Algebra without fear

Algebra without fear is a free learning path on Breni. It runs to 6 courses. It starts at beginner level. You finish able to manipulate fractions and negative numbers without second-guessing your calculations. You finish able to simplify expressions involving exponents and square roots intuitively.

  • 6 courses
  • 20 learning objectives
  • Level: beginner
  • Language: English
  • Price: Free

What you will be able to do

  • Manipulate fractions and negative numbers without second-guessing your calculations.
  • Simplify expressions involving exponents and square roots intuitively.
  • Isolate variables to solve linear equations step-by-step.
  • Translate word problems and practical formulas into solvable algebraic statements.

Full curriculum

Part 1 · Foundations of Number Sense

1. Fraction and Decimal Fluency: Making Peace with Parts of Wholes

I freeze up whenever I see a fraction or a decimal — I want to handle them as easily as whole numbers.

  • — Seeing the Hidden Whole
    See how fractions and decimals are just parts of things you know, like food and money.
    • What is a Part?
    • Decimals All Around Us
    • Beating the Freeze
  • — Decoding the Names
    Read the top and bottom numbers of a fraction like a clear instruction guide.
    • The Bottom Boss
    • The Top Traveler
    • The Decimal Place Value Map
  • — Changing Costumes
    Find out how the same amount can change between fractions and decimals.
    • Same Amount, Different Look
    • Fractions to Decimals Made Easy
    • Cleaning Up and Simplifying
  • — Comparing Sizes
    Look at two different fractions or decimals and know which one is bigger.
    • Benchmark Fractions
    • Finding Common Ground
    • Decimal Power Match
  • — Teamwork: Adding and Subtracting
    Combine and separate fractions and decimals smoothly by following straightforward, reliable rules.
    • Same Bottom, Smooth Sailing
    • Building Same Bottom Numbers
    • Lining Up Decimals
  • — Scaling Up: Multiplying and Dividing
    Learn how to grow or shrink fractions and decimals without matching bottoms.
    • Straight Across Times Math
    • The Flip Trick for Division
    • Multiplying and Dividing Decimals
  • — Real Life Math and Algebra Prep
    Use your new fraction skills for recipes, shopping, and early algebra.
    • Recipe and Budget Scaling
    • Clearing the Path for Algebra

2. Signed numbers and order of operations — mastering the rules of engagement

I get confused by negative signs and brackets and always mess up the order of calculations — I want a foolproof way to sequence my steps.

Part 2 · Powers and Expressions

3. Exponents and roots — scaling numbers up and down

Powers and square roots look like a foreign language to me — I want to understand what they actually mean.

4. Algebraic shorthand — replacing missing numbers with letters

Letters mixed with numbers make me panic — I want to see variables as friendly placeholders instead of terrifying unknowns.

Part 3 · Equations and Real-World Formulas

5. The balance scale — solving simple linear equations

Solving for x feels like guessing games — I want a clear, reliable method to isolate variables every time.

6. Formula translation — turning real-world problems into math you can solve

I want to take a real-world formula, plug in what I know, and calculate what I need without second-guessing myself.

Sample: Fraction and Decimal Fluency: Making Peace with Parts of Wholes

The opening tier, (Seeing the Hidden Whole). See how fractions and decimals are just parts of things you know, like food and money.

What is a Part?

Learn how cutting one object into equal parts makes fractions less than one.

Decimals All Around Us

Connect decimals to money, where each cent is a small part of a whole dollar.

Beating the Freeze

Stay calm when you see split numbers and view them as helpful tools.

Questions about Algebra without fear

What will I be able to do after this Algebra without fear path?

Manipulate fractions and negative numbers without second-guessing your calculations. Simplify expressions involving exponents and square roots intuitively. Isolate variables to solve linear equations step-by-step.

What does the Algebra without fear curriculum cover?

The path is 6 courses, starting with Fraction and Decimal Fluency: Making Peace with Parts of Wholes and ending with Formula translation — turning real-world problems into math you can solve. Each course is graded across 7 tiers, from to .

How long does the Algebra without fear path take?

About 6 courses at a steady pace, across 6 courses. It is self-paced, so you can go faster or slower.

Do I need experience before starting Algebra without fear?

The path is pitched at beginner level. The first course opens with: I freeze up whenever I see a fraction or a decimal — I want to handle them as easily as whole numbers.

Is the Algebra without fear path free?

Yes. All 6 courses are free in the Breni app on Android and iOS, with no trial limit.

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