Introduction to Algebra

AoPS Introduction Series

by Richard Rusczyk

Learn the basics of algebra from former USA Mathematical Olympiad winner and Art of Problem Solving founder Richard Rusczyk. Topics covered in the book include linear equations, ratios, quadratic equations, special factorizations, complex numbers, graphing linear and quadratic equations, linear and quadratic inequalities, functions, polynomials, exponents and logarithms, absolute value, sequences and series, and much more!

The text is structured to inspire the reader to explore and develop new ideas. Each section starts with problems, giving the student a chance to solve them without help before proceeding. The text then includes solutions to these problems, through which algebraic techniques are taught. Important facts and powerful problem solving approaches are highlighted throughout the text. In addition to the instructional material, the book contains well over 1000 problems.

This book can serve as a complete Algebra I course, and also includes many concepts covered in Algebra II. Middle school students preparing for MATHCOUNTS, high school students preparing for the AMC, and other students seeking to master the fundamentals of algebra will find this book an instrumental part of their mathematics libraries.656

About the author: Richard Rusczyk is a co-author of Art of Problem Solving, Volumes 1 and 2, the author of Art of Problem Solving's Introduction to Geometry. He was a national MATHCOUNTS participant, a USA Math Olympiad winner, and is currently director of the USA Mathematical Talent Search.

Genres: Mathematics, Textbooks, Nonfiction, Canon, Algebra, Science

639 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Richard Rusczyk is one of the co-authors of the Art of Problem Solving textbooks, and author of Art of Problem Solving's Introduction to Algebra and Introduction to Geometry textbooks (Intermediate Algebra due to be published in early 2008). He is also one of the co-creators of the Mandelbrot Competition, and the Director of the USA Mathematical Talent Search. He was a participant in National MATHCOUNTS, a participant in the Math Olympiad Summer Program 1987, 1988 and 1989, the only perfect scorer on the 1989 AIME, and a USA Mathematical Olympiad winner (1989). He graduated first in his major, top 5 in his class, with a BSE from Princeton University in 1993. Richard helped inaugurate ESPN's SportsFigures program, and worked as a bond trader for D.E. Shaw & Company for four years. AoPS marks Richard's return to his vocation - educating motivated students.

Reviews

[♀ ☾ ✧ the dragon queen ✧ ☾ ♀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

my big bro gave me his copy bc he's going to london for post-grad and doesn't need it, and DAMN it changed my life lmao. maths has always been my least favourite subject (after physical ed ofc) but now,,,i dare say that,,, maths is interesting (???? shocking, right????)

[Jean-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the textbook I used to teach my 7th grader algebra this past year. Many of the chapters have corresponding video lessons starring Art of Problem Solving owner and textbook author Richard Rusczyk on the company's websites. He's very entertaining, and my son enjoyed the videos a lot. We love the Art of Problem Solving curriculum, including its Beast Academy products for grades 2 - 6. I would highly recommend their books and online resources for homeschooling mathematics.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful math book that encourages creative thinking with interesting problems and dense explanations to prove to everyone how fun math is.

[Oduro Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

If anyone has a copy kindly send it to me via this email odurohannah949@gmail.com. This book is a great book and I need it for an olympiad competition.

[Hussein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Too many fun problems.

[Lucas Bomfim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every middle and high schooler should use this book!