Post 0: Summer Algebra Series - Are You Ready?
- qian58
- Jul 5
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Are you taking algebra in the fall? The good news is, you have probably already used it before:
If one game item does more damage but another takes less time to reload, which one is actually better?
If a hoodie is “30% off” but shipping gets added at the end, is it still a good deal?
If someone says one player is better because they scored more points, what happens when you compare minutes played, games missed, or shots taken?
That’s what algebra can be used for: finding missing numbers, comparing things fairly, and backing up your arguments.
One thing that can make algebra harder is that one small step can send the whole thing off course, even when you actually had the right ideas all along.
That’s where Sage comes in.
Sage is a dog who has been transported to an alternate dimension where math can affect the world around Sage. It can create bridges, flip rooms upside down, and even control strange creatures. Sage will need math in order to make it home and find out what happened to Theo. The problem is, they are still only almost good at math.
Before you start, take the readiness check. It will show you which topics are worth reviewing and which ones you can skip, so you don’t waste time practicing things you already know. Then, use your results to go into the right posts.
Are you ready for Algebra? (Prealgebra topics)
Unlike a regular worksheet, you'll be able to use moment.of.math scratcphads to correct Sage's mistakes easily.
Watch: type a step and moment.of.math checks it instantly. Green means you're on track. Red means something is off.
Once you feel solid on the prealgebra topics above, you're ready to start on the real algebra below.
Algebra topics
Sage's Story
Sage is a curious dog who lives in a middle school. He particularly enjoying hanging around the math hallway, where the an algebra student named Theo usually has a treat for Sage. Sage has overheard heard many math lessons, but has never really mastered any of the concepts. At this point, he isn't really sure if he can do math, even though he is a very smart dog.
One day, Theo didn't show up for class, so Sage went to look for him. As he scouered the halls, Sage thought that he heard crying coming from one of the closets. Sage hooked his paw over the door handle to open the door, but found that the closet was empty. As he was walking out of the closet, he thought that he heard a faint crackle. Walking down the hallway, Sage saw a huge crack along the side of the wall, bursting with energy.
Then the crack opened.
A second later, Sage was pulled through and lands in a world full of surreal delights. Sage sees a majestic school with amazing architecture in a deep valley with towering waterfalls. Sage wanders through the thick foliage taking in all the new and amazing smells before entering the open door of the school.
At this point, Sage has no idea of the adventure in store. In this world, algebra can affect the world around Sage. It can create bridges, flip rooms upside down, and even control strange creatures. Sage will need math in order to make it home and find out what happened to Theo. The problem is, they are still only almost good at math. They usually understand the big idea, and get most of the problem right. But then, one tiny mistake sends them off track.
This is where you come in! Your job is to help catch Sage's mistakes.
In this series, you’ll help Sage get ready for algebra. Each post gives you one skill to brush up on, a few traps to watch for, and some of Sage’s work to inspect. By fixing it, you’ll help them move forward.
Catch your algebra mistakes before they cost you
The scratchpad in this guide runs on moment.of.math — a free Chrome extension that checks your algebra line by line, on any problem. It can generate new variations problems, so you can get as much practice as you need. On many homework sites, it automatically detects the math on the page, so you don't have to copy anything over. Try it on tonight's homework.
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