Online algebra tutoring

Make each step in the equation make sense.

Algebra builds on a few ideas used repeatedly: keep both sides equal, respect the order of operations, and track the values an expression is allowed to take. If those ideas feel shaky, harder questions can look like unrelated tricks.

Work with Samir on the topic in front of you, from high school algebra to college algebra and the algebra needed for calculus or physics.

• Linear equations, inequalities, and systems of equations.
• Factoring, quadratics, and choosing a solution method.
• Functions, graphs, and interpreting what a variable represents.
• Rational expressions, exponents, radicals, and logarithms.

A small example: distributing a negative sign.

Consider 3 − 2(x − 4) = 11. The −2 multiplies both terms inside the parentheses:

1. 3 − 2x + 8 = 11
2. 11 − 2x = 11
3. −2x = 0, so x = 0.

Substitute zero into the original equation: 3 − 2(0 − 4) = 11. The check works. If you got a different answer, the sign on the 8 is a useful place to look.

In tutoring, a mistake like this gives you a specific skill to practice before moving on.

When algebra gets in the way of another course.

Sometimes the new concept is clear, but simplifying an expression or rearranging a formula is not. Bring a problem from your course so the session can connect algebra to what you actually need it for.

For the next stage, see math and precalculus support, calculus tutoring, or physics tutoring.