Algebra learning recommendations
This page includes recommendations for learning basic algebra -- starting with the use of variables to denote unkonwns and setting up and solving simple linear equations (typically called "prealgebra" in the US school system) and including all high school algebra.
Recommendations
Top recommendations for getting started (with prealgebra)
| If this description fits you ... | ... this might be the best recommendation | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| You want a problem solving-style introduction to the basic techniques, along with supplementary videos and an online practice system. | The Art of Problem Solving book Prealgebra by Richard Rusczyk, David Patrick, Ravi Boppana. The book is part of the Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) book series that has been reviewed very favorably, for example, on Quora. The prealgebra book is accompanied by a series of free videos, which cover all of the topics in the textbook. It is synchronized with the free adaptive online learning system Alcumus. AoPS also offers online classes (paid) that are synchronized with the contents of the books. | ~$50 for the book Videos are free Courses: $285 each for Prealgebra 1 and Prealgebra 2 |
| You want a conceptual and visual introduction to algebra that is structured more like a reading experience than a workbook. | The book Visions in Elementary Mathematics by W. W. Sawyer, ISBN 978-0486425559, Amazon paperback | ~$12 (Kindle), ~$13 (used hardcover, may not last for long), ~$27 (paperback), ~$17 (mass market paperback) |
Top recommendations for mastering a range of advanced algebraic techniques (high school algebra and beyond)
| If this description fits you ... | ... this might be the best recommendation | Cost estimate (values are approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| You want a problem solving-style coverage of high school algebra techniques. | Introduction to Algebra by Richard Rusczyk. The book is part of the Art of Problem Solving book series that has been reviewed very favorably, for example, on Quora. It is synchronized with the free adaptive online learning system Alcumus. AoPS also offers online classes (paid) that are synchronized with the contents of the books. | ~$50 for the book Courses: $315 each for Algebra 1 and Algebra 2, $440 for Algebra 3. |
| You are looking for an old-fashioned book that covers a wide range of algebraic tricks quickly with as little fluff as possible. | Higher Algebra: a Sequel to Elementary Algebra for Schools by Henry Sinclair Hall and Samuel Ratcliff Knight, Amazon paperback. This is considered a classic resource for advanced algebraic tricks. | ~$20 |