Is MUS Pre-Algebra necessary if....

[Heather in NC]

you've completed Alpha through Zeta with no problems? Do we need to go through Pre-Algebra or can we go straight to Algebra I? Will my ds miss a lot if he skips pre-algebra?

[Lori D.]

I wouldn't recommend skipping MUS Pre-Algebra and going straight to MUS (or any other) Algebra program. You would miss out on too many concepts that are preparatory to Algebra. Below are the lists of topics covered in Zeta, Pre-Algebra, and Algebra (from the MUS website), and as you can see, most of the Pre-Algebra concepts are not covered in Zeta or Algebra. BEST of luck, whatever you go with! Warmest regards, Lori D.


MUS Zeta concepts:

• Exponents
• Expanded & Exponential Notation
• Decimal Numbers, Add & Subtract
• Decimal Numbers, Multiply & Divide
• Percent of a Number
• Percents > 100%
• Pie Graphs with Percent
• Metric System Origin & Prefixes
• Metric System Conversions
• Area and Circumference of a Circle
• Solve for an Unknown with Decimals
• Transform a Fraction to a Decimal and Percent
• Rational Numbers
• Mean, Median, Mode
• Probability


MUS Pre-Algebra concepts:

• Negative Numbers, Basic Operations
• Expanded & Exponential Notation
• Roots & Radicals
• Solve for and Unknown
• Associative & Commutative Property
• Distributive Property
• Order of Operations
• Additive & Multiplicative Inverse
• Surface Area of a Solid
• Transform Celsius to Fahrenheit
• Absolute Value
• Ratio and Proportion
• Similar Polygons
• Least Common Multiple
• Greatest Common Factor
• Polynomials: Add, Subtract, Multiply
• Volume: Cylinder, Cone, Pyramid
• Irrational Number


MUS Algebra concepts:

• Order of Operations
• Absolute Value
• Commutative and Associative Properties
• Solving for an Unknown
• Cartesian Coordinates
• Graphing a Line
• Slope-Intercept Formula
• Graphing Parallel Lines
• Coin Problems
• Graphing Perpendicular Lines
• Finding the Equation of a Line
• Graphing Inequalities
• Solving Simultaneous Equations
• Consecutive Integers
• Exponents and Square Roots
• Add and subtract Polynomials
• Multiply and Divide Polynomials
• Factor Polynomials
• Unit and Square Unit Multipliers
• Metric Conversions
• Fractional Exponents

[Heather in NC]

I guess we better get Pre-Algebra! Someone had told me it was just a review of Epsilon and Zeta. I guess they were wrong. :glare:

[Sue in St Pete]

I dunno. I kinda wish we'd skipped it and used Algebra as Pre-Algebra and then used a different Algebra program next. But, with a 10yo???

See my posts in this thread (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72822&highlight=prime).

Just my opinion.

[HollyDay]

did you take the placement test?

[Heather in NC]

I dunno. I kinda wish we'd skipped it and used Algebra as Pre-Algebra and then used a different Algebra program next. But, with a 10yo???

See my posts in this thread (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72822&highlight=prime).

Just my opinion.

Well, he'll be 11yo next month and won't be finished with Zeta by the end of summer so it would be MUS Algebra for 6th grade. I could do Pre-Algebra first just for the heck of it but I don't want him to get bored. Hmmm.....

[Free Indeed]

Are you going to be afterschooling him? I thought he was going to be going to school in Malaysia when you move. :001_huh:

[Heather in NC]

Are you going to be afterschooling him? I thought he was going to be going to school in Malaysia when you move. :001_huh:

You caught me. :D It is a combination question of where to place him when he starts school: pre-algebra or algebra? And partly about afterschool/weekend/vacation schooling which I cannot give up no matter how hard I try (it's the control freak in me).