Online Class: Pre-Algebra 101

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
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15Lessons
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36Exams &
Assignments -
9,460Students
have taken this course -
14Hours
average time -
1.4CEUs
Course Description
An understanding of algebra is a foundational skill to virtually all topics in higher-level mathematics, and it is useful in science, statistics, accounting, and numerous other professional and academic areas. This course builds a bridge between simple whole-number arithmetic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and algebra.
This course begins by reviewing the basic arithmetic operations and their mutual relationships, and it then goes on to develop an understanding of fractions and how to perform operations on them. Exponents and their properties are then derived, and radicals (and other roots) are presented.
This course shows how exponents and roots are related, as well as how these are related to multiplication and division. Throughout this first portion of the course, the use of symbols in place of numbers is introduced and developed, leading to an investigation into variables and algebraic relations in the latter portion of the course.
This course also describes how to graph algebraic relations and how to solve simple linear equations. Finally, the course applies these various concepts to geometry by considering some of the characteristics of triangles, rectangles, and circles, and it also applies them to basic probability and statistics.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1. Essentials of Basic Arithmetic
Focusing on basic arithmetic principles like the commutative property and operations with negative numbers, this lesson connects mathematical theory with practical problem-solving. It offers strategies for mastering operations and emphasizes the cognitive benefits of minimizing calculator use, setting a robust foundation for continued study in mathematics.Lesson 2. Fraction Foundations
Fractions introduce the concept of dividing numbers to represent parts of a whole, classifying them as either proper or improper based on the relationship between the numerator and denominator. Understanding equivalent fractions and reducing them to their lowest terms helps in performing operations like addition and subtraction effortlessly.Lesson 3. Mastering Fractions: Arithmetic and Beyond
This lesson explores the arithmetic of fractions, covering addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, even when involving integers and complex fractions. Key strategies include finding common denominators and using reciprocals for simplification.Lesson 4. Decimals, Percents, and Ratios 101
The lesson introduces decimals, percents, and ratios as essential tools for describing proportions and relationships between numbers. It focuses on improving the ability to convert between these formats seamlessly.Lesson 5. Exponents: The Stepping Stones to Powers
Exponents reduce repeated multiplication into a concise form and have versatile verbal expressions beneficial for communication in mathematics. The lesson emphasizes following the established order of operations to tackle complex arithmetic expressions correctly.Lesson 6. Exploring Scientific Notation through Exponents
Building on your foundational knowledge of exponents, this lesson delves into rules for multiplying, dividing, and understanding negative exponents. It also highlights how to apply exponents through scientific notation for simplifying complex decimal values.Lesson 7. The Power of Roots
In this lesson, we explore the radical symbol, which signifies roots and connects to fractional exponents for an insight into numbers' roots. By mastering radicals, one can evaluate expressions involving roots and apply arithmetic operations efficiently.Lesson 8. Working with Radical Expressions
Exploring radical arithmetic involves using properties like associativity and distributivity to simplify expressions, ensuring precise results. Learning to add, subtract, multiply, and divide radicals prepares students for handling complex expressions involving irrational numbers.Lesson 9. Exploring Variables and Simple Equations
This lesson introduces variables and algebraic relations, focusing on the relationship between independent and dependent variables and their roles in forming equations. It provides strategies for evaluating algebraic expressions by substituting values into the independent variable.Lesson 10. From Equations to Images: An Introduction to Graphing Algebraic Relations
Understanding the real number line and the concept of coordinates allows for accurate graphing of complex algebraic relations. Using horizontal and vertical axes, we can visualize the independent and dependent variables effectively.Lesson 11. Unlocking the Secrets of Linear Equations
By manipulating equations uniformly on both sides, we model how to solve linear equations and delve into principles that can be extended to more complex equations. Central to the lesson is understanding the relationship maintenance between independent and dependent variables.Lesson 12. Understanding Basics: Rectangles and Triangles
Students learn to connect algebraic concepts with geometry by calculating perimeters and areas of rectangles and triangles, using mathematical representations and operations. Essential terms related to geometry like points and angles are also detailed for foundational comprehension.Lesson 13. Circle Geometry: Basics and Beyond
Bridging algebra with geometry, this lesson examines circles by defining circumferential relationships through pi (?) and geometrical terms like radius and diameter. Calculating circle circumference and area shows how mathematical constants interplay in real-world geometric scenarios.Lesson 14. The Basics of Fairness and Chance
Understanding probability requires defining key terms such as fair and random and distinguishing between selection with or without replacement in successive events. Calculating probabilities involves determining the ratio of successful outcomes in situations like coin flips, dice rolls, or card draws.Lesson 15. Quantifying the 'Middle': Average, Median, and Mode
Understanding the 'middle' of data sets involves calculating averages, medians, and modes, enabling clearer interpretations although misinterpretation is possible if outlying data skews results.
Learning Outcomes
- Define and identify the commutative properties of addition and multiplication by solving problems with both positive and negative numbers.
- Demonstrate the ability to perform basic operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, with a focus on understanding the role of negative numbers.
- Identify and convert between equivalent fractions and express fractions in their lowest terms
- Recognize and describe the parts of a fraction, including the numerator and denominator
- Demonstrate the ability to multiply and divide fractions, including complex fractions, by utilizing the concept of reciprocals and simplifying results when necessary.
- Recognize and apply the process of finding a common denominator to add and subtract fractions accurately.
- Describe the relationship between percents, decimals, and ratios, and convert between these forms in various contexts.
- Recognize and accurately convert decimals to fractions and vice versa, demonstrating understanding of rational and irrational numbers.
- Apply the order of operations (PEMDAS) to solve mathematical expressions accurately
- Evaluate simple exponential expressions correctly
- Recognize and convert repeated multiplication to exponential form accurately
- Derive and apply the rules for multiplying and dividing exponential expressions with the same base.
- Interpret and explain the meaning and application of negative exponents in simplifying expressions and scientific notation.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

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Time to complete | 24 Months |
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Student Testimonials
- "Excellent Course. The instructor made this an enjoyable online experience and the lesson topics and layout will help me become a better math teacher." -- Annette K.
- "I really appreciated how April went above and beyond. In one test, I was completely baffled by a question but I had guessed the correct answer, so I didn't receive the explanatory text as one does for incorrect responses. I emailed April with the details of the question that I recalled and asked for her help in understanding it. She tracked down the question and helped me understand the correct response. Many instructors will help you understand questions you get wrong, but April helps to make sure that you understand the questions that you get right too - so that in the future your correct response is not an accident!" -- Rachel B.
- "The instructor followed my test and exercise results very promptly. I didn't think she would be available on weekends." -- Harry T.
- "The instructor graded all of my exams quickly and provided prompt responses to my questions." -- John A.
- "The instructor was very timely with the results and feedback of my exam." -- Serena V.
- "Very helpful and quick to reply to my emails." -- Frieda F.
- "My teacher did a great work." -- Sunghee M.
- "What I liked most were the tests and assignments. It evaluates my knowledge." -- Sunghee M.
- "What was most helpful were the detailed course lessons and the examples provided. Instructor was very knowledgeable and was very good about giving detailed feedback to correct any mistakes or misunderstandings." -- William Hunter R.
- "I enjoyed this course. I'm also glad I could get on this course as often as I could. I liked the 5 exercises before the assignments in each chapter, plus the videos helped. The break down of the material was good too. Also I noticed that the assignments and the exercises addressed my working knowledge of my work and the test addressed my verbal knowledge, which is good. I notice that I have some problems with verbal knowledge. This has to do with me and maybe a health problem. I'm glad to know this. It tells me what to work on." -- Debbie E.
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