Where Can I Learn Algebra and Group Theory Outside of School?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter LogicalAcid
  • Start date Start date
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    8th grade
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around resources for learning Algebra and Group Theory independently, particularly for students who feel restricted by their school's curriculum. Participants share suggestions for websites, textbooks, and approaches to self-study.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to advance in Algebra and seeks online resources and book recommendations without enrollment requirements.
  • Another participant suggests that knowledge is not being withheld and recommends browsing bookstores to find suitable textbooks that match the learner's current level.
  • A suggestion is made to use Mathhelpforum.com as a resource for learning Algebra.
  • One participant advises that using a high school level algebra textbook and thoroughly engaging with the material is a viable self-study method, with the option to seek help in the forum for specific problems or concepts.
  • Another participant echoes the idea of starting with the assigned textbook and suggests that advancing to a 9th-grade book may provide additional challenges, but warns against pursuing this solely to skip grades.
  • A different perspective is introduced, suggesting that the learner might consider studying Group Theory instead, with a specific website recommended for an introduction to the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of self-study and the use of textbooks, but there are differing opinions on the approach to advancing in Algebra versus exploring new topics like Group Theory. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward for the learner.

Contextual Notes

Some participants emphasize the importance of personal motivation and curiosity in pursuing advanced topics, while others caution against the potential monotony of learning material that will be covered later in school.

LogicalAcid
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I want to start getting ahead more in the Algebra field. Problem is, my school is not open to students advancing ahead of where they are supposed to be (knowledge is power). So, what I want to know is some good sites where I can learn Algebra in sort of a lesson pattern, but not having to enroll in anything. Links to good math books that can be bought are helpful as well.
 
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LogicalAcid said:
I want to start getting ahead more in the Algebra field. Problem is, my school is not open to students advancing ahead of where they are supposed to be (knowledge is power). So, what I want to know is some good sites where I can learn Algebra in sort of a lesson pattern, but not having to enroll in anything. Links to good math books that can be bought are helpful as well.

Knowledge is certainly power, but that doesn't mean it's being witheld from you. Nor does eighth grade define your level. I suggest you try going to a book store and paging through books to see if they're starting with what you know and progressing higher.
 
Mathhelpforum.com is quite good.
 
If you want to learn algebra yourself you could get pretty much any elementary (high school level) algebra textbook and go through it (this means thoroughly reading every single word, thinking about them, then working out the exercises) yourself. This is completely doable. If you got stuck on a problem you could get help here in the homework section, if you get stuck on a concept you could ask here in this forum. Your current math teacher should have no problem answering your questions also.
 
I second JonF's proposal. Just start reading through your assigned textbook, and if you want to advance further in a specific topic then just grab a 9th grade book. You'll only learn maybe one or two new concepts but the problems do get progressively harder.

Oh and by the way, only do this if you really want to progress further in one specific topic (say, algebra) only to indulge your curiosity. Don't do it to try finish 8th/9th grade earlier because I have been down this road myself. It's long and boring when you find yourself starting year 9, not allowed to skip because you might be lacking in other subjects and then the class starts to learn what you already know. Trust me, it's not fun.
 
Yeah, learning things now that you will learn later isn't going to fun. Maybe you should start learning things that they don't learn you in school. Maybe you could learn yourself group theory? The site http://dogschool.tripod.com/ offers an easy introduction to it. Maybe this is something for you...
 

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