Homeschool Highschool Math (and Physics)
Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2/Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus, Physics
“Math is not made easier by watering it down;
it is made easier by explaining it clearly.”
The Math Without Borders, Inc. Home Study Companion series provides a complete high school math experience for homeschoolers by supplementing the best classic high school math textbooks (Foerster for the Algebra sequence and Chakerian, Crabill, and Stein, for Geometry) with solid teaching by an experienced teacher.
Download our Free HSC Sampler Pack with the complete first chapter of each course.
Now you can judge the quality of instruction for yourself before committing to buy.
*** CHECK OUT OUR ENTHUSIASTIC CUSTOMER REVIEWS! ***
The long awaited publisher’s solution manuals and Skills Practice workbooks (in pdf format)
are now available for Algebra 1 and Algebra 2/Trig courses. Find them on the Purchase Tab.
Are you wondering if you are ready for Algebra? Work through our revised Arithmetic Skills Checklist.
Be sure to check out our Bonus Tab, above, for some thought-provoking math topics,
such as a three part series showing how to calculate Pi with different levels of rigor.
Home Study Companion: Algebra 1
Companion to Algebra 1: Expressions, Equations, and Applications, by Paul A. Foerster
Whiteboard video lessons covering the “classroom presentation” portion of a full high school Algebra 1 course based on Algebra 1: Expressions, Equations, and Applications by Paul Foerster. The regular download also includes video solutions for all the recommended problem assignments. The publisher’s printed solution manual is now available separately in pdf format. Find it here, listed under Ancillary Materials.
Home Study Companion: Geometry
Companion to Geometry-A Guided Inquiry, by G. D. Chakerian, Calvin D. Crabill, and Sherman K. Stein
This course is laid out in a self-paced workbook format, rather than daily lessons. It includes a video introduction to each chapter, pdf solution guide, running video commentary presenting the material in the Central and Extension sections, extensive Project sections, review problems with video solution guide, and nearly 300 dynamic demonstrations using GeoGebra software designed to accompany the exceptional text, Geometry: A Guided Inquiry, by G.D. Chakerian, Calvin D. Crabill, and Sherman K. Stein. The textbook is out of print, so a free pdf copy is included with the course materials.
Review by mathmammoth.com
Home Study Companion: Algebra 2 with Trigonometry
Companion to Algebra and Trigonometry: Functions and Applications, by Paul A. Foerster
Whiteboard video lessons covering the “classroom presentation” portion of a full high school Algebra 2 course based on Algebra and Trigonometry: Functions and Applications by Paul Foerster. The regular download also includes video solutions for all the recommended problem assignments. The publisher’s printed solution manual is now available separately in pdf format. Find it here, listed under Ancillary Materials.
Purchase HSC Algebra 2 / Trigonometry
(Here and here are two more Algebra 2 videos (from chapter 4) demonstrating how to use a spreadsheet to solve systems of 3 (or 5) equations for 3 (or 5) unknowns. The same method can be applied to problems requiring even more variables. Solving large systems of equations is common in circuit analysis in electronics. Educationally, learning how to program the solutions is an excellent way to learn the solution methods while not becoming overwhelmed by busywork. When you’re done, you also have a tool you can save and use later.
Home Study Companion: Precalculus
Companion to Precalculus with Trigonometry: Concepts and Applications, by Paul A. Foerster
Whiteboard video lessons covering the “classroom presentation” portion of a full high school Precalculus course based on Precalculus with Trigonometry: Concepts and Applications by Paul Foerster. The regular download also includes video solutions for all the recommended problem assignments.
Home Study Companion: Calculus
Companion to Calculus Concepts and Applications, by Paul A. Foerster
Whiteboard video lessons covering the “classroom presentation” portion of a full year Calculus course based on Calculus: Concepts and Applications by Paul Foerster. The regular download also includes video solutions for all the recommended problem assignments.
Chapter 5-03: Formal Definition of Antiderivative and Indefinite Integral |
Home Study Companion: Physics
Math Without Borders is pleased to introduce a complete high school level non-calculus physics course. The new course includes video lectures, problem solving demonstrations, and lots of physics labs (structured as “projects”). The course will make use of data gathering and analysis tools, such as PocketLab sensors, video analysis using Tracker, data analysis with spreadsheets, graphical analysis with GeoGebra, and the free HP42s scientific calculator simulator (for phones and computer) called Free42.
(About the Math Without Borders, Inc., “Golden Logo”)
The challenge facing homeschool students and adults studying mathematics at home is that mathematics textbooks are not designed to be used alone. A lot goes on in a good math class besides reading the text and doing problem sets. Textbooks are designed to be taught by an experienced teacher. A good teacher should be able to:
- give an overview of the subject to “put the text in context.”
- model the thinking skills and strategies that go into analysis and problem solving.
- illustrate, demonstrate, and clarify (as well as prove) the underlying concepts.
- point out links between different parts of the subject and applications beyond what is in the text.
Rather than start from scratch with yet another textbook, I decided to start with the best existing textbooks (selected based on 35 years of teaching experience) and provide the kinds of additional support for home study students that a good teacher would provide in a classroom.
I am frequently asked about testing and assessment issues. Here is an essay I published in Homeschool Magazine on that subject: Assessment and Grading for Homeschoolers.
For an online “crowd-sourced” solution guide to some of these, and many other textbooks, see Slader.com.