From Algebra 1 through Pre-calculus?

AI Thread Summary
Educating oneself from Algebra 1 through Pre-calculus in 8 months with 10 to 15 hours of study per week is a challenging but potentially achievable goal, especially for someone starting at an average proficiency level. The discussion highlights that the typical high school curriculum spans about 1200 hours over four years, while the proposed self-study plan would only cover around 350 hours. This raises questions about the feasibility of mastering the material without an instructor. Some participants note that many high school students do not study efficiently, suggesting that motivated self-learners might progress faster. However, the importance of retention and effective study strategies is emphasized, with skepticism about whether such a condensed timeline can lead to a solid understanding of the material. Overall, while the goal is ambitious, it may be realistic for dedicated individuals, particularly those refreshing previously learned concepts.
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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