The Introduction to Algebra course is divided into two parts, and this course covers the material from the second part. It is designed to help students develop a strong foundation in algebra that will benefit both their school math curriculum and their competition preparation. This course consists of twenty-four 1.5-hours lectures taught by Dr. Shi, along with weekly 1-hour homework review sessions led by a teaching assistant (with Dr Shi’s guidance). Students are expected to complete homework assignments after each lecture, and the review sessions will review the homework and provide additional support.
Completion of the Prealgebra 1 and Prealgebra 2 courses or a similar program is recommended to ensure that students have the necessary Algebra skills. To maximize the benefits of this course, we recommend that students have a basic understanding of Algebra skills, such as solving linear equations, computing ratios, simplifying radicals and fractions, and solving and factoring quadratic equations prior to taking this course.
Lecture Notes by Dr. Shi, AoPS Introduction to Algebra
Dr. Shi has added exclusive, enriched content to the materials covered by the AoPS book to increase the effectiveness of learning. The chapters that are particularly enhanced by the added content are marked with a star (*) symbol in the syllabus. This enriched content goes beyond the scope and depth of the AoPS book. Dr. Shi's teaching approach is distinctive in its emphasis on integrating various topics coherently, which simplifies complex concepts and makes them easier to grasp. Dr. Shi is especially sharp at identifying the “key” to solving difficult problems and helping students see through complex problems with ease.
