
Since you're going to be hearing my voice quite a bit during this course - for better or for worse! - I thought it might help to put a face with the voice and introduce myself a bit. I hope you'll also feel free to introduce yourself in the discussion board area.
Please read this information before beginning the course.
In this first lecture, we'll cover some of the basic concepts that will be used in the rest of the course: constants, variables, and exponents.
What are "like terms?" Do they have anything to do with Facebook? Why do we need to know what they are?
What do peanut butter sandwiches, shopping at Walmart, and Algebra have in common? The distributive property!
In this lecture, we'll learn a bit more about exponents and how to simplify expressions containing them.
What in the world is a polynomial, and what do we do with them?
Tracking down the value of that pesky x.
Fighting inequality, one number line at a time.
"I think, therefore I ... plot points?"
Learning to graph solutions to linear equations using a table of values, i.e., the long way.
Intercepts - bad in football, good in Algebra.
Just how steep is that line, anyway?
Do a little mathe-magic and presto! - the slope and intercept pop right out of the hat.
Graphing the misfits.
Find the equation of a line given either two points or the slope and one point.
By extending the distributive property, we can multiply polynomials of any number of terms.
Here's another approach to multiplication of polynomials that may look more familiar.
What is a greatest common factor? For that matter, what is a factor?
Once we've determined the GCF, what do we do with it?
One method for factoring trinomials is the AC Method. This lecture also includes information on factoring by grouping.
Factoring the difference of two squares and the sum and difference of two cubes.
Factoring trinomials by trial-and-error, and a general process for factoring polynomials.
Learn how to simplify rational expressions by dividing out common factors (not common terms!).
Multiplying and dividing rational expressions.
What is a function?
Determining the domain and range of a function.
What are complex numbers and imaginary numbers?
What is a quadratic equation? And how can we use the factoring strategies that we learned earlier to solve one?
What is the Square Root Property, and how will it help in solving quadratic equations?
Learn how to create a perfect-square trinomial in order to apply the Square Root Property.
In this lecture, I'll demonstrate how the quadratic formula can be obtained by applying Completing the Square to a generic quadratic equation.
Learn how to apply the quadratic formula to solving quadratic equations.
Are you trying to learn Algebra at your school or college but struggling to understand your textbook or the teacher?
Are you a parent who is having trouble helping your child with his or her schoolwork?
Do you need someone to explain Algebra to you in a simple way that is easy to understand?
Do you benefit from seeing problems worked and hearing explanations?
Are you needing some help but don't have all day to spend on Algebra?
If so, then you have come to the right place. This course offers bite-sized lessons that fit into your busy schedule. You can watch one per day or as many as you like. You can pick and choose the topics that are causing you the most difficulty. You can also access resources containing practice problems to make sure you understand the material.
I have been a college math teacher for 14 years, and other than Calculus, Algebra is my most favorite topic in math. (Yes, I said it: I love algebra!) Because I'm super-comfortable with the topic, I know how to explain it in ways that students understand. I've taught the content many, many times, so I can anticipate areas that tend to give students trouble and make sure that you don't trip over those same spots.
So, if you're needing some help in your Algebra class, wanting to learn Algebra on your own, or wanting to help others better understand Algebra, I would be honored if you would join me by clicking "Enroll Now."
See you inside!