Do I need Algebra or Prealgebra?

Something to consider when looking at a PreAlgebra course is that most students can head straight into Algebra I without a problem. Arithmetic expressions and Algebraic ones are the same except algebra uses variables. For instance, in arithmetic you are taught that 1 + 1 = 2. In Algebra, while this relationship stays the same, you may be told that 1 + x =2, and be asked to identify that x has to equal 1, since the rules you learned back in arithmetic are still true.

The idea of using the more abstract “x” is the biggest hurdle for students. So if your student is strong in the idea of “x” already, I would consider just going ahead with Algebra I.

The biggest differences between PreAlgebra and Algebra are the pace and the length. PreAlgebra introduces Algebra concepts and takes each one slower and therefore does not cover as much material in the Prealgebra year as does the Algebra I course. Some parents find it just as easy to take a regular Algebra I course and do it in two years.

For our Algebra course based on Harold Jacob's textbook, it is quite easy to split the book in half, take one half of the book in one year and complete the second half in the second year. In this way students are given the slower pace of a PreAlgebra course, allowed the opportunity to be introduced to the idea of Algebra, without running headlong into a complete course in one single year. Plus parents only have to buy one curriculum and it lasts them through two years of math. The Harold Jacob’s text is particularly a good choice for this option because it starts out with some review, so students are eased into Algebra I without being overwhelmed.

We offer this textbook in our Algebra course along with DVD instruction and a free year of Homework Help support to our customers so that taking this slower pace is easier on the parents and the student.

It is sometimes hard to assess whether your student needs the slower pace of PreAlgebra or if going straight into Algebra 1 would be better. To help you with this step of assessment, we recommend an Algebra Readiness Exam. This exam consists of 50 questions, is web based, and easy to get a grade.

Evaluating the readiness test

The test is out of 50 points.

• If your student misses less than 10 they are ready for Algebra 1.
• Missing more than 20, and we recommend they take a PreAlgebra course.
• Missing between 10 and 20 problems and we would suggest they either review for a summer, starting Algebra 1 in the following Fall or split Algebra 1 into two years and go at it slower.