High School Algebra: Tutorials, Study Guides and Web Resources for Students, Teachers and Parents
Algebra dates back to ancient times when Babylonians solved quadratic equations using almost the same methods that high schoolers are taught today. Our High School Algebra Web Guide explains math concepts for parents; offers homework help, extra practice and tutorials to the math-phobic student; and gives teachers tools to help students truly understand algebra.
Expand All Guide SectionsHigh School Algebra Help
There are lots of Web sites dedicated to offering students high school algebra help with guided instruction on homework, explanations of algebra principles and skill practice.
Insights for High School Algebra Help
- In England and Australia you’ll find that the study of math is more commonly referred to as “maths” or “arithmetic.” Using these terms when looking for resources online can unlock a whole new array of helpful sites. More specific searches you might find helpful include “algebra,” “pre-algebra,” “algebra I” and “high school math.”
- Algebra is the foundation of almost every higher math and science course you'll ever need to take, including geometry and calculus, chemistry, physics and engineering. It’s also involved in a large percentage of the questions on the SAT and ACT.
Top Sites for High School Algebra Help
For algebra homework help ...
The Math Forum's
“Ask Dr. Math” section supplies answers to students’ most frequently asked algebra questions. Find explicit directions for solving equations, graphing, completing the square and more.
Algebra.com
is a site for pre-algebra, algebra I and algebra II homework help. Free online tutors can help you solve homework problems, and the video lessons with voice instruction can guide you through algebra skills.
Purplemath
offers practical algebra lessons divided into beginning, intermediate and advanced algebra topics. The “Homework Guidelines” section even explains how to show work and format homework to impress math teachers.
Math.com's
“Algebra” section contains important algebra reference information on the language of algebra, the basics, equations and inequalities, and graphing equations and inequalities. Each lesson uses a simple-to-follow, four-step process to help you understand algebra concepts.
For algebra tutorials ...
Coolmath.com
offers easy-to-follow algebra lessons for students who may not think they like math. Most lessons also include plenty of “crunchers” or practice problems.
HippoCampus
offers step-by-step instruction in high school algebra. Lessons feature audio instruction along with multiple-choice practice questions and are the next best thing to a private tutor.
Free Math Help
houses text and Flash video lessons on many algebra topics. The site also lists formulas commonly used in algebra, and the message board is an alternative for students who need additional help.
For online algebra games and activities ...
Gamequarium
has a selection of interactive algebra games related to equations, exponents, inequalities, patterns and more. The pre-algebra section may be helpful to beginning or struggling algebra students.
Interactivate's
Algebra section contains interactive activities, including quizzes, maze games, number crunchers and an algebraic version of Connect Four. Your computer must have Java technology to correctly load games.
King’s List of On-line Math Activities
is full of games and activities that students can play online. The "PreAlgebra/Algebra Activities" section collects links to games that make algebra fun for students.
Teaching Algebra
High school teachers may need all the help they can get when it comes to teaching algebra, a subject that many students find intimidating, confusing or downright boring.
Insights for Teaching Algebra
- Many educations sites have excellent content but subpar design. Although findingDulcinea normally filters out poorly designed sites, we have made some exceptions to bring you the best content on teaching algebra.
- We also usually avoid recommending sites that are mere directories of links to outside sources. In our education guides we make exceptions to this rule to provide teachers with more options for lesson plans and student activities. Teachers should approach directories with caution and evaluate outside links before using them in the classroom.
Top Sites for Teaching Algebra
For worksheets and other printables for teaching high school algebra ...
edHelper.com
has a mixed-review Algebra practice divided into topic areas such as “Exponents,” “Algebra Word Problems” and “Inequalities.” Although a basic subscription is $20 a year, the site’s customizable worksheet and puzzle feature could prove invaluable in the classroom.
Kuta Software
helps instructors generate worksheets and tests. The pre-Algebra, Algebra I and Algebra II worksheet PDFs list questions and answers but don’t show the work required to find the answers.
George Mason University
hosts a page created by Dr. Margo Lynn Mankus that offers printable math manipulatives for teachers. Print these pages on cardstock to get your own X-Y algebra tiles, among other math resources.
TeacherVision
has a selection of algebra printables for grades 9–12, including quizzes, skill builders, lessons and activities. View three resources for free, and then try a seven-day free trial (a subscription is about $40 per year).
For algebra lesson plans and curricula ...
SCORE
takes an integrated approach, relating algebra lessons to real-world problems such as a comparison of buying versus leasing a car, and tracking and predicting the growth of Web sites. Some units include the use of the TI-82 or TI-83 calculator.
The Math Forum
offers a comprehensive list of some of the best algebra lesson plans related to linear equations, calendars, factoring, word problems and more. There’s also a Basic Algebra section.
Awesome Library
provides a collection of links to lesson plans, worksheets and projects for algebra students ages 11–18.
Discovery Education's
“Lesson Plans Library” includes sections for “Concepts in Algebra” and “Concepts in Advanced Algebra.” These lesson plans clearly show objectives and procedures, and also include vocabulary sections.
HotChalk’s LessonPlansPage.com
has a handful of algebra lessons on equations, the FOIL method, slope and more. Print these lesson plans directly from the site or add your own lessons to the database.
Algebra at Home
These resources can help you help your children learn algebra at home and assist them with their schoolwork.
Insights for Algebra at Home
- Ask your child’s teacher what the class is studying and supplement those subjects at home. The “Teaching High School Algebra” section of this Web guide will be of particular interest to many parents and can provide inspiration for ways to get your child interested in algebra.
- Don’t worry if you feel a little rusty working with a subject you haven’t touched in years; many sites with algebra resources have “pre-algebra” sections that can provide a refresher course. Having your children teach concepts to you is another great way to get a refresher and can help your children clarify concepts in their own minds.
- The “High School Algebra Help” section of this guide is full of interesting sites to help explain and interest students in algebra. You may want to browse that section for sites to show your child or sites that you and your child can use together.
Top Sites for Algebra at Home
For algebra reference …
Algebrahelp.com
offers a basic online tutorial that can be helpful for parents with little or no algebra background. Also check out the “Algebra Study Tips” section for guidelines on helping your students work well at home.
Math League's
“Introduction to Algebra” also provides explanations of algebra basics if your memory needs jogging.
For algebra homework help …
Homeschool Math
collects links to mostly free algebra tutorials and lessons, in addition to other helpful tools such as the “Online Equation Editor,” which parents can use to write their own equations at home.
HelpAlgebra.com
includes an online textbook, articles on algebra fundamentals and even articles on algebra history. Use this site to clearly and coherently explain algebra concepts to your children.
Math.com
has a parent’s section designed to support parents while helping their kids with homework. It includes clear and direct explanations of algebraic principles; a section for formulas, dictionaries, biographies and math tables; and a guide to tutoring options.
Rice University's
math department has a great calendar lesson that you and your child can use to integrate algebra into everyday life.
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