From Algebra 1 through Pre-calculus?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of self-educating from Algebra 1 through Pre-calculus within a timeframe of 8 months, assuming a commitment of 10 to 15 hours of study per week. Participants explore the challenges and considerations involved in this self-study approach.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the possibility of completing the curriculum in less than 30% of the standard time, given the typical high school structure of 180 days and extensive hours of instruction.
  • Another participant suggests that many high schoolers do not study efficiently and mentions their own experience of completing an Algebra 1 book in two weeks, implying that prior knowledge may expedite the process.
  • A different viewpoint is expressed regarding the original poster's intent, suggesting they may be seeking validation rather than genuine advice on the feasibility of their plan.
  • Some participants acknowledge the challenge of retaining information when studying at a fast pace, referencing a humorous quote about speed reading to illustrate the potential pitfalls of rapid learning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the efficiency of self-study and the realistic expectations for completing the curriculum in the proposed timeframe. No consensus is reached regarding the feasibility of the plan.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight varying levels of prior knowledge and study efficiency, which may influence individual experiences and outcomes. The discussion does not resolve the uncertainties surrounding the effectiveness of self-study methods.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering self-education in mathematics, particularly those interested in transitioning from basic algebra to pre-calculus, may find the perspectives shared in this discussion relevant.

Muz9
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Do you think it is possible to educate oneself from Algebra 1, through Pre-calculus? Given about 10 to 15 hours of serious self-study a week for 8 months?

I just want an honest opinion on what my chances may be, assuming I'm of average proficiency.

And by “educate ones self”, I mean sit down with books and work through the problems.
 
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What's Algebra 1? Is it starting from the introduction of variables, or...o.O
 
It is based on the US high school curriculum, it is fairly basic. I am starting off at this level because I forgotten pretty much everything from secondary school math (you know what they say, use it or lose it) and want to refresh/relearn everything again because I want to take on Calculus classes hopefully next fall.
 
Let's work it out. Normally, this would be 180 days of instruction per year, with an hour of classroom and (say) an average of 40 minutes for homework. This is four years worth of work, so it's 100 minutes x 180 days x 4 years = 1200 hours.

10 hours per week for 8 months is 350 hours. So you are talking about going through the standard curriculum in less than 30% of the time. Without an instructor.

I'll let you decide if this sounds possible to you or not.
 
There are several things to take into account, most high schoolers don’t study efficiently (1 year for Algebra 1? I finished a 800 page Algebra 1 book within two weeks ). Secondly, I already finished most of that stuff previously but just forgot so much of it so it will be mostly refreshing.
 
It sounds like you are looking for validation of a decision you have already made, not advice.

Muz9 said:
I finished a 800 page Algebra 1 book within two weeks.

I hope you retained everything. As Woody Allen once said, "I took a speed reading course and read 'War and Peace' in twenty minutes. It's about Russia."
 
Vanadium 50 said:
It sounds like you are looking for validation of a decision you have already made, not advice.



I hope you retained everything. As Woody Allen once said, "I took a speed reading course and read 'War and Peace' in twenty minutes. It's about Russia."


You could say so, but I am/was kind of looking for if it is realistic or not or even perhaps if there are other autodidacts out here who did the same thing. :smile:
 

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