynomials

Differential Calculus

Integral Calculus

Circles

Vectors.

Classes are based on my experience of working every day with frustrated and intimidated Math students. I know why they’ve found these ideas difficult to grasp, but they've learnt to master them and you will too.

Why this Course?

This course has been carefully designed based on my experience of successfully teaching students with wide-ranging abilities. Take this course and you'll understand these ideas in ways that I know work. You'll also benefit from over 700 carefully created practice questions which will increase your confidence and prepare you to ace tests and exams. 

What to Expect on this Course    

The course is laid out in an easy to use structure with a section for each topic and individual classes within that section. I’ve ordered topics to maximise your learning based on what students have told me they find difficult. Each lesson delivers one key idea or technique. We start with the theory and move onto examples to show you how to answer common question types. You'll reinforce learning through a range of practice questions with solutions. Take this course and you’ll walk away confident in your understanding of key high school Math material and just might look forward to taking your next Math test.

Some Student Feedback About This Course

‘’I am a university student who slacked way too much in high school maths and needed to go through all the material again. I found it very useful and thought the exercises where doable without too much help. ’’ - Delphine Salaverry

‘’Excellent course, quite lucid and well explained’’– Kundan Singh

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand key high school math concepts
  • Apply your understanding to solve a range of math problems
  • Confidently take tests and exams
  • Prepare to use math in the future

Syllabus

Master fundamental algebra techniques such as simplifying expressions, working with negatives, expanding brackets, factorising, algebraic fractions, and rearranging formulae.
Read more

Learn how to simplify algebraic expressions by combining terms. Master the rules for working with negatives, and learn how to multiple two brackets together.

At the end of this lecture you'll be able to confidently factorise trinomial algebraic expressions into two brackets. You'll also learn how to recognise differences of squares and how to factorise them into two brackets.

Learn how to simplify algebraic fractions using common techniques such as common factors and factorising into two brackets.

Master the technique of adding and subtracting algebraic fractions by using a technique similar to adding and subtracting numeric fractions.

At the end of this lecture you'll be able to confidently change the subject of equations and formulae - an important technique in algebra.

At the end of this section you'll understand what functions are, how to use variables, the domain of a function, how to compose functions, and inverse functions.

This class helps you understand that a function is a relationship between variables. Understanding what functions are is important in being able to work with them confidently.

This class teaches you the role that variables play in functions which is crucial for understanding and working with functions successfully.

At the end of this class you'll understand what the domain of a function is and how to write the domain of a function. You'll also learn the common restrictions on the domain of a function.

This class teaches you how to confidently compose two functions as well as the correct notation for writing composite functions.

Take this class to understand what the inverse of a function is and master the technique for finding the inverse of any given function.

Understand how to sketch the graphs of functions, move graphs, and find important points on the graph of functions such as points of intersection with the axes and other graphs.

Take this class to understand how to make a sketch of the graph of a function from its equation. You'll also learn to confidently identify the graphs of linear, quadratics and cubic functions.

When the equation of a function changes so does its graph. Take this class to learn to identify different types of changes to the equation of a function and how to sketch the graph of the function after it's been changed.

Master the technique for finding the co-ordinates of the points where a graph crosses the x-axis and the y-axis by letting x=0 or y=0. This is a key technique when sketching the graphs of functions.

Master the technique of setting the equations of functions equal to find the points where their graphs intersect.

Become familiar with specific features of linear, quadratic and cubic functions.

In this class you'll learn the standard equation of a straight line and understand why it represents the equation of a linear function. You'll be able to find the equation of a selection of straight lines which will be expanded upon in later classes.

In this class you'll learn what the gradient of a straight line is and how it fits with the equation of a straight line. You'll be able to confidently find the gradient of a straight line using any two points on the line.

In this class you'll learn how to identify a quadratic function by its equation. You'll also learn some key facts about quadratic functions such as their general algebraic form, the shape of their graphs and about their symmetry.

In this class you'll learn to draw the graph of a quadratic function from its equation and you'll be able to identify key facts about those graphs such as their shape, their turning points and where they cross the axes.

In this class you'll learn about the roots of quadratic functions which are the points where the graph crosses over the x-axis. You'll understand the three types of root and how to use the technique of factorisation to find the roots of a given quadratic.


This class demonstrates how to use the discriminant to determine what kind of roots a quadratic function has. This technique is called finding the nature of the roots and is used to show whether a quadratic function has zero, one or two roots.

Understand how to use the roots of a quadratic function to find its turning point in the cases where the function has one or two roots.

Master the technique of completing the square which you can use to find the co-ordinates of the turning point of a quadratic function. This technique is particularly useful where the quadratic has no roots to help with finding the turning point.

In this class we look at example quadratic functions to reinforce your understanding of the various techniques you've learnt in this section. This includes determining the nature of the roots, finding the roots, finding the turning point and determining the shape of the graph.

Understand exponential and logarithmic functions and how to work with them.

This class introduces you to exponential and logarithmic functions. By the end of this class you'll understand the relationship between these functions and be introduced to the general shape of their graphs.

At the end of this lecture you'll understand the general shape and key features of the graph of an exponential function and a logarithmic function. You'll also better understand the relationship between their graphs and be able to identify key points.

To work with exponential and logarithmic functions you have to be able to use the correct notation. By the end of this class you'll confidently write expressions involving exponentials and logarithms.

One of the most important features of working with logarithms is knowing the laws of logarithms. By the end of this class you'll have mastered the laws of logarithms which is essential for solving equations with exponentials or logarithms in them.

Understand the Sin, Cos and Tan functions and their properties and solve trigonometric equations.

By the end of this lecture you'll be familiar with the Sin, Cos, and Tan functions and how they can be used to link angles and lengths of sides of triangles.

In this class you'll come to understand the Sine function by becoming familiar with its graph. You'll become familiar with the general shape of the Sine function, its maximum and minimum values, where it crosses the axes and the interval on which it repeats - key knowledge if you want to be successful in trigonometry.

In this class you'll come to understand the Cosine function by becoming familiar with its graph. You'll become familiar with the general shape of the Sine function, its maximum and minimum values, where it crosses the axes and the interval on which it repeats - key knowledge if you want to be successful in trigonometry.

In this class you'll come to understand the Tangent function by becoming familiar with its graph. You'll become familiar with the general shape of the Sine function, its maximum and minimum values, where it crosses the axes and the interval on which it repeats - key knowledge if you want to be successful in trigonometry.

Although it would be nice to always work with the most basic forms of the Sine and Cosine functions, its crucial that you become confident with variations too. By the end of this class you'll understand the various ways in which the Sine and Cosine functions can be manipulated and how those changes impact on the graph of those functions.

Using the theory from the previous class, this class demonstrates through several examples how to sketch the graph of the Sine or Cosine function when they have been manipulated. For example, how to sketch y=Sin2X or y=3CosX+2

Trigonometry questions are often written using radians rather than degrees. By the end of this class you'll understand what a radian is and how to convert degrees to radians, a key skill for trigonometry success.

In this class you'll master several techniques for working out the exact value of trig functions. You'll learn to use the graph of the function to do this as well as known values and the CAST method.

At the end of this section you'll understand how to use the addition and double angle formulas and how to solve trig equations.

In this class you'll learn what the trig addition formulas are and how to use them. This is an important skill which you'll need for solving trigonometric equations.

In this class you'll learn what the trig double angle formulas are and how to use them. This is an important skill which you'll need for solving trigonometric equations.

Trig equations are one of the most demanding parts of any high school Math course. In this class we use the various techniques we'll picked up in this section to solve several different types of trig equations.

At the end of this section you'll understand what polynomials are and techniques for finding their factors.

This class helps you understand what polynomial expressions are and you'll learn what is meant by polynomial factors.

The factor and remainder theorems help you to determine whether an expression is or is not a factor of a polynomial. By the end of this class you'll master the technique of using the factor and remainder theorems.

In this class you'll learn to master the technique of synthetic division which is used in factorising polynomials fully if one factor is already known. This is a key technique in working with polynomial expressions.

In this class we put together the techniques you've learnt in this section to fully factorise polynomials using the factor / remainder theorem and synthetic division together.

At the end of this section you'll understand what the derivative of a function is and know how to find the derivative of a range of function types.

Differential Calculus is all about derivatives of functions. This class helps you understand what is meant by the derivative of a function before you learn how to find derivatives using various techniques presented in this section.

To work with derivatives you need to be able to use the correct notation. By the end of this class you'll have mastered the appropriate notation required for Differential Calculus.

The power rule is the primary rule used to find the derivative of functions. In this class you'll learn what the power rule looks like and how to use it correctly to find the derivative of applicable functions.

The chain rule is used to find the derivative of composite functions (which are usually identified by being in a bracket with a power above it). This class teaches you how to use the chain rule with confidence.

Learn how to find the derivatives of the Sin(aX) and Cos(aX) functions.

Differentiation can be used to solve a wide variety of types of question. In this class we look at one of the most common applications of differentiation which is to find the equation of a tangent to a curve at a given point.

One of the most important points of any function is where it changes direction. Such points (maximums, minimums and points of inflection) are called stationary points. In this class learn how to use the derivative of a function to find the stationary points.

As well as finding stationary points we also want to know what type they are (maximum, minimum or point of inflection). This is called finding the nature of the stationary point. In this class you'll learn how to use a nature table to demonstrate what kind of stationary point a function has.

At the end of this section you'll understand what the integral of a function is and how to find the integral of common functions. You'll apply integration to find the area under curves.

In this class you'll learn what notation must be used for integration and you'll learn the first rule for finding the integral of a given function - the power rule.

In this class you'll learn how to find the integral of the Sin(aX) and Cos(aX) functions.

The chain rule for integration, often called the reverse chain rule, can be used to find the integral of certain types of functions. In this class you'll learn how to use the reverse chain rule to find the integral of relevant functions.

This class introduces the idea of a definite integral. By the end of this class you'll understand what a definite integral is and will have mastered the technique for finding them.

A key application of definite integrals is to find the area underneath a curve. In this class you'll learn how to use definite integrals to find the area under a given curve and between two points on the x-axis known as limits.

In this class we run through several examples of integration question which require the use of the various techniques you've learnt in this section - the power rule, integrating trig functions, the reverse chain rule, and definite integrals.

At the end of this section you'll understand the different ways to represent circles algebraically and how to solve common circle question types.

In this class you'll learn and understand the basic form of the equation of a circle.

There is more than one form of the equation of a circle. By rearranging the basic circle equation we arrive at a different form. In this class you will learn what that form is and how to use it confidently.

A common high school math problem is finding the equation of a tangent to a circle at a given point. In this class you learn the technique for finding the equation using the gradient of the radius connecting the circle centre with the tangent point.

Many different types of question can be asked about circles. In this class we take a look at some example question which can be solved using the equations and techniques learnt so far in this section.

At the end of this section you'll understand what vectors are and how to use special notation to represent them. You'll also learn how to use operations on vectors and use them in problem solving.

This class introduces vectors and demonstrates why they are commonly represented by straight line segments.

To work with vectors you have to master vector notation which is quite different from other mathematical notation. By the end of this class you'll understand and be able to use the common forms of vector notation.

A key technique when working with vectors is to be able to find its length. This class teaches you how to find the length of a vector in 2-d and 3-d space.

Vectors don't always appear on their own but can be combined by adding or subtracting two or more vectors. The process gives what is called a resultant vector. This class teaches you the technique required to find resultant vectors.

A key property of two vectors is called the scalar product. In this class you will learn the two ways of finding the scalar product and how these can be used together to find the angle between two vectors.

A common high school math problem is how to show that three points lie in a straight line - this is called collinearity. This classes teaches you how to use vectors to demonstrate collinearity.

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in High School Math: Understand it, Ace it! with these activities:
Review Algebra Fundamentals
Strengthen your algebra skills to prepare for more advanced topics in the course.
Show steps
  • Review notes and examples on simplifying expressions.
  • Practice solving equations with negatives and fractions.
  • Work through practice problems on factoring and expanding.
Review 'Algebra I For Dummies'
Solidify your understanding of algebra concepts with a comprehensive review book.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters covering topics you find challenging.
  • Work through the example problems and practice exercises.
  • Check your answers and review the explanations for any mistakes.
Form a Study Group
Collaborate with peers to discuss challenging concepts and practice problem-solving.
Show steps
  • Connect with classmates and form a small study group.
  • Schedule regular meetings to review course material.
  • Work through practice problems together and explain concepts to each other.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Calculus Problems
Reinforce your calculus skills by working through a variety of practice problems.
Show steps
  • Find a collection of calculus practice problems online or in a textbook.
  • Work through the problems, showing all your steps.
  • Check your answers and review the solutions for any mistakes.
Create a Math Explainer Video
Deepen your understanding by creating a video explaining a specific math concept.
Show steps
  • Choose a math concept from the course that you understand well.
  • Write a script outlining the key points you want to cover.
  • Record a video explaining the concept, using visuals and examples.
  • Edit the video and share it with your classmates or online.
Build a Trigonometry Application
Apply your trigonometry knowledge by building a practical application.
Show steps
  • Choose a real-world problem that can be solved using trigonometry.
  • Design an application that uses trigonometry to solve the problem.
  • Implement the application using a programming language or tool.
  • Test the application and refine it based on your results.
Review 'Calculus: Early Transcendentals'
Expand your calculus knowledge with a comprehensive textbook.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters covering topics you want to explore in more detail.
  • Work through the example problems and try the more challenging exercises.
  • Consult the book when you encounter difficult concepts in the course.

Career center

Learners who complete High School Math: Understand it, Ace it! will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Math Teacher
A Math Teacher helps students understand mathematical concepts and apply them to solve problems. This course, which emphasizes a deep understanding of high school math topics such as algebra, functions, calculus, and trigonometry, helps build a strong foundation for teaching these subjects effectively. The course's focus on understanding rather than memorization is particularly helpful. Aspiring Math Teachers can gain further insight from the course's 700 practice questions, giving them more material to learn from.
Science Teacher
A Science Teacher educates students in various scientific disciplines such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Math is an integral part of all sciences, so this course may help the Science Teacher to deliver the required knowledge their students need to succeed in science. Deeply understanding high school Math topics and achieving exam success, topics covered in this course, can only benefit Science Teachers.
Tutor
A Tutor provides individualized instruction and support to students in specific academic subjects. If you want to be a Tutor specializing in mathematics, understanding the key topics found in high school math is crucial. This course helps equip future Tutors with a thorough understanding of algebra, functions, graphs, calculus, and trigonometry. The course emphasizes problem-solving skills, which are essential for guiding students through challenging math concepts. Additionally, this course's material can act as additional preparation or review to ensure that knowledge is current.
Curriculum Developer
A Curriculum Developer designs and creates educational materials and programs. The course's detailed coverage of high school math topics helps Curriculum Developers create comprehensive and effective math curricula. Understanding common difficulties students face, as highlighted in the course, allows one to tailor materials to address specific learning challenges. The course may benefit Curriculum Developers by providing a structured approach to teaching math concepts. The coverage of different areas within mathematics may also be valuable during the development process.
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst interprets and analyzes data to provide insights and support decision-making. While seemingly unrelated, a solid foundation in math, particularly algebra and functions, is crucial for understanding statistical analysis and data modeling techniques. This course refreshes and reinforces these fundamental math skills. A data analyst needs to be comfortable with mathematical concepts to interpret and manipulate data effectively, and the course enables Data Analysts to build this comfort and ability.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst evaluates financial data, provides investment recommendations, and manages financial risk. Many financial analysis techniques rely on mathematical principles, including algebra, calculus, and statistics. This course reinforces essential math skills, helping Financial Analysts to better understand financial models, analyze data, and make informed decisions. The problem-solving focus may also be useful in approaching financial challenges.
Actuary
An Actuary assesses and manages financial risks, often in the insurance and finance industries. Actuaries rely heavily on mathematical and statistical models to predict future events and assess their financial impact. This course helps those looking to enter the actuarial field to build a strong foundation in the mathematical concepts used. Knowledge of algebra, functions, and calculus can be particularly relevant for understanding actuarial models and calculations. To be an Actuary typically requires advanced education such as a master's degree.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software applications. While coding is central, mathematical concepts, particularly logic and discrete mathematics, are essential for algorithm design and problem-solving. This course may help Software Engineers sharpen their analytical skills and approach coding challenges with a stronger mathematical foundation. The problem solving elements of the course may be particularly applicable.
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to draw conclusions and make predictions. A strong foundation in mathematics, including algebra, calculus, and probability, is critical for understanding statistical methods. This training helps build a solid understanding of these core concepts. Statisticians frequently rely on math skills to perform their duties, and this course may provide a useful refresher of critical high school level concepts. Typically, to become a Statistician, one requires at least a master's degree.
Accountant
An Accountant prepares and analyzes financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance. While accounting primarily involves financial transactions, a solid understanding of mathematical principles is essential for budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. This course may help Accountants to reinforce their math skills, particularly in areas like algebra and financial mathematics. The course's coverage of algebra may be particularly useful when balancing large or complex books.
Economist
An Economist studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Economics relies heavily on mathematical models and statistical analysis to understand and predict economic trends. This course may help those interested in economics to build a foundation in algebra and calculus, which are commonly used in economic modeling. Typically, to become an Economist, one requires at least a master's degree.
Market Research Analyst
A Market Research Analyst studies market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price. The course may provide a helpful foundation in basic algebra to better understand and conduct quantitative research. This course may be helpful to build a base for more advanced techniques used by Market Research Analysts.
Game Developer
A Game Developer creates video games for computers, consoles, and mobile devices. Game development combines art, design, and programming. The course may help Game Developers understand and implement mathematical concepts in game design, such as physics engines, game logic, and artificial intelligence. Game developers may value the problem solving that is taught in the course.
Technical Trainer
A Technical Trainer delivers training programs on technical topics to employees or customers. This course may help Technical Trainers who need to teach mathematical concepts or software that involves mathematical calculations. The course reinforces essential math skills, helping Technical Trainers to better provide training to their students. While not directly related, the problem solving aspects are useful for delivering training programs.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates clear and concise documentation for technical products and processes. This course may help Technical Writers who need to document mathematical concepts or software that involves mathematical calculations. While not directly related, the problem solving aspects may be helpful for documenting complex processes. A Technical Writer may benefit from reviewing high school math concepts.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in High School Math: Understand it, Ace it!.
Standard calculus textbook used in many universities. It provides a rigorous and comprehensive treatment of calculus concepts. It is particularly useful for students who want to delve deeper into the theoretical foundations of calculus. While it may be more valuable as additional reading, it can also serve as a reference tool for challenging problems.
Provides a comprehensive review of basic algebra concepts. It is particularly useful for students who need a refresher on fundamental skills before tackling more advanced topics. The book offers clear explanations and numerous practice problems, making it a valuable resource for reinforcing understanding and building confidence. It can be used as a reference text throughout the course.

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