Topic · in development — big ideas below
Algebra foundations
The art of working with the unknown.
Algebra is arithmetic with a placeholder: a letter standing for a number you don't know yet. That one move — naming the unknown — turns puzzles you'd solve by guessing into puzzles you solve by steps.
The big ideas
The unknown has a name
Calling a mystery number x doesn't solve anything by itself — but it lets you write down what you do know, and push on it.
Balance is the rule
An equation is a scale. Whatever you do to one side, do to the other, and the truth of it never breaks. Solving is just rebalancing until x stands alone.
Patterns become formulas
When the same calculation works for every number, algebra writes it once: area = l × w. A formula is a story about all numbers at the same time.
Out in the world
Budgeting & pricing
“How many months until I can afford it?” is a one-variable equation you already solve informally.
Spreadsheets
Every spreadsheet formula is algebra: cells are variables, formulas are expressions over them.
Code
Variables, expressions, and solving for conditions — programming is algebra that executes.
The planned course
- 01Numbers & operations refresherNegatives, fractions, exponents — without fear.soon
- 02Variables & expressionsNaming unknowns and writing rules.soon
- 03Solving equationsThe balance moves, one at a time.soon
- 04Linear relationshipsStraight lines, slopes, and what they model.soon
- 05QuadraticsParabolas, factoring, and the famous formula — with meaning.soon
- 06Systems of equationsTwo unknowns, two clues, one intersection.soon
While you wait — this connects to material that's live now