Algebra I is a course designed to give students a firm understanding of mathematical equations that involve variables, as well as to teach them the basics of graphing and manipulating simple functions. Students typically take Algebra I around eighth or ninth grade, though some may take the class earlier or later, after they have had a course in Pre-Algebra, but before attempting such topics as Algebra II, Geometry, or more difficult math classes. By establishing solid footing in Algebra I, students can prepare themselves for success in later math and science courses, all of which assume knowledge of algebraic concepts. 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.

Typically, the first thing students learn how to do in Algebra I is solve a single-variable equation—that is, an equation in which there is only one variable, “x.” Students then learn to graph linear functions in the “y = mx + b” format; this part of the course introduces the concepts of slope, y-intercept, and x-intercept, and teaches students to graph linear equations. A major part of Algebra I is learning to convert information from equations to graphs and from graphs to equations, and understanding how to analyze equations and graphs as related concepts is a core part of the course. For instance, certain problems in Algebra I may present students with two points on a coordinate plane, then ask them to find the equation of the line that connects the two points, determining the equations of lines that are parallel and perpendicular to that line, respectively. Varsity Tutors offers resources like free Algebra 1 Diagnostic Tests to help with your self-paced study, or you may want to consider an Algebra 1 tutor.

Inequalities are also taught in Algebra I in the same manner as equations—that is, with an emphasis on representing them on number lines or graphing them. After learning to solve and graph simple linear functions and inequalities, students learn how to solve systems of equations or inequalities using substitution and elimination techniques.

Once students have mastered linear equations, the class moves on to tackle quadratic equations, the graphs of which form parabolas. Algebra I focuses on solving quadratic functions using the quadratic formula and FOIL, as well as graphing parabolas and manipulating their appearance through changes made to the source equation.

Other concepts that may be introduced at various points within Algebra I classes are statistics and probability, percent, and percent change. While not directly related to the overarching ideas of equations, functions, and graphs, these concepts may be taught in a way that mirrors the back-and-forth logic used to teach students about functions and their graphs. For instance, a focus when learning percents is how to convert a percent to a decimal and vice versa, and when expressing the probability of an event occurring, students also necessarily figure out the probability of the event not occurring.

The mathematical concepts that students master in Algebra I form the core of their mathematical understanding in many later classes in math and the sciences. For this reason, it is crucial that students gain a solid understanding of algebraic concepts before proceeding to higher-level math classes. If you’d like to start learning or reviewing Algebra I material right now, you can use Varsity Tutors’ free Algebra I Practice Tests to do so. Each twelve-question Practice Test is given like a short multiple-choice quiz touching on many concepts that are taught in Algebra I classes. After completing a quiz, you not only get to see your raw score, but also how your score stacks up against others’ scores on a question-by-question basis. This can provide some solace if you miss problems that others also found extremely difficult, or some motivation if you notice that you miss questions others found to be easy. All of Varsity Tutors’ Algebra I questions also come with complete explanations, so you can learn from questions that you get wrong. In addition to the Algebra 1 Practice Tests and Algebra 1 tutoring, you may also want to consider taking some of our Algebra 1 Flashcards.

You might also like to kick off the review process by taking a free Full-Length Algebra I Practice Test. The extended format of these practice tests can aid you in discovering your current proficiency level and test-taking pace. After you finish the test, the results page will provide you with the same informative metrics, thorough explanations, and additional review resources offered by the concept-specific Practice Tests. These online practice tests can also help you fine-tune your customized Algebra I study plan by showing you which concepts need the most attention. After you spend some time on review, you can assess your progress by returning to take another Full-Length Algebra I Practice Test.

By using Varsity Tutors’ free Algebra I Practice Tests and other free Algebra I resources, you can bolster your Algebra I knowledge and master the subject’s content in no time! This will give you a great foundation for the mathematical and scientific knowledge you will gain in future courses.