Pre-Algebra

Use diagrams and words to explore the very start of algebra, with puzzles and intuition guiding the way.

By the end of the course, you'll be able to simplify expressions and solve equations using methods that impart deep understanding rather than just procedures. You'll sharpen your problem solving strategies and explore what's really useful about algebra in the first place.

• Introduction:
• Understanding Variables: Why use letters in the place of numbers?
• Understanding Expressions: Evaluate expressions where letters take the place of numbers.
• Understanding Equations: Make equations and turn unknown values into known values with style.
• Solving Equations:
• Understanding Solutions: Test solutions using substitution.
• Working Backward: Undo operations and work backward to find solutions.
• Isolating Variables: Learn strategies for your first move in solving an equation.
• Isolating Expressions: Use variables for expressions to solve equations.
• Simplifying Equations:
• Writing Equations:
• Adding Signed Numbers:
• More Operations on Signed Numbers:
• The Distributive Property:
• Applying the Distributive Property:
• Combining Like Terms:
• Simplifying Equations:
• Solving Inequalities:
• Representing Inequalities:
• Solving Inequalities:
• Handling Negatives:
• Solving More Inequalities: Learn to solve even more complicated inequalities.