| If you are home schooling, you are already facing | | | | solving problems. This is important regardless of |
| an uphill struggle. In order to teach your children, | | | | what career field your children choose to enter. |
| you need to master all subjects to the point of | | | | You need to determine what the known and |
| being able to teach it coherently. Now you need | | | | unknown variables are and how they relate to |
| to master algebra. It just doesn't seem fair does | | | | each other. Then you systematically resolve the |
| it? There is no need to panic, even if you didn't | | | | problem, one step at a time, until you have the |
| do well in algebra when you were in school, there | | | | solution. |
| are books out there that will help you teach | | | | Algebra is obviously vital for understanding science |
| algebra to your kids. | | | | and engineering, but is it useful for any other |
| Algebra is the basic building block for | | | | things. If your child is not interested in being an |
| trigonometry, calculus and other advanced math | | | | engineer or an architect, but if they want to go |
| and science classes. If you want your children to | | | | into business, is algebra something that will help |
| excel in college, you need to ensure that they | | | | them? The answer is a resounding yes. |
| have a good understanding of algebra. | | | | First off, if you want to get a college degree, you |
| Like most subjects that you are home schooling, | | | | will need to take college algebra. Second, (and |
| algebra builds upon each lesson. Therefore, it is | | | | more importantly) algebra does teach how to |
| important that you children master each lesson | | | | systematically solve problems. This is useful no |
| before they proceed to the next one. One of the | | | | matter what your occupation will be. |
| best methods to ensure they have learned the | | | | Again, if algebra was not your best subject in |
| basic concepts is by working practice problems. | | | | school, and now you are trying to home school |
| This ensures they understand how the problems | | | | your children, don't panic. There are numerous |
| are solved, and gives them confidence that they | | | | great text books available to help you in your |
| can solve other similar problems. | | | | quest. Remember, take it in small steps and you, |
| One of the most important things about algebra, | | | | and your children, will do fine. |
| it teaches a systematic and logical approach to | | | | |