The Prealgebra course is an introduction to basic algebra concepts. The focus of the course is intended to enable a student to make a successful transition from arithmetic to algebra and geometry. One school year is needed to complete this course that is divided into two parts to be taught in two semesters respectively. Prealgebra 1 includes a thorough exploration of the fundamentals of arithmetic, including fractions, exponents, and decimals. We introduce beginning topics in number theory and algebra, including common divisors and multiples, primes and prime factorizations, basic equations and inequalities, and ratios. Part 2, Students will become familiar with percent; arithmetic with squares and square roots; Students will also start to explore geometry, statistics, and graph concepts to be familiar with applying algebra to geometry and measurement. Problem solving will be emphasized throughout the course.
The text is structured to inspire the reader to explore and develop new ideas. Each section starts with problems, giving the student a chance to solve them without help before proceeding. The text then includes solutions to these problems, through which algebraic techniques are taught. Important facts and powerful problem solving approaches are highlighted throughout the text.
The course will combine the concepts and problem solving techniques with amount of class practices. That will make students understand the fundamental, digest and enhance the comprehension during the class time.
More Information
Who should take Prealgebra A This course is designed for students who enjoy math and who have completed an elementary school (grades 1-5) math curriculum or current high performing 5th grade students.
Who should take Prealgebra B This course is designed for students who enjoy math and who have completed our Prealgebra 1 course (or an equivalent elsewhere).
Student eligible to take the first part of Prealgebra A should take Test of Prealgebra 1, or Test of Prealgebra B for the second part of Prealgebra. Please check the class schedule of Prealgebra A and Prealgebra B at NCLS website.
Even though successful registration to the class, the students may be asked to change to other level appropriate class if the student has difficulties to understand the contents, or is not able to complete practices or assignments, or couldn’t pass the quiz test, etc.
Textbook Students must have the textbook to take this course. The book could be purchased online: https://www.artofproblemsolving.com/store/list/aops-curriculum Prealgebra, the Art of Problem Solving, by Richard Rusczyk, David Patrick, Ravi Boppana Text ISBN: 978-1-934124-21-5