Pre-Algebra is a course usually taken by middle-school students as a prerequisite to Algebra I. Pre-Algebra familiarizes students with concepts that Algebra I looks at in more detail. Many Algebra I courses assume that students have taken some sort of Pre-Algebra course and thus do not spend a lot of time on teaching and reviewing Pre-Algebra concepts, so Pre-Algebra is highly suggested, or often required, as a prerequisite for Algebra I courses.

Pre-Algebra classes often start off by introducing students to integers and different types of numbers, including real numbers, irrational numbers, and negative numbers, as well as to the concept of absolute value and how to use a number line in representing different values. Pre-Algebra may then address operations and properties, covering the basic mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) while introducing the concept of order of operations. Students learn about the different properties governing the way in which equations are solved, including, but not limited to, the commutative and associative properties of addition and multiplication, the distributive property, the additive identity property, the additive inverse property, the multiplicative identity property, and the multiplicative inverse property. Students in Pre-Algebra are also introduced to polynomials. Pre-Algebra coursework dealing with polynomials typically focuses on adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing polynomials in order to solve them, and also stresses the power rule and product rule of exponents.

Once a Pre-Algebra class has helped students gain a good basic understanding of numbers, operations, and properties, the concepts are combined as they learn about algebraic equations. Courses first introduce one-step equations before proceeding to two-step equations. Pre-Algebra equations typically feature only one variable, as two-variable equations are not usually introduced until Algebra I, but integers, fractions, and decimals may be added to equations in order to refresh students’ understanding of these concepts and make problems more challenging. Students also learn how to write and solve equations based on word problems that have one or two unknowns.

Pre-Algebra courses also familiarize students with graphing in preparation for more advance math classes. Students learn how to work simple problems involving lines and points on the coordinate plane, as well as how to analyze information presented in the form of figures and graphs. Pre-Algebra finally introduces students to basic geometric concepts, focusing on the calculation of perimeter, area, and volume for a variety of simple two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes.

The Pre-Algebra concepts outlined above provide students with the groundwork to understand the topics discussed in later math classes like Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. For this reason, it’s important that students understand these concepts very well, because misunderstanding or lack of understanding will only cause problems that will be compounded in future courses, making those courses much more difficult than they would otherwise be. Reviewing Pre-Algebra concepts is thus a great strategy for students to ensure that their mathematical understanding is developing as needed for success in common math curricula.

Varsity Tutors’ free Pre-Algebra Practice Tests can help students review basic algebra concepts while taking Pre-Algebra courses, or they can refresh these concepts after completing Pre-Algebra. Each twelve-question, multiple-choice test offers statistics of students’ scores, including full explanations for each problem. Concepts are organized in Practice Tests, which draw from each Pre-Algebra topic and create a comprehensive review; questions can also be organized by concept, allowing students to focus just on concepts they personally do not understand. By making the most of the free Pre-Algebra resources offered by Varsity Tutors, students can study what they need to study, when they need to study it, setting themselves up for success in Pre-Algebra and more advanced math classes.