📊 Algebra Refresher

Essential Algebra Skills for Physics

Master the algebraic tools you'll need every single week of Physics 101 — solving equations, manipulating formulas, and working with variables.

🚀 Start Algebra Review

Course Description

Target: Students preparing for introductory physics who need to brush up on algebra.

Pace: Self-paced — spend more time on topics that feel rusty.

Prerequisites: Basic arithmetic (fractions, decimals, exponents, order of operations).

💡 Why Algebra Matters in Physics: Physics is essentially "algebra with a story." Every formula — F=ma, v=d/t, E=mc² — is an algebraic relationship. If you can't confidently solve for any variable in an equation, physics will feel like magic instead of logic.

📅 Algebra Syllabus (8 Lessons)

Lesson Topic Core Skill
1Variables & ExpressionsTranslating words to algebra, evaluating expressions
2Solving Linear EquationsOne-step, two-step, multi-step, variables on both sides
3Formula Manipulation (Literal Equations)Solving for any variable — the #1 physics skill
4Systems of EquationsSubstitution, elimination — solving 2×2 systems
5Quadratic EquationsFactoring, quadratic formula, projectile motion prep
6Exponents & RadicalsPower rules, scientific notation, simplifying roots
7Proportions & VariationDirect/inverse variation, scaling laws in physics
8Dimensional Analysis & Unit AlgebraTreating units like variables — catching errors before they happen

🎯 How to Use This Review

  1. Take the diagnostic: Try the practice problems at the end of each lesson first.
  2. If you nail it: Move on — you've got this topic down.
  3. If you struggle: Read the lesson, watch the worked examples, then re-do the problems.
  4. Focus on Lesson 3 & 8: Formula manipulation and dimensional analysis are used in every single physics lesson.
🚀 Begin Lesson 1: Variables & Expressions