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Algebra 2
intensified Algebra 1.



Summary

Algebra 2 introduces your child to a full range of multi-step, contextual and inverse topics. To excel, your child needs to master the art of inverse and multi-step thinking, crucial in various Algebra 2 topics like logarithms and inverse functions.

Throughout this course, students explore a novel category of numbers – complex numbers, and a distinct coordinate system known as the polar system. Additionally, they tackle new, challenging types of equations - including radical, rational, and exponential equations, among others.


Common issues students have in Algebra 2 class

Low retention of Algebra 1 concepts

Your child has taken Algebra 1 more than 12 months ago. Many students have difficulty retaining details of the material covered 5-6 months before (that's why the finals are difficult). As you might expect, by the time Algebra 2 rolls around, your child may not remember much of Algebra 1.

Hence, many students need an extensive review. Algebra 2 includes all Algebra 1 foundations but with additional context, advanced concepts, methods and steps so struggling with Algebra 1 really holds a lot of students back.


Big homework-test gap

Many students feel that they understand the concepts when they are explained in class and are able to solve a lot (or all) homework problems. Yet, they struggle on tests.

Some students are able to score 100% on homework and still fail tests.
How is that possible?

The problems on the tests tend to be more complicated, with extra steps, different wording or different twists.
That leaves a lot of students frustrated as they prepare for tests, put in the effort and go through the homework and review problems - and still do poorly on tests.


Not enough covered in class

In your child’s class, the teacher likely shows 3-5 problems and hands out homework. I can say that with certainty because we see this over and over, with vast majority of students we talk to. It's prevalent.
Showing 3-5 problems is not nearly enough.

Every topic in Algebra 2 has from 3 to 7 problem types. For every problem type, your child will have to deal with several different cases.
Hence, it’s pretty clear that your child’s teacher isn’t teaching nearly enough for your child to understand all of the problem types.
And yes, of course, your child should do homework and practice on their own. But they can’t do that without first having a solid fundamental understanding of the new material.


Passive learning

In class, in most cases, students don’t solve problems. They simply copy the solutions from the white board or fill out the notes sheet.

That's called passive learning. And passive learning doesn't work. Instead of watching the teacher solve problems, reading the textbook or watching videos online, your child needs to actively analyze and solve problems.


Lack of individualized attention

The teachers sometimes aren’t able to answer questions. Sometimes they don’t want to. But even if they do, it’s very difficult with 20-30 students in the class. And since questions are the building blocks of learning, your child misses out on a lot of progress. To reach their full potential, they should learn at their own pace, ask questions about what's confusing to them, focus on the problems types they need to work on and learn in accordance with their learning preferences.


Homework type

Many parents don’t know this but teachers often check the homework for completion, not correctness...
Which means that your child gets 100% as long as they did the problems, regardless of whether they solved them correctly or not.

Yes, that explains why many students get 100% as their homework grade and still do poorly on tests.


Challenges students experience on tests

“We didn’t do this in class.”

Sometimes the class runs short on time, there’s a sub or the teacher focuses on one of the problems, and there isn’t enough time to cover everything. When that happens, students often find themselves having to figure out the concepts, even the hardest ones, on their own.

“I kind of understand this problem but the wording throws me off.”

Teachers don’t cover many problems in class. As we mentioned, they usually show around 4-6 problems. Then, your child receives cookie-cutter homework.
That creates a problem: during tests, students often encounter what we call "variations".

"Variations" are problems that often resemble the examples solved in class or in the homework but are different enough to be confusing. And students aren't sure how to approach them.

“These problems are way harder than homework.”

Often times, the problems covered in class are easy to intermediate. There isn’t enough time to cover the hardest problems. But if your child is aiming for an A (or even a high B), they need to be able to solve all problems that show up on tests, especially the most challenging ones.


The most challenging high school math level?

This class is the most challenging math level of all high school levels - it’s the most requested math tutoring level by parents.

Why?
Not because it’s the most advanced one.
It’s because it’s your child’s first time dealing with challenging ways of thinking - inverse and multi-variable thinking. It’s no longer only x and y. They can no longer “plug it in and hope for the best”.

A lot of problems have 4 or more steps. For concepts like logarithms, inverse functions and compound interest, they are going to have to develop inverse thinking, which is challenging at all levels of math.

Your child needs solid Algebra 1 skills. However, they took Algebra 1 a whole 1 year ago, and have taken Geometry in the meantime. Most students have forgotten at least some of Algebra 1 by the time they get started with Algebra 2.


Concepts covered in Algebra 2

- Polynomials
- Complex numbers
- Polynomial functions
- Rational exponents
- logarithms
- functions (exponential, logarithmic, rational, radical, absolute value and more)
- Transformations of functions
- Trigonometry
- Modeling


These concepts are covered in different order depending on the school, class and even specific teacher.
The depth and difficulty level also depends on variety of factors. That’s why we always customize the approach to every student’s individual needs.

Equip your child for success in Algebra 2 in 2024.

Take the first step