Award-Winning Algebra Tutors Near You

Varsity Tutors can help you or your student get more out of your algebra studies with the help of experienced algebra tutors. Working with a private instructor is a great way to fill in the gaps that may have developed between your understanding of algebra and what's currently being covered in your algebra course. Your algebra tutoring sessions can focus on the specific topics within the field of study that you need the most help with. The personalized nature of the tutoring process makes it easier to find the academic growth that you've been looking for. Consider reaching out to us directly today if you think that you or your student would benefit from this type of individualized algebra attention. Below, you'll find more information on the field of study and how Varsity Tutors can help you advance in it.

What is Algebra?

Algebra is a math subject that deals with things like arithmetical operations and formal manipulations of abstract symbols instead of specific numbers. The field of study is one of the oldest in the math subject area. In fact, algebra's roots date all the way back to the ancient Babylonians. The word "algebra" comes from an Arabic term, which means the "reunion of broken parts." Since its inception, algebra has grown tremendously into one of the foremost fields of mathematical study in the modern world. For example, in today's world algebra is used for everything from telecommunications to building homes.

There are several different levels of algebraic study that you may find yourself pursuing at different stages in your academic career. Most students begin learning about the topic through pre-algebra coursework. This class helps those who take it build a solid foundation of algebraic skills that they can then build on in future classes. If you're taking a pre-algebra course, you may study things like factoring, variables, integers, order of operations, and linear equations, among other things.

After pre-algebra, students typically move to a class called algebra one. This course builds on the foundational skills that the student learned in pre-algebra and introduces more advanced material in the subject. Here, you'll study things like functions, radical expressions, polynomials, and other key algebraic principles.

Next, comes algebra two. This course takes everything a step further and students start getting into some of the most advanced algebraic topics while taking this class. If you're currently taking algebra two, then you may study things like quadratic equations, logarithmic and exponential expressions, trigonometry, matrix algebra, and more. If you're a college student, then your course may be called college algebra instead of either algebra one or two. College algebra essentially covers many of the same topics that are covered in algebra one and two but at a deeper level and with a faster pace.

No matter which level of algebra you currently find yourself in, you can get help with developing a better understanding of your course's content through the help of algebra tutors. For example, if you have a child who is just beginning their journey with pre-algebra, then their instructor can focus on the core algebraic principles that they'll need to know to feel confident with their current class and with future classes in the subject area. More advanced students can focus on algebraic topics like matrix algebra with their algebra tutor. You can reach out to us today if you could use help with your algebra study sessions.

Learning Algebra

There are certain standards that students are asked to meet with regards to their algebraic knowledge. For example, the Common Core High School Standards are a set of benchmarks that are developed by key education officials in the state or national government. There are a set of algebra Common Core Standards that students in high school should strive to meet. Below, you'll get a look at what some of these standards are so that you can assess how you're doing with your understanding of algebra.

By the time students finish high school, they should know most of the foundational topics in the field of algebra. For example, they should know how to solve and rewrite expressions in equivalent forms, polynomials and rational functions, factors of polynomials, rewriting rational functions, equations, equalities and inequalities, solving systems of equations, and more. If you find that you're lacking in one of these areas, then working with an algebra tutor is a chance to get the guidance you need to overcome your struggles.

Algebra and Testing

Because algebra is one of the most important math subjects, it's featured on many classroom and standardized tests. For example, if you plan on taking the ACT or the SAT soon, then you'll need to have a strong understanding of core algebraic concepts in order to do well on the math section of the exam. Doing well on the ACT and the SAT is important because a solid score on these exams could help you get into more competitive colleges. You could even earn scholarship offers if you do well on these standardized admissions tests.

Keep reading for a look at some of the algebraic topics that you'll need to know before taking the ACT. You'll be asked questions on things like algebraic operations, expressing relationships with variables, matrix equations, algebra in real-world contexts, polynomials equations, and more. Do you understand all of these algebraic topics at a high level? If the answer is no, that's okay. You can get the help that you need to develop a more complete understanding of these topics by signing up for algebra tutoring.

If you're preparing to take a standardized test like the ACT or SAT, then your tutor can create lessons for you that are based on the information you'll need to know for your upcoming exam. You can get targeted instruction and personalized feedback throughout each of these lessons. This can help you develop a more complete understanding of the algebra topics that you need to know in order to feel confident about taking these important tests.

Additionally, while you're working with your algebra tutor, you can also get help with developing your general test-taking skills. For example, your instructor can spend some time with you showing you how to manage your time more effectively when taking a challenging exam like the SAT. They can show you what an ideal test preparation process looks like so that you know what to do in the future when you have another important exam to take. Your tutor can even show you how to overcome things like test anxiety if that's an issue that you've had in the past. These are skills that you'll be able to utilize on your upcoming test as well as on any future exam that you take.

How Does Algebra Tutoring Work?

If you're interested in working with algebra tutors, then you can start the process by reaching out to Varsity Tutors. We'll work with you to match you with experienced educators who can help you make the academic progress that you're looking for. We'll also make every effort to connect you with instructors who are able to work around your existing obligations. For example, if you work part-time or pursue a number of extracurricular activities, you may be worried about how you could fit tutoring sessions into your busy schedule. We can help with that by finding you the right instructors for your specific scheduling needs. This makes it easy to get the help you're looking for without having to make too many sacrifices.

Once you get connected with your instructor, you can start working with them quickly. Algebra tutors work with their students in a one-on-one environment so that they can put the needs of the individual student at the center of everything they do. Your instructor can create a customized lesson plan for you that's based on your specific needs within the field of algebra. Whether you're preparing for an important test or just want to enhance your understanding of your algebra course, your tutor can structure your time together in a way that helps you pursue your goals efficiently and effectively.

You'll be able to work through each lesson with your educator at your own pace. This means that when you encounter a particularly challenging topic you can take all of the time you need to fully understand it before moving on. This is a luxury that isn't typically possible in the classroom setting due to the time restraints of teachers. In all, you can get a completely personalized learning experience that may be just what you need to make the academic progress that you've been working toward.

How Can You Get Started?

As detailed above, algebra is an important topic in the field of math. There are many different careers that require a solid understanding of algebraic concepts. If you're having a tough time with your algebra coursework or are getting ready for an important test that covers algebra, then consider reaching out to Varsity Tutors today. We can get you connected with algebra tutoring that can help you start experiencing academic growth quickly. We'd love to use our experience in the educational industry to help you get more out of your academic opportunities. We look forward to working with you and hope to hear from you soon.