Pre-Algebra

Why should our students study mathematics? Some might approach this question in a very practical way, considering all the applications for it in the modern world. But according to Plato, that should not be the main reason. “In book 7 of the Republic he affirms that the students must not pursue it with an eye toward useful business as shopkeepers do. He thinks its role is much more critical. Plato believed that the study of mathematics led the mind toward pure reason and cultivated the true love of wisdom” (Clark, Kevin; Jain, Ravi Scott. The Liberal Arts Tradition).

The study of mathematics trains the brain to objectively navigate amidst the fog of relativism towards objective truth. In a fallen world, in which everything can be relativized, a mind trained to find the objective truth is much more likely to succeed in finding good reason among the foolish philosophy of our times. In Proverbs 9.10a, Solomon states that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”. If we consider Plato's statement that mathematics should lead to wisdom, we have to conclude that the study of mathematics should lead to the fear of the Lord.

This Pre-Algebra course is a preparation for the grammar stage of mathematics. Once they have learned the main operations and math tables, the students are now prepared to take the next step and apply the tools acquired to interpret the world around them. Learning about equations, operations with fractions, area, and other such subjects do not just exercise the students’ creativity but also develops abstract thinking, abilities much required in the mid stage of education.

Our course is meant to be a full year with two live meetings per week. The main areas approached by our textbook are area, percent, ratio, graphs, data analysis, order of operations, fractions, simple word problems, and algebra concepts. Students will be given weekly practice problems and periodic tests to assess their development.

Course Objectives:

1. To understand that mathematics is one of the languages God gave mankind to understand the world and dominate over creation.
2. To review basic concepts of mathematical operations.
3. To develop grammar-stage skills in the proposed subjects.
4. To develop objective thought through mathematical thinking.

Texts:

• Saxon. Algebra ½: An Incremental Development. Third Edition