Algebra I is often the first time students are exposed to the processes of solving for variables, understanding inequalities, and using order of operations to simplify expressions. These new skills can often be difficult for some students to master; however, diligent practice of the basic algebraic principles are vitally important to success in further mathematics courses. Understanding geometry, pre-calculus, calculus, and higher math, physics, and chemistry requires a fundamental understanding of how to simplify expressions and manipulate variables. Whether you need top Algebra 1 tutors in Boston, Algebra 1 tutors in Detroit, or top Algebra 1 tutors in Dallas Fort Worth, working with a pro may take your studies to the next level.
In general, Algebra I focuses on the fundamentals of understanding and simplifying problems. Students work to be able to think through the steps of a problem logically, without immediately jumping to a conclusion or solution. Additionally, students are taught to explain the relationships between equations, give verbal descriptions of graphs, tables, and charts, and predict the shape of figures based on mathematical relationships. Varsity Tutors offers resources like free Algebra 1 Practice Tests to help with your self-paced study, or you may want to consider an Algebra 1 tutor.
Common topic frameworks for Algebra I include:
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Arithmetic with Polynomial & Rational Expressions: students are asked to simplify numerical expressions with Order of Operations, factor variables into numerical equations, and simplify complex expressions with various combinations of numbers and variables.
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Creating Expressions: using graphs and tables as a guide, students are asked to determine the relationship between two or more variables. For example, students may be given a table of distance traveled and time required to travel that distance. Students would be expected to determine how distance traveled affects the time taken (doubling the distance traveled requires double the time at the same speed).
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Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities: Algebra I students are expected to solve for the value of variables by simplifying numerical expressions. Additionally, students are taught how to graph these solutions on coordinate plane systems. Inequalities and determining how a coordinate place system graph would be shaded based on the numerical solution is also covered.
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Seeing Structure in Expression: Using Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities as a basis, students are taught how to write algebraic expressions and inequalities from graphs and at times, data tables.
The key to doing well in Algebra I is continual practice. While some students will have experience simplifying expressions, the addition of graphs, charts, inequalities, and factoring will be new for others. Common strategies to doing well to doing well include reviewing the short summaries in the textbooks prior to doing homework problems and practicing an additional 10–15 problems after completing the assigned homework passages. Oftentimes students learn the patterns required to solve the problems by continued repetition instead of reading the sections in the book. Having a different method of material reinforcement in addition to classroom and homework learning is usually helpful for most students. In addition to the Algebra 1 Help Section and Algebra 1 tutoring, you may also want to consider taking some of our Algebra 1 Flashcards.
If you’d like to bolster your Algebra I knowledge by doing practice problems, check out Varsity Tutors’ free Algebra I resources. Practice problems each come with complete step-by-step answers, so if you miss one, you can figure out exactly where in your calculation or reasoning you went wrong and avoid making that mistake again later. Practice problems are also organized by concept, so if you’re struggling with graphing linear functions or order of operations, you can answer questions just about those topics without having to sort through more material than will be helpful to your particular studying needs. Varsity Tutors’ free Algebra I practice problems can help you get the extra practice you need when taking or reviewing Algebra I!