Math can be a difficult subject for many students to grasp. Algebra is no exception, but thankfully there are many different resources available that can help you grasp certain concepts. But without any teachers or tutoring, can you teach yourself algebra?
You can teach yourself algebra, as there are many educational resources available to those who may be struggling with this subject. There are plenty of books and courses you can access that will allow you to learn algebra on your own time, as long as you take the time to practice.
In this article, we’ll be going in depth into how you can successfully teach yourself algebra and what tools you can use to make that happen. If you’re interested in learning more about these topics, keep on reading.
Tools You Can Use to Learn Algebra
As we stated above, there are plenty of resources available to those who are looking to learn algebra. Some of these resources are even free to access, so it’s definitely smart to take advantage of all the information that’s out there.
Reading Algebra-Based Textbooks
If you’re looking for helpful textbooks that will thoroughly explain algebraic concepts that you’re not grasping, there are so many available for you to choose from.
From beginner concepts to more advanced chapters, there is a textbook available for everyone, no matter where you are in your learning. There is no shortage of mathematical based textbooks, and there’s something for everyone, no matter what learning level you’re at or what kind of learner you are.
Books such as this Practical Algebra: A Self Teaching Guide are perfect tools for solo learners who are in need of any easy introduction to beginner algebra concepts. This book comes with real-life examples and applications and is just as helpful as a regular student textbook.
Taking Online Courses
In addition to textbooks, there are plenty of sources you can access online that will assist you in learning algebra yourself. Places such as Khan Academy have loads of free videos available on their site that range from pre-algebra to more advanced topics.
Another similar program that offers free algebra courses is EdX, which help students brush up on their knowledge of algebra, allowing them to succeed in the classroom, as well as improve their overall math skills.
Another free online source that will help you teach yourself algebra is School Yourself, which offers personalized and convenient algebra lessons for students of all ages and all learning levels.
Taking online courses is a great option, especially if you’re more of a visual learner. Watching an instructor work out the problem right in front of you may be easier for some, compared to viewing a handful of equations inside a textbook.
Another ideal option for visual learners is turning to Youtube videos. There are so many videos catered towards beginner algebra learners, and these videos will take you step by step into how to solve numerous algebraic equations that may seem daunting at first glance.
In the video below, you can get an idea of what kinds of videos are available on Youtube for those who are just beginning with algebra.
Apps for Math/Algebra
There are also plenty of apps available for those who need extra guidance in their lessons.
All of the algebra-based apps available can be quite helpful for numerous different reasons. For one, apps like Photomath allow users to take pictures of equations they’re having issues with, and the app will show you the correct solution and the steps you need to take to get the right answer.
Another great tool is Algebra Genie, which addresses the main algebraic functions for students and teachers alike. There are also about 200 lessons that aim towards beginner algebra learners and students, so it’s ideal to take advantage of this one of a kind learning tool.
This app does have a free trial available, and it’s definitely worth taking a look at, as it offers a vast amount of different lessons and tools within the app that you’ll get great use out of.
How to Perfect Your Understanding of Algebra
We’ve discussed what tools you can use to teach yourself algebra successfully, but how can you perfect your understanding of algebraic equations? Below, we’ll go in depth in what else you can do to fully understand algebra.
Repetition of Algebraic Problems
We all know the saying practice makes perfect, and this is definitely the case for understanding different math problems and formulas. To fully understand different systems and equations, you have to keep working on certain problems until you grasp the concept.
Taking the time to overlook formulas and multiple different problems every day will allow you to become a strong learner, as well as a stronger math student at the end of the day.
While certain formulas and long, drawn-out problems may seem daunting at first, taking the time to repeat these problems and concepts every day will allow you to advance quicker in your mathematical studies.
A key way to practice repetition is by working example problems from your textbook or from any online courses you may be taking. Work these equations over and over again until you feel comfortable enough to answer these kinds of questions without second-guessing yourself.
When you make a mistake, learn from it and continue to work at it. It’s possible to teach yourself algebra with patience and perseverance in the long run.
Take Good Notes
No matter what subject you’re taking, good note-taking is key to succeeding within a certain subject. Taking good notes while learning algebra is key for many different reasons.
For one, it allows you to write down and memorize formulas that will be beneficial to you later. It also gives you room to work out practice problems that will help you grasp new concepts in the long run.
This will also help you when you go back later to overlook and study a certain concept. All in all, taking good notes is vital to understanding new algebraic concepts and equations you’re being introduced to for the first time.
Don’t Be Overwhelmed by Variables
Before you began learning algebra, math focuses solely on numbers. When you begin to branch into algebraic equations, letters known as variables start to creep into the equations.
Don’t let this intimidate you, as variables are solely there for you to solve, not to confuse you. If a problem has more than one variable, take it one step at a time and be patient with yourself as you’re still learning.
As you progress in terms of moving towards more advanced forms of algebra, the number of variables within an equation will grow. Take your time with this and give yourself plenty of time to learn and understand all these different formulas, especially ones with letters and numbers combined.
Conclusion
So hopefully now you have a better understanding of how you can teach yourself algebra. We discussed multiple different avenues that you can explore to master algebra as a solo learner.
First, we went over how beneficial algebra textbooks are to beginners, and how many different ones are available. There is also a plethora of online courses available, some of which are free, that will help you advance in your math studies.
We also discussed what you could do to perfect your algebraic knowledge. For one, you can begin with constantly practicing, as well as always taking solid notes in order to go back and study later.
So now that you know you can teach yourself algebra, don’t be afraid to get out there and get started, you have all the tools you need to succeed.
