Free online coursePrealgebra

Course Description

The course "Prealgebra" spans a comprehensive duration of 38 hours and 54 minutes, offering an in-depth exploration of foundational algebraic concepts suitable for students enrolled in Basic Studies. Falling under the subcategory of Algebra, this course addresses a wide range of topics critical to prealgebra comprehension.

Beginning with fundamental elements, the course introduces students to essential concepts such as place value and the expanded form of numbers. Building on this base, learners progress to operations with whole numbers, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These skills are crucial, with practical applications such as calculating the perimeter of shapes and the area of a rectangle seamlessly integrated into the lessons.

Recognizing the importance of estimation in real-world scenarios, the course provides thorough instruction on rounding and estimating whole numbers. Further, students are guided through the nuances of working with exponents and the order of operations, laying a solid groundwork for future algebraic endeavors.

The introduction of variables and algebraic expressions marks a pivotal transition, enabling students to understand the abstract nature of algebra. Integers and their operations are also scrutinized, with comprehensive lessons on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of integers. The constant reinforcement of the order of operations ensures that students can comfortably handle complex expressions.

As the curriculum advances, students encounter more advanced topics such as solving equations and simplifying algebraic expressions. Extensive practice in solving both basic and general equations prepares students for sophisticated problem-solving tasks. An emphasis on translating sentences into equations equips learners with the skills needed to tackle word problems effectively.

The course also delves into the fractional domain, covering everything from prime factorization and simplification to complex operations involving mixed-number fractions. Learners gain proficiency in adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions, further extending these skills to equations involving fractions.

Decimal numbers are another focal point, with clear instructions on their various operations, including translating fractions to decimals and solving related equations. The course also addresses statistical concepts such as mean, median, and mode, providing a well-rounded mathematical foundation.

Additionally, the course covers ratios and rates, proportions, and their applications. Practical examples, such as problems involving the Pythagorean Theorem and square roots, ensure that students can apply their learning in diverse contexts.

Percentages and their calculations, including percent increases, decreases, sales tax, commission, and discounts, are thoroughly examined. The course concludes with an exploration of simple and compound interest problems, cementing students’ financial literacy skills.

Advanced topics such as polynomials and their properties are also included, allowing students to extend their prealgebra skills to more complex algebraic expressions. The modules on adding, subtracting, and multiplying polynomials by the distributive property ensure that students are well-prepared for future algebra courses.

Overall, "Prealgebra" provides a robust and detailed introduction to algebra. With its average rating of 4 stars, this course continues to be a valuable resource for students embarking on their algebraic journey.