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What Does This Course Contain?

What makes this course special?

This course has been carefully crafted to emphasize meaning. Each algebraic concept is introduced in the context of what kinds of problem the concept can capture or help solve. 

Specifically, you can expect to learn: 

  • What every algebraic concept means, in context, to provide some motivation for its existence. 
  • Careful guidance in solving word problems, how to read them, how to translate word problems into an algebraic form, how to solve the algebraic form, and how to interpret the solution in the context of the original solution. 
  • Careful explanation of the algebraic calculations. Every algebraic step and every arithmetic step is demonstrated explicitly. 


Use cases for this course include 

  • a course supplement for anyone taking Algebra 1, Algebra 2, College Algebra, Business Math 1, or various other algebra focused courses. 
  • Preparation for the SAT test, ACT test, or the STAAR Algebra test, or any algebra focused test. 



Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

    • Greeting

  • 2

    Adding Numbers (Number Line Model)

    • Numbers on a Number Line 1

    • Numbers on a Number Line 2

    • Numbers on a Number Line 3

    • Numbers on a Number Line 4

    • Numbers on a Number Line 5

    • Numbers on a Number Line 6

    • Numbers on a Number Line 7

    • Numbers on a Number Line 8

    • Numbers on a Number Line 9

    • Numbers on a Number Line 10

    • Numbers on a Number Line 11

    • Numbers on a Number Line 12

    • Numbers on a Number Line 13

    • Numbers on a Number Line 14

  • 3

    Subtraction of Numbers (Number Line Model)

    • The Opposite of A Number

    • Subtraction Redefined

  • 4

    Adding and Subtracting Numbers (Abax Model)

    • Positive and Negative Numbers: Motivation

    • Counter Model for Numbers: First Iteration

    • Counter Model for Numbers: Addition Rules, First Iteration

    • Introduction of the Abax Model - A model based on the Greek Abacus

    • How to add numbers with the Abax

    • Observations made using the Abax regarding adding two numbers with the same sign

    • Observations made using the Abax regarding adding two numbers with the opposite sign

    • Absolute Value of a Number in Terms of the Abax Model

    • Translation of the Observations regarding adding numbers with the same sign into standard terminology

    • Translation of the Observations regarding adding numbers with opposite signs into standard terminology

    • The Opposite of a Number

    • Subtraction Redefinition

  • 5

    Goodies - More discussion on the Greek Abacus - Just for fun!!

    • Introducing the Greek Abacus

    • A beautiful Greek Abacus

    • How to represent Numbers on the Greek Abacus

    • Adding 243 to 487 with the Greek Abacus

    • Subtracting 189 from 435 with the Greek Abacus

    • Subtracting 189 from 435 using the Greek Abacus while simultaneously exploiting the observations we made before

  • 6

    Where do Variables Come From?

    • Where Variables Enter into Algebra Example 1

    • Where Variables Enter into Algebra Example 2

    • Where Do Variables Come From Example 3

    • Where Do Variables Come From Example 4

  • 7

    How to Simplify Expressions

    • Introduction: Why is it necessary to Simplify Expressions?

    • Like Terms

    • Adding and Subtracting Like Terms

    • Adding And Subtracting Like Terms More Examples

    • Multiplying Expressions

    • Dividing Expressions

  • 8

    How To Simplify Expressions: Homework Set 1

    • How To Simplify Expressions: Homework Set 1

    • How to Simplify Expressions Problem 1

    • How to Simplify Expressions Problem 2

    • How to Simplify Expressions Problem 3

    • How to Simplify Expressions Problem 4

    • How to Simplify Expressions Problem 5

    • How to Simplify Expressions Problem 8

    • How to Simplify Expressions Problem 9

    • How to Simplify Expressions Problem 10

  • 9

    The Distributive Law

    • Distributive Law Introductory Statement

    • Distributive Law: The Idea

    • Distributive Law Example 1

    • Distributive Law Example 2

    • Distributive Law Example 3

    • Distributive Law Example 4

    • Distributive Law Example 5

    • Distributive Law Example 6 (Optional on a first viewing): How using the Distributive Law can aid in hand calculation

    • Distributive Law Example 6 (Optional on a first viewing): How using the Distributive Law can aid in hand calculation (Backstory and Variation)

  • 10

    Distributive Law Homework Set 1

    • Distributive Law: Homework Set 1

    • Distributive Law Homework Problem 1

    • Distributive Law Homework Problem 2

    • Distributive Law Homework Problem 3

    • Distributive Law Homework Problem 4

    • Distributive Law Homework Problem 5

    • Distributive Law Homework Problem 6

    • Distributive Law Homework Problem 7

    • Distributive Law Homework Problem 9

    • Distributive Law Homework Problem 10

  • 11

    Exponentiation

    • Exponentiation Introductory Lecture

    • Exponentiation Property 1

    • Exponentiation Property 2

    • Exponentiation Property 3

    • Exponentiation Property 4

    • Exponentiation Property 5

    • Exponentiation Property 6

    • Exponentiation Property 7

  • 12

    Linear Equations

    • Linear Equations Lecture 1: What is an equation?

    • Linear Equations Lecture 2: What is a linear equation?

    • Linear Equations Lecture 3: Taxi Cab Company A Motivating Example

    • LinEqLec5

    • LinEqLec6

    • LinEqEx8

  • 13

    Linear Equations: Homework Set 1

    • Algebraic Vistas: Homework Set 1 for Linear Equations

    • Homework Set 1 for Linear Equations: Problem 1

    • Homework Set 1 for Linear Equations: Problem 2

    • Homework Set 1 for Linear Equations: Problem 3

    • Homework Set 1 for Linear Equations: Problem 4

    • Homework Set 1 for Linear Equations: Problem 5

    • Homework Set 1 For Linear Equations Problem 6

    • Homework Set 1 For Linear Equations Problem 7

    • Homework Set 1 For Linear Equations Problem 8

    • Homework Set 1 For Linear Equations Problem 9

  • 14

    Additional Word Problems Solvable by Linear Equations

    • Polygon Internal Angles Example 2

  • 15

    Absolute Value Equations

    • Absolute Value Equations Lecture 1

    • Absolute Value Equations Lecture 3

    • Absolute Value Equations Lecture 4

    • Absolute Value Equations Lecture 5

    • Absolute Value Equations Lecture 6

    • Absolute Value Equations Lecture 7

  • 16

    Percentage Problems: Introduction and Introductory Examples

    • Introduction To Percentage Problems

    • Percentage Example 1: Jill

    • Percentage Example 2: Failed Tortilla

    • Percentage Example 3: Kat's Mercantile

    • Percentage Example 4: Jessica's Secret Lab

  • 17

    Basic Word Problems

    • Karla Katia Problem

      FREE PREVIEW
    • Karla Katia Problem (Again)

    • Karla Katia Problem (Again) Solution

    • Henry Isabella Ship Problem(Worked Example)

    • Henry Isabella Ship Problem (Give it a Try)

    • Henry Isabella Ship Problem (Give it a Try) Solution

    • Katherine and John weight problem

    • Katherine John Weight Problem: Solution 1

    • Katherine John Weight Problem: Solution 2

    • Person X Works Out on Friday Saturday and Sunday Problem

    • Person X Works out on Friday Saturday and Sunday Problem: Solution 1

    • Person X Works out on Friday Saturday and Sunday Problem: Solution 2

    • Person X Works out on Friday Saturday and Sunday Problem: Solution 3

    • Rectangle Perimeter Example 1

    • A Rectangle Problem

    • Child and Adult Ticket Problem

    • A Taxicab Problem

    • A Triangle Similarity Type Problem

    • A Percent Problem

    • A Percent Problem Example 2

  • 18

    Application: Simple Interest

    • Simple Interest Introduction

    • Simple Interest Karla John

  • 19

    Functions: Definition and Basic Examples

    • Definition

    • Function Definition and Introductory Example

    • Function Example 1

    • Function Example 2

    • Function Notation

  • 20

    Some Basic Line Facts

    • Introduction to Lines

    • Introduction to the Slope

    • Slope Example 1

    • Slope Example 2

    • Slope Example 3

    • Slope Example 4

    • Different Kinds Of Line Equations

    • Finding Equation Of Line Example 1

    • Finding Equation of Line Example 2

    • Test Style Line Problem

    • Vertical Line Example1

    • Horizontal Line Example

    • Trick Question Line Example

    • Parallel and Perpendicular Lines Introduction and Characterization

    • Parallel Line Example

    • Perpendicular Line Example

  • 21

    Some Basic Line Facts: Homework Set 1

    • Line Facts Homework Problem 1

    • Line Facts Homework Set 1

    • Line Facts Homework Problem 2

    • Line Facts Homework Problem 3

    • Line Facts Homework Problem 4

  • 22

    Graphing Lines

    • A catalog of the different forms of the Equations of Lines

    • Graphing A Line in Standard Form: Example 2

    • Graphing A Line in Standard Form: Example 1

    • Graphing A Line in Slope Intercept Form: Example 1

    • Graph A Line in Slope Intercept Form: Example 2

    • Jessica Janet Driving Line Problem

  • 23

    Graphing Linear Inequalities

    • Introductory Example to Graph a Linear Inequality

    • Linear Inequality Example 1

    • Linear Inequality Example 2

    • Linear Inequality Example 3

  • 24

    Solving Quadratic Equations

    • Introduction And Overview Of Solving Quadratics

    • Quadratic Example Introduction

    • Quadratic Example 1

    • Quadratic Example 2

    • Quadratic Example 4

    • Factoring A Quadratic Example 5

    • Solving a Quadratic by Taking a Square Root Example 1

    • Solving a Quadratic by Taking a Square Root Example 2

    • Solving a Quadratic by Square Rooting Example 3

    • Solving a Quadratic by Square Rooting Example 4

    • Taking Square Roots: The square root of 48

    • Taking Square Roots: The square root of 72

    • Compute a Square Root

    • Answer to Computing the Square Root Assignment

    • Simplify a Square Root Problem 2

    • Answer to Simplifying Square Root Problem 2

    • Prelude to Completing the Square

    • Completing the Square Example 1

    • Completing the Square Example 2

    • Quadratic Formula Introduction

    • Some Implications Of The Quadratic Formula: The Discriminant

    • Solving a Quadratic With The Quadratic Formula: Example 1

    • Solving a Quadratic With The Quadratic Formula: Example 2

  • 25

    Solving Quadratics by Factoring Homework Set 1

    • Solving Quadratics by Factoring: Homework Set 1

    • Solving Quadratics by Factoring Problem 1

      FREE PREVIEW
    • Solving Quadratics by Factoring Problem 2

    • Solving Quadratics by Factoring Problem 3

    • Solving Quadratics by Factoring Problem 4

    • Solving Quadratics by Factoring Problem 5

    • Solving Quadratics by Factoring Problem 6

    • Solving Quadratics by Factoring Problem 7

    • Solving Quadratics by Factoring Problem 8

    • Solving Quadratics by Factoring Problem 9

    • Solving Quadratics by Factoring Problem 10

  • 26

    Solving Quadratics by Completing The Square Homework Set 1

    • Solving Quadratics by Completing The Square Problem 1

      FREE PREVIEW
    • Solving Quadratics by Completing The Square Problem 2

    • Solving Quadratics by Completing The Square Problem 3 Approach 1

    • Solving Quadratics by Completing The Square Problem 3 Approach 2

    • Solving Quadratics by Completing The Square Problem 3 Approach 3

    • Solving Quadratics by Completing The Square Problem 4

  • 27

    Graphing Quadratics

    • Graphing a Quadratic In Standard Form: Example 1

    • Graphing a Quadratic in Standard Form: Example 2

    • Graphing a Quadratic in Standard Form: Example 3

    • Graphing a Quadratic in Factored Form: Example 1

    • Graphing A Quadratic in Vertex Form: Example 1

    • Graphing A Quadratic in Vertex Form: Example 2

    • Graphing A Quadratic in Vertex Form: Example 3

      FREE PREVIEW
    • Graphing A Quadratic in Vertex Form: Example 4

  • 28

    Quadratic Miscellany

    • Converting a Quadratic From Standard Form To Vertex Form: Example 1

    • Rectangle Example 1

    • Rectangle Example 2

      FREE PREVIEW
    • Rectangle Problem Max Area

    • Business Mathematics Problem: Finding the Maximum Profit given the Revenue and Cost Functions

  • 29

    Graphing Absolute Value Equations

    • Graphing An Absolute Value Equation: Example 1

    • Graphing An Absolute Value Equation: Example 2

    • Graphing An Absolute Value Equation: Example 3

    • Graphing An Absolute Value Equation: Example 4

    • Graphing An Absolute Value Equation: Example 7

  • 30

    Graphing Square Root Equations

  • 31

    Factoring a Polynomial By Grouping Homework

    • Factoring by Grouping: Example 1

    • Factoring by Grouping: Example 2

    • Factoring by Grouping: Example 3

  • 32

    Factoring Polynomials: Special Case of Quadratic Types

    • Factoring Polynomials of the Quadratic Type 1

    • Factoring Polynomials of the Quadratic Type 2

    • Factoring Polynomials of the Quadratic Type 3

    • Factoring Polynomials of the Quadratic Type 4

    • Factoring Polynomials of the Quadratic Type 5

    • Factoring Polynomials of the Quadratic Type 9

  • 33

    Long Division of Polynomials

    • Long Division of Polynomials Introduction

    • Long Division of Polynomials Example 1

    • Long Division of Polynomials Example 2

    • Long Division of Polynomials Example 3

    • Long Division of Polynomials Example 4

    • Long Division of Polynomials Example 5

    • Long Division of Polynomials Example 6

  • 34

    Synthetic Division of Polynomials

    • Synthetic Division of Polynomials Example 1

    • Synthetic Division of Polynomials Example 2

    • Synthetic Division of Polynomials Example 3

    • Synthetic Division of Polynomials Example 4

    • Synthetic Division of Polynomials Example 5

    • Synthetic Division of Polynomials Example 6

  • 35

    Synthetic Division Homework Set 1

    • Synthetic Division Homework Set Problem 1

    • Synthetic Division Homework Set Problem 2

    • Synthetic Division Homework Set Problem 3

    • Synthetic Division Homework Set Problem 4

    • Synthetic Division Homework Set Problem 5

    • Synthetic Division Homework Set Problem 6

    • Synthetic Division Homework Set Problem 7

    • Synthetic Division Homework Set Problem 8

    • Synthetic Division Homework Set Problem 9

    • Synthetic Division Homework Set Problem 10

    • Synthetic Division Homework Set Problem 11

    • Synthetic Division Homework Set Problem 12

  • 36

    Solving Polynomial Equations with the Aid of the Rational Roots Theorem

    • Rational Roots Theorem Introduction

    • Rational Roots Theorem Example 1

    • Rational Roots Theorem Example 2

  • 37

    Graphing Polynomials

    • Graphing Polynomials: Example 1

  • 38

    Systems Of Linear Equations

  • 39

    Systems of Linear Equations: Homework Set 1

    • Systems Of Linear Equations: Homework Set 1

    • Systems Of Linear Equations: Homework Set 1: Jessica Plot

    • Systems Of Linear Equations: Homework Set 1: Typical Ticket Problem

  • 40

    Systems of Linear Equations: The Geometry of Two Dimensional Systems

    • Introduction To The Geometry of Linear Systems

    • Systems Of Linear Equations: The Geometry of Two Dimensional Systems: Example 1

    • Systems Of Linear Equations: The Geometry of Two Dimensional Systems: Example 2

    • Systems Of Linear Equations: The Geometry of Two Dimensional Systems: Example 3

    • Systems of Linear Equations: The Geometry of Two Dimensional Systems Example 4

  • 41

    Systems of Linear Equations: Larger Systems

  • 42

    Basic Functions and their Graphs

    • The Zero Function

    • The Identity Function

    • The Square Function

    • The Cube Function

    • The Square Root Function

  • 43

    Composition Of Functions

    • Composition of Functions: Definition and Motivational Example

  • 44

    Function Transormations: Or, How to graph a function Intelligently

    • Horizontal Shift Left Lesson and Example

    • Horizontal Shift Right Lesson and Example

    • Vertical Shift Lesson and Example

    • Reflection Across The X Axis

    • Vertical Stretch and Shrink

    • Horizontal Stretch and Shrink

  • 45

    Examples of Graphing Functions: Both Naively and Intelligently

    • Example 1 Graphed Naively

    • Example 1 Graphed Intelligently

  • 46

    Exponential Functions

    • Exponential Motivating Example 1

    • Exponential Motivating Example 2

  • 47

    Exponential Equations

    • Exponential Equations: What are they?

    • Exponential Equations: An Important preliminary Exercise

    • Exponential Equations: Solving our first Exponential Equation

    • Exponential Equations: Solving our Second Exponential Equation

    • Exponential Equations: Solving our Third Exponential Equation

    • Exponential Equations: A Couple Of Important Properties

  • 48

    Graphs of Exponential Functions

    • Introduction to Graphing Exponentials

    • Graphing Exponentials: Basic Example 1

    • Graphing Exponentials: Basic Example 2

    • Graphing Exponentials: Basic Example 3

    • Graphing Exponentials: Basic Example 4

    • Graphing Exponentials: Gaining Some Insights

    • Karla Money Example

  • 49

    Logarithms, Logarithmic Expressions, and Basic Properties of the Logarithm

    • Logarithms and Logarithmic Expressions: Basic Definition

    • Logarithms and Logarithmic Expressions: A Special Property 1

    • Logarithms and Logarithmic Expressions: A Special Property 2

    • Logarithms and Logarithmic Expressions: Inverse Property 1

    • Logarithms and Logarithmic Expressions: Inverse Property 2

    • Logarithms and Logarithmic Expressions: Log of a Product Property

    • Logarithms and Logarithmic Expressions: Log of a Power Property

    • Logarithms and Logarithmic Expressions: Log of a Quotient Property

    • Logarithms and Logarithmic Expressions: Summary of Important Log Properties

  • 50

    Logarithms: Some Basic Calculations ( Homework 1)

    • Homework Sheet For this Homework

    • A reminder of the basic property that we will use repeatedly throughout this homework set

    • Example 1

    • Example 2

    • Example 3

    • Example 4

    • Example 5

    • Example 6

    • Example 7

    • Examples 8, 9, and 10

    • Exhibit 11

    • Example 12

    • Example 13

    • Example 14

    • Example 15

    • Example 16

  • 51

    Logarithm Examples

    • Logarithm Example 1: Using log properties to condense a log expression

    • Logarithm Example 2: Using log properties to condense a log expression

    • Logarithm Example 3: Using log properties to condense a log expression

    • Logarithm Example 4: Using log properties to condense a log expression.

    • Logarithm Example 5: Solving an exponential equation using logarithms.

    • LogExample6

    • Logarithm Example 7: Solving an exponential Equation using Logarithms

    • Logarithm Example 8: Solving a word problem dealing with exponential decay using logarithms.

  • 52

    Distance Formula Problems and Related Examples

    • Distance Formula Introduction

    • Distance Formula Introductory Example

    • Beautiful Distance Formula Example

    • Circle Introduction

    • Find the Equation of a Circle

    • Find The Equation Of A Circle Solution

    • Beautiful Circle Example

      FREE PREVIEW
    • Beautiful Circle Example 2

  • 53

    Sequences

    • Introduction to Sequences

    • Arithmetic Sequences Introduction

    • Arithmetic Sequence: Worked Example Number 1 with Observations

    • Geometric Sequences Introduction

    • Geometric Sequence: Worked Example Number 1 with Observations

  • 54

    Inverse Functions

    • Inverse Functions: Motivating Example

  • 55

    Rational Functions

    • Rational Functions Definition

    • Rational Functions: What Is the Domain of a Rational Function?

    • Rational Functions: What happens near a point excluded from the Domain, or What are these Vertical Asymptotes and Holes?

    • Rational Functions: Horizontal Asymptotes

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I'm taking College Algebra, and David introduced this website for me to help me through the class. I find it VERY helpful. The reasons why I love his online courses is because not only does he solve various algebraic exercises, but he visually gives you an insight to why everything is the way it is. He also provides his own notes in every section! I appreciate how much detail he goes into for each problem. By going step by step, I'm able to understand and learn much easier. A problem I constantly have in math is wondering WHY things are a certain way and WHY I should be solving it in this approach. Thankfully, David answers those questions. For those who definitely want an understanding to Algebra, I recommend giving this website a try. I honestly believe that from watching his videos, it will help out in classes you struggle in and give you a further insight to the subject.

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Algebra Review

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Before I started I was completely lost I didn't know what I was doing but with his course it has completely changed my whole situation. This has helped me so...

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Before I started I was completely lost I didn't know what I was doing but with his course it has completely changed my whole situation. This has helped me so much to better understand not just memorize but really learn all the strategies, formulas, and help my mind set. I dont think I would have had the same experience with anyone else. I would recommend his tutoring and videos to everyone for a fact. Amazing videos with examples, questions, and step by step by far the best tutoring I've had. I wouldn't change anything the best tutoring and videos.

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