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Zach Wissner-Gross, John Lee, Vivek Venkatachalam, Kenny Peng, Michael Fountaine, and Stephen Face

We live in a world of numbers. You see them every day: on clocks, in the stock market, in sports, and all over the news. Algebra is all about figuring out the numbers you don't see. You might know how fast you can throw a ball, but can you use this number to determine how far you can throw it? You might keep track of stock prices, but how can you figure out how much money you've made (or lost) in the market? And you may already know how to tell time, but can you calculate at what times a clock's hour and minute hands are exactly aligned? With algebra, you can answer all of these questions, using the numbers you already know to solve for the unknown. Algebra is an essential tool for all of high school and college-level math, science, and engineering. So if you're starting out in one of these fields and you haven't yet mastered algebra, then this is the course for you!

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We live in a world of numbers. You see them every day: on clocks, in the stock market, in sports, and all over the news. Algebra is all about figuring out the numbers you don't see. You might know how fast you can throw a ball, but can you use this number to determine how far you can throw it? You might keep track of stock prices, but how can you figure out how much money you've made (or lost) in the market? And you may already know how to tell time, but can you calculate at what times a clock's hour and minute hands are exactly aligned? With algebra, you can answer all of these questions, using the numbers you already know to solve for the unknown. Algebra is an essential tool for all of high school and college-level math, science, and engineering. So if you're starting out in one of these fields and you haven't yet mastered algebra, then this is the course for you!

In this course, you'll be able to choose your own path within each lesson, and you can jump between lessons to quickly review earlier material. AlgebraX covers a standard curriculum in high school Algebra I, and CCSS (common core) alignment is indicated where applicable.

Learn more about our High School and AP* Exam Preparation Courses

What you'll learn

  • How to add, subtract, multiply, and divide positive and negative integers, decimals, and fractions
  • How to evaluate powers and roots, and simplify expressions with exponents
  • How to solve single-variable and multi-variable equations and inequalities
  • How to graph lines and inequalities, using both slope-intercept and point-slope form
  • How to graph quadratics, and solve for their roots using the quadratic formula

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to add, subtract, multiply, and divide positive and negative integers, decimals, and fractions
  • How to evaluate powers and roots, and simplify expressions with exponents
  • How to solve single-variable and multi-variable equations and inequalities
  • How to graph lines and inequalities, using both slope-intercept and point-slope form
  • How to graph quadratics, and solve for their roots using the quadratic formula

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops strong foundational skills in algebra, which are core skills for higher education and industry
Taught by 6 instructors who combine to offer over 100 years of teaching experience and business acumen
Covers the standard high school curriculum in Algebra I and is in line with CCSS (common core) requirements
Empowers learners to move at their own pace as they choose their own path within each module
Provides real-world examples and applications of algebra in science, math, and engineering
Explores using technology and multiple representations in teaching algebra, which can improve accessibility and comprehension

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Reviews summary

Introductory algebra course with engaging assignments

Learners say this Introduction to Algebra course is well-organized and comprehensive, helping them to build a strong foundation in algebra. The course features interactive lessons and plenty of practice, making it an engaging learning experience. The only complaint is that the quizzes can sometimes be too difficult or randomized, requiring multiple attempts to get correct.
The course is well-organized and easy to follow.
"Well organized and very clear course."
"Concepts ate built up very well, so you always understand why something is the way it is, rather than memorizing rules."
"This course from SchoolYourself takes a very different approach to teaching math."
The lessons are interactive and engaging.
"One of the best MOOC classes I have taken. The interactive lessons are a very good."
"I liked the videos and loved that you could interact and answer questions within it"
"This course is a great approach to teaching the beginning and middle parts of algebra."
The quizzes can be difficult or randomized.
"This course is a great approach to teaching the beginning and middle parts of algebra:) I liked the videos and loved that you could interact and answer questions within it - the quizzes were designed to ensure you had a proper grasp of the subject matter, one wrong answer and the platform circulates you back around (sometimes a bit like Groundhog Day but at least you are gaining a thorough knowledge of the concept!)."
"My only complaints is the randomization of the reviews, sometimes they give you really easy problems, but other times they give you harder ones back to back that you have to get correct and you have to watch for any little mistakes you may make."
"But hey, I guess that's part of the game when you're trying to learn Math."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Introduction to Algebra. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Algebra will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Teacher
Algebra is an essential component of a secondary education, and as a Teacher, you will help your students learn the basics of Algebra, such as number systems, equations, and graphing, which serve as a cornerstone of their education. With your expertise in Algebra, you can effectively impart the fundamentals of Algebra to your students and lay a strong foundation for their future academic success.
Actuary
Actuaries use advanced mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risk and uncertainty, and Algebra is a critical foundation for this work. By taking this course, you will strengthen your understanding of the fundamental principles of Algebra, which will prove invaluable as you progress in your Actuary career. The ability to solve complex algebraic equations and analyze data are essential skills for Actuaries, and this course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and expertise to excel in this field.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists employ algebraic techniques to analyze and interpret complex datasets. Through this course, you will develop a strong foundation in Algebra, which is essential for understanding the mathematical models and algorithms used in Data Science. The ability to solve algebraic equations, manipulate data, and draw meaningful insights from complex datasets is highly sought after in this field, and this course will provide you with the necessary skills to excel as a Data Scientist.
Software Engineer
The field of Software Engineering heavily relies on Algebra, particularly linear algebra and Boolean algebra, for the design and analysis of algorithms and data structures. By taking this course, you will gain a solid foundation in Algebra, which will be highly beneficial as you pursue a career in Software Engineering. The ability to solve algebraic problems and think logically is crucial for Software Engineers, and this course will equip you with the necessary skills to succeed in this demanding field.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts use Algebra to analyze financial data and make investment recommendations. A strong understanding of Algebra is essential for understanding the financial models and techniques used in Financial Analysis. Through this course, you will develop the algebraic skills necessary to succeed as a Financial Analyst, including the ability to solve complex equations, analyze data, and make informed investment decisions.
Project Manager
Project Managers use Algebra to plan and manage projects. A strong understanding of Algebra is essential for understanding the mathematical models and techniques used in Project Management. Through this course, you will develop the algebraic skills necessary to succeed as a Project Manager, including the ability to solve complex equations, analyze data, and develop project plans.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analysts use Algebra to develop and implement mathematical models for financial markets. A strong understanding of Algebra is essential for understanding the complex mathematical concepts and techniques used in Quantitative Analysis. Through this course, you will develop the algebraic skills necessary to succeed as a Quantitative Analyst, including the ability to solve complex equations, analyze data, and develop sophisticated financial models.
Risk Manager
Risk Managers use Algebra to assess and manage financial risks. A strong understanding of Algebra is essential for understanding the mathematical models and techniques used in Risk Management. Through this course, you will develop the algebraic skills necessary to succeed as a Risk Manager, including the ability to solve complex equations, analyze data, and develop risk management strategies.
Economist
Economists use Algebra to model economic systems and analyze economic data. A strong understanding of Algebra is essential for understanding economic theories and making informed decisions. Through this course, you will develop the algebraic skills necessary to succeed as an Economist, including the ability to solve complex equations, analyze graphs, and interpret economic data.
Market Researcher
Market Researchers use Algebra to analyze market data and consumer behavior. A strong foundation in Algebra is essential for understanding the statistical techniques and models used in Market Research. Through this course, you will develop the algebraic skills necessary to succeed as a Market Researcher, including the ability to solve equations, manipulate data, and draw meaningful insights from market research data.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts use Algebra to design and implement computer systems. A strong understanding of Algebra is essential for understanding the mathematical models and techniques used in Systems Analysis. Through this course, you will develop the algebraic skills necessary to succeed as a Systems Analyst, including the ability to solve complex equations, analyze data, and design efficient systems.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers use Algebra to optimize business processes and improve efficiency. A strong understanding of Algebra is essential for understanding the mathematical models and techniques used in Operations Management. Through this course, you will develop the algebraic skills necessary to succeed as an Operations Manager, including the ability to solve complex equations, analyze data, and develop optimization strategies.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts use Algebra to analyze business data and make recommendations for improvement. A strong understanding of Algebra is essential for understanding the statistical techniques and models used in Business Analysis. Through this course, you will develop the algebraic skills necessary to succeed as a Business Analyst, including the ability to solve equations, manipulate data, and draw meaningful insights from business data.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use Algebra to optimize business processes and solve complex problems. A strong understanding of Algebra is essential for understanding the mathematical models and techniques used in Operations Research. Through this course, you will develop the algebraic skills necessary to succeed as an Operations Research Analyst, including the ability to solve complex equations, analyze data, and develop optimization models.
Statistician
Statisticians use Algebra to analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions. A strong foundation in Algebra is essential for understanding the statistical techniques and models used in Statistics. Through this course, you will develop the algebraic skills necessary to succeed as a Statistician, including the ability to solve equations, manipulate data, and interpret statistical results.

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