ONE MATHEMATICAL CAT, PLEASE! A First Course in Algebra

This is a complete, sequenced, free course. It has randomly-generated exercises and worksheets—you'll never run out of practice. It can be used for a year-long class. Have fun with Algebra Pinball!

You're about to learn that $\,x\,$ is to mathematics as ‘cat’ is to English. Next time you see ‘$\,x\,$’, I hope you think One Mathematical Cat, Please! and laugh a bit $\ldots\,$ making mathematics a little less stressful, and a little more fun.

Cat-On-Swing

Cat-In-Hammock

How to Use This Algebra Course

(1) Decide If It Will Work For You

Read the first lesson: Expressions Versus Sentences. Hear my voice (Yep! That's me!) by clicking the audio icon next to the title. See how the text is highlighted while I read. Try both Skill Practice and Concept Practice problems. Create some worksheets—they're different every time you click.

Then, click ‘Read Section 1’ from the first column below. My entire Algebra book (37 sections) is in that first column. This shows my ‘writing voice’.

Like this short experiment? Then my course should be a good fit.

(2) Old-Fashioned Paper and Pencil

You'll want to read every word and work every problem. In order, from beginning to end. Really.

Fly through parts that are easy for you, but don't skip anything. Why? This isn't a traditional Algebra course. You'll learn the language of math while you learn algebra. There are lots of things you've never seen before. If you miss them, things won't flow.

The book has ‘active reading’ exercises—loads of them, every few paragraphs. This way, you check your understanding after tiny steps. (Of course, all solutions are included!) To learn the most, do every single exercise with old-fashioned paper and pencil.

You could print out all 37 sections (close to 400 pages), punch holes, put in a binder. But, my printed book is easier and costs less (I did the math). I worked hard to publish it in an affordable way. Then, you can do all the problems right in the book. (Plus, it supports me, for which you get my deepest gratitude 😊)

(3) Keep It Going

After you finish Algebra, you can continue with Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus, and Calculus. All the same voice. All the same style. All free. I hope you learn lots of math, and have some fun along the way!

Sections with the light green background are from the original ‘cat’ book (cat-on-swing). It was filled out to become this First Course in Algebra (which is also available as the cat-in-hammock book).