FCPS algebra 1 vs AoPS introduction to algebra

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I dunno, we were not impressed with AOPS. My kid took the online Algebra 1 class over the summer of 2021. The instructor taught 100% using message board, as if they were afraid that people would record their voice. Pretty bizarre. In terms of content, AOPS did not cover basic fundamentals. Instead they assumed that kids knew them and spent most of the time solving word problems. I pulled my kid out after 3 weeks of this nonsense.

There's a difference between the online AOPS classes (and their delivery) vs. the actual content of AOPS classes, including the AOPS textbooks themselves which are big in scope (and size) and can be purchased and used independently of the classes.

AOPS actually has several in person centers (just like RSM) where these classes are offered as year-long courses... there's one in Vienna for example:

https://vienna.aopsacademy.org/courses/course/catalog/algebra-1

There are also other online providers that use the AOPS approach and textbooks but teach actual live, online academic-year classes (instead of the message board approach). One is Well-Trained Mind Academy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:AoPS Introduction to Algebra includes lots of algebra 2 topics, and the problems are much more difficult than in any other introductory algebra text I've seen.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/aops-cdn.artofproblemsolving.com/products/intro-algebra/toc.pdf
https://s3.amazonaws.com/aops-cdn.artofproblemsolving.com/products/intro-algebra/exc1.pdf
https://s3.amazonaws.com/aops-cdn.artofproblemsolving.com/products/intro-algebra/exc2.pdf
https://s3.amazonaws.com/aops-cdn.artofproblemsolving.com/products/intro-algebra/exc3.pdf

Some course providers even use the second half of text for algebra 2: and 2: https://www.wtmacademy.com/course/algebra-ii-aops/

For the links provided above, is that a book that is for sale? Or is this from a class/school? The explanations for answers seemed really helpful.

I think it is this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Introduction-to-Algebra-Solutions-Manual-Pre-Owned-Paperback-193412415X-9781934124154-Richard-Rusczyk/657637568?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=1719&adid=22222222228000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-51320962143&wl5=9008131&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=131366457&wl11=online&wl12=657637568_1719&veh=sem&gbraid=0AAAAADmfBIrf66HLjQJn2lLDn6_cqddDE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiJCos-Dc_QIVTvbjBx2WzwDZEAQYBiABEgIQpPD_BwE

That is the solutions manual and not the actual book. Pretty large for an answer key, so it might serve your purposes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is the same in terms of coverage in the sense that all topics from the FCPS Algebra 1 course will be covered in the AOPS course. However, AOPS is orders of magnitude harder/deeper. Basically, in FCPS you are told these are the Vieta formulas, etc. and in AOPS you are shown how they are derived, and then you are expected to be able to apply that knowledge and understanding to solve problems.

FWIW my kid took the AOPS course while taking Alg 1 AAP/HN and we discussed exactly this difference.

Hope this helps.

No chance you'll see Vieta's in FCPS...

That caught my eye too. I don't think I've ever seen that as part of a school curriculum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:AoPS Introduction to Algebra includes lots of algebra 2 topics, and the problems are much more difficult than in any other introductory algebra text I've seen.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/aops-cdn.artofproblemsolving.com/products/intro-algebra/toc.pdf
https://s3.amazonaws.com/aops-cdn.artofproblemsolving.com/products/intro-algebra/exc1.pdf
https://s3.amazonaws.com/aops-cdn.artofproblemsolving.com/products/intro-algebra/exc2.pdf
https://s3.amazonaws.com/aops-cdn.artofproblemsolving.com/products/intro-algebra/exc3.pdf

Some course providers even use the second half of text for algebra 2: and 2: https://www.wtmacademy.com/course/algebra-ii-aops/

For the links provided above, is that a book that is for sale? Or is this from a class/school? The explanations for answers seemed really helpful.

Sorry I just saw this, you can get the text and solutions manual (I highly recommend getting both) here: https://artofproblemsolving.com/store/book/intro-algebra

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: He likes that the math at RSM is more challenging and makes him think.

More challenging than AoPS, or more challenging than school math?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I dunno, we were not impressed with AOPS. My kid took the online Algebra 1 class over the summer of 2021. The instructor taught 100% using message board, as if they were afraid that people would record their voice. Pretty bizarre. In terms of content, AOPS did not cover basic fundamentals. Instead they assumed that kids knew them and spent most of the time solving word problems. I pulled my kid out after 3 weeks of this nonsense.

There's a difference between the online AOPS classes (and their delivery) vs. the actual content of AOPS classes, including the AOPS textbooks themselves which are big in scope (and size) and can be purchased and used independently of the classes.

AOPS actually has several in person centers (just like RSM) where these classes are offered as year-long courses... there's one in Vienna for example:

https://vienna.aopsacademy.org/courses/course/catalog/algebra-1

There are also other online providers that use the AOPS approach and textbooks but teach actual live, online academic-year classes (instead of the message board approach). One is Well-Trained Mind Academy.

AoPS Academy also has virtual live "real" classes at their virtual campus. Or you can just teach from the book.