The unique approach of these high school homeschool lessons and teacher books has helped make Saxon Math Algebra 2 a best seller.
Click here to see sample pages. Saxon Math Algebra 2 (2nd edition) not only treat topics that are traditionally covered in second-year algebra, it covers a considerable amount of geometry. The student textbook may be purchased separately here or it also comes included with the Complete Set and with the Home Study Kit (2nd edition, 1997, 129 lessons).
Specific algebra topics covered include the following: graphical solution to simultaneous equations, scientific notation, radicals, roots of quadratic equations including complex roots, properties of the real numbers, inequalities and systems of inequalities, logarithms and antilogarithms, exponential equations, basic trigonometric functions, algebra of polynomials, vectors, polar and rectangular coordinate systems, and a wide spectrum of word problems requiring algebra to solve.
Considerable time is spent developing geometric concepts and writing proof outlines. Students completing Algebra 2 will have studied the equivalent of one semester of informal geometry.
Applications to other subjects such as physics and chemistry as well as "real-world" problems are covered including gas law, force vector, chemical mixture, percent markups, etc.
Set theory, probability and statistics, and other topics are also treated.
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Saxon Math Teaching Philosophy:
Learning need not be difficult, but neither does it happen quickly. Time is the elixir that turns things new into things familiar. Therefore, the most effective way for students to learn is through gentle development of concepts and the practice of those concepts extended over a considerable period of time. John Saxon called these methods incremental development and continual review and he applied them to mathematics and the fundamental skills of reading.
At its simplest, incremental development is the introduction of topics in easily understandable pieces (increments), permitting the assimilation of one facet of a concept before the next facet is introduced. Both facets are then practiced together until another is introduced.
The incrementalization of topics is combined with continual review, wherein all previously learned material is reviewed in every lesson for the entire year. Topics are never dropped but are instead increased in complexity and practiced every day, providing the time required for concepts to become totally familiar.
As Saxon math concepts become familiar and the requisite skills become automated, learning becomes a game at which students can succeed and through which they find satisfaction and self-worth. More importantly, the automation of fundamental skills frees students' minds to consider the Saxon math concepts on a more abstract level.
Genuine learning is demonstrated not only through the understanding of a concept, but also through the ability to apply that concept to new situations. Saxon math students do both with ease and confidence.
John Saxon - Founder of Saxon Publishers |
