Self Studying Algebra 1 and Other Math Questions

<p>Hey, right now I'm in Algebra 1. It's not the best class, (We've barely covered polynomials lol) so I'm expecting that I will have to self-study Algebra 1 this summer. I currently use Saxon for math. I was wondering what good Algebra 1 textbooks there are/good websites for Algebra 1. </p>

<p>My second question involves course selection. In my high school, there are 3 levels of Geometry. Level 5 (being the highest) is known for being taught by an insanely tough teacher. Last year, only one kid got above a B. I'm not a math person, so I would expect to receive around a C, which is not good. So, do you think I should enroll in the lower level class (Level 4) and try to move up to Level 5 next year, or do you think I should stick it out and see if I can scrape a B from the insane teacher? I think I should enroll in Level 4 and get an A, but I want to hear what other people say.</p>

<p>Bump. 10 char</p>

<p>Bump again…</p>

<p>I can’t really comment since I don’t know your school and I think you should really talk to people from your area about this like your guidance counselor, but I’ll give you advice based on my experience. I have no idea about your Algebra 1 question, but as for levels next year- if math isn’t your thing and you think level 5 will be too much for you, then take level 4; it seems like a better match, and it’ll look fine, especially if you’re taking the top levels in other areas. But I wouldn’t count on being able to move up a level unless you know that it’s possible, since I know at my school after 9th grade you can’t move up from an accelerated (i guess like level 4) to honors (level 5), and there isn’t even a summer school option- you just can’t do it. So I’d suggest taking level 4 for you, but make sure you know everything about how it might limit your choices later on.</p>

<p>Take the highest level and don’t be afraid to ask for help or study your ass off.
I had a hard teacher in my honors math last year, and didn’t put effort into the class. Ended up with a bad grade.
This year I’m taking AP Calc which is the highest you can take and I’m putting a good bit of effort. Getting straight A’s and learning much more. I don’t know about your situation, but taking hard classes and being willing to put in massive amounts of work is key to future success. Maybe you do already put lots of work in already, but if you aren’t, don’t be afraid to push yourself. Be willing to take the hard classes and succeed in spite of
them.</p>

<p>If you’re looking for a website to teach you math from addition to Multivariate calc look at Khan Academy. Free and excellent. If you’'re looking for a textbook to use with Algebra, look at the Art of Problem Solving textbooks. haven’t used them but I’ve heard good things about them. They’re supposed to be very clear and challenging, and they have textbooks on Geometry and math after that as well.</p>

<p>[AoPS</a> Curriculum](<a href=“http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Store/curriculum.php?]AoPS”>http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Store/curriculum.php?)</p>

<p>[Khan</a> Academy](<a href=“http://www.khanacademy.org/]Khan”>http://www.khanacademy.org/)</p>