Pre-Algebra Honors (2026-27)

Pre-Algebra Honors - Thursday (In-Person & Online)

Teachers: Narender Gupta (Backup Teacher: Sanya Gupta)

Sept 2026 - May 2026: Thursday 6:30 - 8:00 pm ET

Schedule: The full course includes 33 classes, each lasting 90 minutes, and 14 tests

Fee is calculated based on 33 scheduled classes and there is no charge for holidays.

Pre-Algebra Honors - Saturday (In-Person & Online)

Teacher: Narender Gupta (Backup Teacher: Sanya Gupta)

Sept 2025 - May 2026: Saturday 10:00 - 11:30 am ET

Schedule: The full course includes 33 classes, each lasting 90 minutes, and 14 tests

Fee is calculated based on 33 scheduled classes and there is no charge for holidays.

Fees: Pick any option below:

• Full prepay: $800 ($24.25 for each 90 minute class - Avg to $16/hour)

• Pay as you go: $36/class

Fee is calculated based on 33 scheduled classes and there is no charge for holidays.

Textbook: https://artofproblemsolving.com/store/book/prealgebra

Textbook ISBN: 978-1-934124-21-5

Solutions ISBN: 978-1-934124-22-2

The above textbook is required for this course. You have two options:

1. Online Subscription through AoPS
   Add $25 to your class fee for a 1-year online subscription to the textbook and solutions.

2. Purchase Your Own Copy
   You're welcome to buy the textbook yourself. Check prices on AoPS, Amazon, or other retailers for the best price. You might also ask friends who took the course previously if they have a copy to lend or sell. Please make sure to get both the textbook and the solutions manual.

Interested in Asynchronous participation?

Instead of attending live classes, you'll watch the sessions recording during the same week. You’ll receive the same homework and materials, and take part in all the tests just like our regular students. 

Fee for asynchronous students: $330 (Avg to $10/class)

Embark on a journey through the fundamental principles of Pre-Algebra with our comprehensive course designed around the acclaimed Art of Problem Solving (AOPS) Pre-Algebra textbook. This course lays the groundwork for a solid understanding of algebraic concepts, preparing students for higher-level mathematical challenges. Through engaging lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on problem-solving sessions, students will develop a deep understanding of arithmetic operations, number theory, fractions, equations, inequalities, decimals, ratios, percentages, and more.

Course Objectives:

1. Master Arithmetic Operations: Delve into the properties of arithmetic, exploring addition, multiplication, negation, subtraction, reciprocals, and division. Understand the rationale behind arithmetic operations and develop fluency in computation.

2. Explore Exponents: Unravel the mysteries of exponents, from squares to higher exponents, zero as an exponent, and negative exponents. Learn to manipulate exponential expressions with ease.

3. Dive into Number Theory: Investigate the fascinating world of number theory, including multiples, divisibility tests, prime numbers, prime factorization, and common divisors. Grasp the significance of prime numbers and their role in mathematics.

4. Master Fractions: Gain proficiency in working with fractions, from understanding their basic properties to multiplying, dividing, raising to powers, simplifying, comparing, adding, and subtracting fractions.

5. Solve Equations and Inequalities: Develop problem-solving skills by solving linear equations, tackling word problems, and understanding inequalities. Learn to express relationships between quantities using equations and inequalities.

6. Navigate Decimals: Navigate the realm of decimals, mastering arithmetic operations, rounding, converting between decimals and fractions, and dealing with repeating decimals.

7. Understand Ratios, Conversions, and Rates: Grasp the concept of ratios, solve multi-way ratios, work with proportions, perform conversions, and explore various rates, including speed and other rates of change.

8. Conquer Percents: Conquer the concept of percents, solving problems involving percentages, percent increase and decrease, and understanding their practical applications.

9. Unlock Square Roots: Unlock the mysteries of square roots, from understanding their relationship with squares to arithmetic operations involving square roots.

10. Explore Angles: Measure angles, understand concepts of parallel lines, angles in polygons, and apply geometric principles to solve problems related to angles.

11. Calculate Perimeter and Area: Learn to measure segments, calculate area, understand concepts related to circles, and apply formulas to calculate perimeter and area of various shapes.

12. Master Right Triangles and Quadrilaterals: Apply the Pythagorean Theorem, identify special triangles, classify quadrilaterals, and solve problems involving right triangles and quadrilaterals.

13. Analyze Data and Statistics: Learn basic statistical concepts, analyze data, interpret tables, graphs, and charts, and understand the limits of basic statistics.

14. Counting and Probability: Develop counting strategies, understand the multiplication principle, solve counting problems using casework and probability, and analyze problem-solving strategies.

15. Develop Problem-Solving Strategies: Hone problem-solving skills using strategies such as finding patterns, making lists, drawing pictures, and working backwards to solve complex problems.

This course is designed for students aiming to build a strong foundation in mathematics and excel in algebraic problem-solving. By the end of the course, students will have developed a strong foundation in key mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills. They will be well-prepared to tackle more advanced mathematical topics and continue their mathematical journey with confidence and enthusiasm. Join us as we embark on an exciting adventure into the fascinating world of mathematics!

Pre-Algebra Honors Lesson Plan:

• Class 1: Properties of Arithmetic Day 1: Arithmetic vs. Algebra, Addition, and Multiplication

• Class 2: Properties of Arithmetic Day 2: Negation and Subtraction, Reciprocals, and Division

• Chapter 1 Test

• Class 3: Exponents Day 1: Squares and higher exponents

• Class 4: Exponents Day 2: Exponent Rules and Special Exponents

• Class 5: Exponents Day 3: Zero as an Exponent and Negative Exponents

• Chapter 2 Test

• Class 6: Number Theory Day 1: Multiples and Divisibility Tests, Prime Numbers

• Class 7: Number Theory Day 2: Prime Factorization, Divisors, LCM, and GCD

• Chapter 3 Test

• Class 8: Fractions Day 1: Multiplying, Dividing, Adding and Subtracting, Raising to Powers

• Class 9: Fractions Day 2: Simplest Form, Comparing fractions and Mixed Numbers

• Chapter 4 Test

• Class 10: Equations and Inequalities Day 1: Expressions and Solving Linear Equations

• Class 11: Equations and Inequalities Day 2: Solving more Linear Equations and Word Problems, all about Inequalities

• Chapter 5 Test

• Class 12: Decimals Day 1: Arithmetic with Decimals and Rounding Decimals

• Class 13: Decimals Day 2: Decimals with Fractions and Repeating Decimals

• Chapter 6 Test

• Class 14: Ratios Conversions and Rates Day 1: What is a Ratio?, Simple Ratios, Multi-way Ratios, and Proportions

• Class 15: Ratios Conversions and Rates Day 2: Proportions, Conversions, and Speed

• Class 16: Ratios Conversions and Rates Day 3: Speed, and Other Rates

• Chapter 7 Test

• Class 17: Percent Day 1: Percent and Word Problems

• Class 18: Percent Day 2: Percent Increase and Decrease

• Chapter 8 Test

• Class 19: Square Roots Day 1: Squares to Square Roots and Square Roots to Square

• Class 20: Square Roots Day 2: Square Root Arithmetic 

• Chapter 9 Test

• Class 21: Angles Day 1: Measuring Angles and Parallel Lines

• Class 22: Angles Day 2: Angles in Polygons 

• Chapter 10 Test

• Class 23: Perimeter and Area Day 1: Measuring Segments and Area

• Class 24: Perimeter and Area Day 2: Triangles and Circles 

• Chapter 11 Test

• Class 25: Right Triangles and Quadrilaterals Day 1: Pythagorean Theorem

• Class 26: Right Triangles and Quadrilaterals Day 2: Special Triangles, Quadrilateral Types

• Chapter 12 Test

• Class 27: Data and Statistics Day 1: Basics of Statistics

• Class 28: Data and Statistics Day 2: Limits of Statistics and Tables, Graphs, and Charts

• Chapter 13 Test

• Class 29: Counting Day 1: Counting with Arithmetic and Casework

• Class 30: Counting Day 2: Counting Pairs and Probability

• Chapter 14 Test

• Class 31: Problem-Solving Strategies:  Patterns, Lists, and Working Backwards

• Class 32: Graphing a Linear Equation in Slope-Intercept Form

• Class 33: Functions: determining the domain and range of a relation and if it represents a function

Note: Last 2 topics are not in Pre-Algebra textbook. Students are expected to know these for entry into Algebra 1/Algebra Honors.