Hi, could anyone help me understand the difference between algebra 2 + trig, precalc, and college algebra? I've seen people say that algebra 2 + trig and percalc are essentially the same thing, but I know that most highschoolers take both with a2+t one year and precalc the next. Then there is the fact that CLEP offers separate exams for College Algebra, and Precalculous, which further confuses me. If college algebra is not precalc, is it algebra 2, or something entirely different? The names may vary by region, we live in New York State if that helps.

Hello all, My kids and I love the Harold Jacobs Elementary Algebra and Geometry books. Has anyone found an Algebra 2 text that has the same feel to it? Engaging and not for naught? I really do prefer a physical textbook as opposed to an online approach. Thanks, Debbie

For various reasons, the scale has tipped to algebra 2 this year over geometry for this year. Dd has done some geometry, and will finish it the next year. She did well with Foerster Algebra 1, and we hope to do Derek Owens Precalculus after geometry. My two thoughts: Foerster Algebra 2, Kolbe honors. Dd wants to be more familiar with her TI84 she got from an older sib, and this is scheduled. She did well with Foerster Algebra 1, and I really like the solutions videos from MWB. I like the idea of the Kolbe syllabus because I want her to cover algebra 2 before she takes the SAT next year, rather than the 12 school months a lot of students need to do the whole book. Since she won't need a whole year for geometry, we may go back and pick up some of the parts Kolbe skips before starting precalc. Derek Owens Honors self grading. This seems like the obvious choice because we plan to use his Precalculus. She did well with his prealgebra and physical science a few years ago, but we have run into problems when she has too many screen-based classes, and she does have a couple already this year. I also sent an inquiry if the self-grading option was still available several days ago, but haven't heard back. I assume this is as easy as contacting the bookkeeper, though, right? A con for this is no solutions videos, which does keep us from butting heads sometimes. Other options we should consider? I like the Chalkdust videos, but they are very long and I'm not sure dd would go for it. I'd be watching and teaching them if she didn't get it from the book. MWB is kind of like that for us, but the videos are shorter and she usually gets what she needs from the book. And the videos are much less expensive, even compared with the Cool Math Guy version. I do have her do the examples on the board with me.

I need to decide what to use for Algebra 2 ... I'll need something that has a relatively inexpensive TM for me since, despite my BS in Mathematics, I'm struggling to remember how to do stuff. (My older kids were very independent and did AoPS online by this age.) Dd is smart, but struggles more in math than her older siblings. We had a rough start with Discovering Mathematics (Singapore) and switched to a bit of Khan Academy and then to Dolciani for Algebra. Dolciani seems to be sticking for her. She is finally developing some confidence. I was planning to do Geometry and Algebra 2 simultaneously, mostly to make sure she doesn't forget what she learned in Algebra 1. I have Jacob's Geometry on the shelf. What should I get for Algebra 2? Any ideas?

I have a 12th grader who is very non-mathy (humanities minded). She has worked very hard at Algebra 1 (Jacobs) and Geometry (Jacobs) and it has not come easy for her. We are going to do Algebra 2 this year. Her 10th grade sister is doing Foersters...but I am concerned that it will be too much for her. Does anyone have suggestions for another algebra 2 curriculum that would appeal to a student who is not heading into a math or science fields? Or should I just have her take Foersters more slowly. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!!

My eighth grader just finished Saxon Alg. 1 and is ready to move to Alg. 2. My freshman is about 1/2 way through Saxon Alg. 2 - I don't want to have to buy another textbook of the same kind and I can foresee problems if they had to share the same book! Not a major issue, but I am considering putting my 8th grader in allinonehighschool.com's Algebra 2 program for now. Anyone have opinions about that program? Or about where to put my 8th grader? I am not in a rush to move her to Saxon's Alg. 2, but don't want her to fall behind. She has done well in Alg. 1. Thanks! Tresta

I would like some advice about Intermediate Algebra for my 8th grader. She will be finished with Geometry in a month or so. Geometry has been much easier for her than Algebra, and she loves it. We are using AOPS Intro to Geometry, but she already knew so much geometry that she tends to just do the end of chapter problems, skipping most of the discovery problems. She just seems to "get it", including proofs. She is also doing the charter required on-line program, ALEKS. It was not this way with Algebra, and now I need to choose an Algebra 2/Intermediate Algebra text for her. She did fine in Algebra, but it was not a love affair and I think some review would do her good. (She used Fred Beginning Algebra and the required ALEKS.) I have AOPS Intro to Algebra, which her younger sister is using, but since she did not use it for Algebra, I have thought about having her start with that from about chapter 12 on. But since she has never used AOPS in the way it is meant to be used, I am not sure that is the best choice. I also have Fred Advanced Algebra, but she doesn't want to use Fred again. I am considering Lial's Intermediate Algebra for her, but I am not sure if I should go with the Intermediate Algebra or the combined Beginning and Intermediate Algebra text. Do you know if the most recent edition is worth it, or can a just get an older edition? Do you have any advice about this curriculum or other suggestions? Thanks!

Okay, so I'm leaning away from Math Relief Algebra 2, which I thought was in the bag, due to some sketchy feedback. I would LOVE to be able to do regular online videos but we are rural and on satellite internet; streaming video positively decmates our monthly bandwidth allowance, and I can't afford to up our allowance at this time. In short, can anybody recommend a disc-based video course, or a non-video course that would work will with a student who isn't a natural at math? I want her to be well-prepared for ACT math, but not overwhelmed with advanced topics introduced too quickly, because she will end up discouraged. Thanks for any suggestions you'd care to share! Desiree

So my son, who otherwise did pretty well on his ACT, told me that his Math Relief Algebra II (from Keyboard Enterprises) lessons didn't help him at all on his ACT math section -- he says he didn't see any Algebra problems on that section that resembled anything he had done w/ Math Relief. Has anyone else had this problem with Math Relief? I looked at the copyrights on the discs and they are a combo of 1992 and 2005. I have a daughter who is ready for Algebra II and I'm now doubting whether I will actually use my son's Math Relief discs for her -- perhaps the ACT math has changed too much since 2005 ( or 1992!). Other recommendations/experiences with curriculum used to prepare for ACT math will be very helpful. Thank you! Desiree

I'm looking into algebra 2 for my student and found a curriculum that stated that some prior geometry knowledge would be necessary. My daughter has not done geometry yet. Is this par for the course with algebra 2 curriculum, or somewhat of an anomaly? Thank you

Help! My daughter is 15 and has chronic fatigue syndrome, which is why she's out of private school and now at home. I bought her Foerster's Algebra 2/Trig and we are not off to a promising start. My daughter is very bright and wants to be an aeronautical or mechanical engineer, so math matters, but CFS comes with a bit of cognitive issues, where it's hard for her when she's in a flare to work things out in her mind. I think Foerster's, which she would probably do well with ordinarily, is too much now that the CFS has flared up again. Can you recommend a course of action for us? Should I just slow down Foerster's and wait for the CFS flare to pass, or should, I get an easier program? And which program would that be? She is enjoying the SOS Spanish program, is that just way too easy for Algebra 2? Also, she used Saxon from 1-8th grades, but I'm worried it might be too dry. Dry=bored=zoned out not learning. Thanks so much for any help you can give!! I can feel time ticking as we are getting more and more behind. Arrrgh!

I tend to be very "clingy" when it comes to curriculum, so I need your help before I make a purchase decision. My 9th grade daughter has used Saxon math for the past 2 years, and we have been very pleased. (Math 8/7; Algebra I (4th ed); now, Geometry) I anticipate using Saxon Algebra 2 (4th edition; newest one) next year when she is in 10th grade. However, I recently read 2 reviewers who complained that Saxon Algebra 2 was not up to the Saxon standards. One of the reviewers wrote a very thoughtful, well-researched review which I can't easily dismiss. So now I'm here and wondering if any of you have had a good experience with Saxon Algebra 2? (the newest edition, 4th) And, would you recommend it? Your input would be very helpful to me since I have an opportunity to purchase a good, used set of Saxon Algebra 2.

Hi~ My son, who isn't a natural at math, is getting ready for Algebra 2. We have been using Teaching Textbooks but he would like a curriculum w/ more repetition ( not to mention that the tutor's voice gets on his nerves -- did he put a clothespin over his nose or something?). Seems like Saxon would do that, from what I've heard and read. What I like about TT is that the solution for every problem is demonstrated on the cd-roms. What I don't like is that it seems to give very little practice in new concepts before testing, and then the test problems are harder than the few the student has gotten a chance to practice with the lessons. I am NOT a natural at math so having the cds to explain things has been great...for me. Apparently they just aren't enough for my son. He is practically crawling through geometry. Any words of wisdom from those who have used both or have a good amount of experience w/ Saxon? Thanks! DPM

Hi~ My son, who isn't a natural at math, is getting ready for Algebra 2. We have been using Teaching Textbooks but he would like a curriculum w/ more repetition ( not to mention that the tutor's voice gets on his nerves -- did he put a clothespin over his nose or something?). Seems like Saxon would do that, from what I've heard and read. What I like about TT is that the solution for every problem is demonstrated on the cd-roms. What I don't like is that it seems to give very little practice in new concepts before testing, and then the test problems are harder than the few the student has gotten a chance to practice with the lessons. I am NOT a natural at math so having the cds to explain things has been great...for me. Apparently they just aren't enough for my son. He is practically crawling through geometry. Any words of wisdom from those who have used both or have a good amount of experience w/ Saxon? Thanks! DPM

I received a recommendation for John Bovey http://www.liveonlinemath.com from a member of another forum. She purchased the video-only option after a 2-week trial of the video/1x week group class. I'm still hoping someone who is using the 3xweek class option will surface.... "We've been using the Pre-Algebra Video course since late last summer. My son will be finished in another couple of months. We've really, really enjoyed it and I would wholeheartedly recommend his programs. You're probably aware that he has different course options. We did a trial period of the option which uses the videos plus once a week group classes. I thought they were very well done, the interaction is nifty and John is pretty good with the kids. We ended up going with the Video-only course, since it's more flexible in terms of scheduling, following the kid's lead, etc. And a little cheaper heh. This was the first year for the Pre-Algebra video course, so I've found a few typos along the way in the answer sheets, for instance. John has always been very receptive to the corrections and has asked me a few times for more in depth feedback too -- is his humour too much? does it take away from the program?, is it a good balance?, etc. So he's eager to 'get it right' and is very approachable. As for that humour -- my son LOVES it. And it's just 'enough'. Corny and silly little asides during the lectures, that break the tedium and keep it engaging. John's delivery is very dry and straightforward, so it's not like goofy, silly kind of humour, it's more like British humour, Heh. No math program is perfect for everybody, of course, and with this course there are a few things that I would have done differently, concept-wise, if I were teaching it. But that's okay -- my son is getting it, he's enjoying it. I've been very happy with it and we will probably continue to use it for Algebra next year too."

Hi there.....I am really in need of some advice. Can yall please tell me what should I do for my son's girlfriend. She has started homeschooling with us. My son graduated last year and my daughter is only in 6th grade. This young lady is extremely smart but comes from a rough home and had to pull from school because of health issues (juvenile diabetes) she has missed so much school. I really need an Algebra 2 that will help her and I. My son did Algebra but we didn't do Algebra 2. I pretty much had to reteach myself Algebra because I was out of school for a while and forgotten most of it. But now Algebra 2 wow. So as I said does anyone know of any thing that would help us in any way. Thanks so much..... Karen:)

My ds is using LoF Advanced Algebra. He is good at math, but not "genius," and he's done well with the LoF series. I was and am good at math. It wasn't what I studied in college, but so far, I've been able to help him on the few topics where he needed help. Today he was doing Proofs by Math Induction. I've never seen this stuff in my life, and although after working through some of the problems with him, I have a basic grasp of what's going on, but I don't fully understand why we are doing the steps. These problems are HARD. I started looking at what was coming up next, and there are other things I have never heard of in my life. I pulled up on the web the TOC for Lial's Intermediate Algebra, which dd14 will do when she gets to Alg 2, and it has all the stuff I remember from alg 2, but not some of the topics in LoF Advanced Algebra. I'm thinking that if some of these topics aren't normally covered in Algebra 2, I'll give ds credit for attempting to understand them and struggling with them, but if he doesn't master them, that will be okay. Here are the topics of concern: Proofs by Math Induction Linear Programming Arithmetic Progressions Geometric Sequences Sum of a Geometric Progression Permutation of n Things Taken r at a Time Combination of n Things Taken r at a Time We hit one of these "questionable" topics earlier: determinants. I went to Kahn Academy for help with that, and we managed to get a decent grasp of what was going on. But I just don't have hours and hours to spend on these higher math topics, even though I'd love to. I do have other kids to teach, and ds has other subjects that need his attention. Thanks for your help.

I am considering this text: Algebra & Trigonometry Functions and Applications, by Paul Foerster, Prentice Hall, Classics Edition or Abeka Algebra 2, but read that the latter is labeled 'honors'. I am currently looking into whether it can be adapted to be a regular text. Wondering your experience? Advice? PRos and cons? Thank you!

My eldest son is in elementary school but has studied some Algebra. I am thinking purchasing the Algebra II course from "The Great Courses" -- for a short time it costs only $80+shipping . There are 18 hours of videos plus a 300-page workbook. I wonder if anyone has tried this course. Alternatives I am considering are algebra courses from the Art of Problem Solving, EPGY, and Thinkwell. He is young enough that we can go over Algebra II more than once. It's less important that the course be rigorous than that it keep his interest.

The text they use in dd's Honours Algebra 2 class is one I'm not familiar with and don't recall reading much about here. It's a McDougal Little text by Larson, Boswell, Kanold & Stiff. The teacher supplements it by teaching theory. http://www.amazon.com/Algebra-II-Ron-Larson/dp/0395937787 How good or bad is it? Are there any holes in teaching I should be aware of? My dd is in ps, but I still want to ensure she gets a good math education. Apparently the program is good at the school & people have been accepted into some prestigious programs from it, but I am still unsure.

How many problems a day does your student complete? My ds is so far scheduled for 20 problems/day and it is taking him forever. He is scoring well, with an A average. Am I giving him too much math? Thank you ;)

After spending much time searching through the many forums I have finally narrowed down my search of Algebra 2/Geometry books. Algebra 2 Foerster Algebra and Trigonometry Dolciani Algebra and Trigonometry Structure & Method Book 2 Lial Intermediate Algebra Geometry Jacobs? Jurgensen I am looking for a very rigorous course with thorough explanations. I have seen many comparisons on the Forester/Dolciani/Lial/Jacobs book's in past posts and I was wondering which has the most rigorous approach and also a somewhat self teaching method. Also in reference to the Dolciani books is it necessary to get the books from the 60's and 70's because I have an Algebra book from 90's but have read on here that it isn't regarded as highly as the earlier books. Also I heard that Foerster is lacking in proofs and explaining the why of things while Dolciani tends to explain it in more detail. Which texts are more for independent use and which are more teacher oriented? Also in reference to the DVT for Lial's text where are they available and could someone give me a link to them.Overall I'm looking for books for Geometry and Algebra 2 texts and any help or other suggested texts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I’m looking at Algebra II programs for my rising 10th grade dd. She used Jacobs for both Algebra I (8th) and Geometry (9th) and they have gone well. She seems to “get†that approach and likes the style of the textbooks. I’ve heard Jacobs described as a more “liberal arts†feel to math, and I guess that describes it (and her) relatively well. If anyone has used Jacobs Algebra I and Geometry, what worked well for Algebra II? If it helps, we used Singapore 4-6 after Saxon 3. I have considered Saxon Algebra II, but dd didn’t like the incremental approach the first time and I’m not sure that it would be a better fit now. I'm also looking at Doliciani's and trying to find a copy at a library to evaluate, but any thoughts are welcome. Dd is not going the math/science route, but I'm still planning on 3-4 years of hs math. Thanks for your advice. Tegwin dd 15 ds 12 ds 9 dd 7 dd 7

I've said a few times this year that I've been disappointed in Foerster's Algebra 2 and that it's been a big struggle. So I've been looking at some other programs. I was all set to buy one of the video programs when I remembered one of my friends (whose son majored in some kind of engineering in college) suggested I look at Bob Jones, because it is rigorous. So I was able to see Bob Jones Alg. 2 in person today and I bought it. I spent a few hours with it this afternoon, working random problems and mapping out the rest of our year. Here are my impressions about some differences between the two books: Bob Jones is more certain than Foerster. I mean, there are a doable number of chapters in the book, and a certain beginning and end, unlike Foerster, where the beginning and end of the Alg. 2 program is what you make of it. This seems like a minor thing, but as far as parental comfort, it's major. The teacher's manual gives a small-medium-large amount of problems to do, sort of like Jacobs does. That's really helpful to know. There is a review for each chapter. There is a test for each chapter. There is a whole lot less guesswork. Bob Jones seems to cover a similar scope as the "advanced algebra" course recommended in the Foerster book (chapters 1-12), and BJU covers a little extra. Linear equations, graphing, functions, inequalities, quadratic formula, determinants, radicals, exponents, complex numbers, rational expressions and equations, two chapters on trigonometry, inverse functions and logarithms, probability and statistics, and analytic geometry, including conic sections. Matrices are handled really nicely, I thought. They are spread out all over the book so that the student can either tackle them all together or in smaller bite-sized pieces. I think Bob Jones probably does a better job integrating the different topics to enhance understanding. Foerster has more proofs at first, but Bob Jones incorporates proofs later in the book. Both are similarly laid out. One of the things I liked best about Foerster Algebra 1 is the way the chapters are arranged. The student is first reminded of something he already knows, then each section in the chapter builds a little more on that basic concept. The last section in the chapter is word problems to apply the concepts learned. There are probably an equal number of examples in the Bob Jones and Foerster books. Both give a commentary alongside the problem being worked, explaining what is happening in each step. I think Bob Jones is a laid out a little bit better. The examples are set apart from the text in a clearer way, even though the definitions in Foerster are set apart from the text in (arguably) a clearer way. The clear advantage of the Foerster book is the teacher's edition. A small version of the page is visible in the teacher's guide, and expanded solutions are in the wide margins, sort of like A Beka and Rod & Staff (and SRA Explorations and Applications, if you used that one). The answers are given stepwise. For example, if a student is supposed to do cancellations in a problem, they appear in the teacher's guide. Meanwhile, the simple answers are written in such a way that it's easy to grade. This is a help that a mathematician mom might not appreciate as much as the rest of us, but it will be a tremendous help to me. Another clear advantage of the Bob Jones text, to me, is the tests. So these programs are extremely similar. The Bob Jones seemed more in line with Foerster than the video programs that I was looking at. Bob Jones does have a video program to go along with their math texts, which I might look into next year for pre-cal. They're not as flashy as Thinkwell or Chalkdust, but the sample I saw moved slowly enough that a struggling student could actually follow. Thinkwell lectures were very entertaining, I thought, and helpful as long as a student already knew the material, but the professor moved too quickly, I thought, for a student learning material for the first time (and the textbook was vastly inferior to either Foerster or Bob Jones). Lastly, there's the religion issue of Bob Jones. As a Catholic I was hesitant to put any money into any Bob Jones materials at all because of their views, but I decided to look past that. There are scripture references in the text, but they don't frequently make it to the problem sets. I don't think this is as much of an issue as it was in earlier grades using A Beka math (especially 4th grade A Beka math). The section introductions are where the religion references are, and it would be fairly simple to look past them. I don't know how the video lectures would be in that regard.

How many of the first lessons are review in Algebra 2? I had always heard that the first 40 or so lessons in Saxon were review. I was having my son do just the tests to determine where he should start in the book, and there was new material presented in lesson 11 (couldn't find anywhere in the Algebra I book where this was taught). So, does anybody know how many lessons are review in this book?