WHAT IS THE BASIC DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MATH 87 – AND – ALGEBRA ½?
There appear to be varying explanations regarding whether a student should use Math 87 or algebra ½ after completing the third or fourth edition of John Saxon’s Math 76 textbook. Let me see if I can shed some light on the best way to determine which one, or when both, should be used.
First, whenever I discuss the Math 76 textbook in this article, I am talking about the third or fourth editions of that book. I am not talking about the old first or second editions of John’s Math 76 books. These two older editions have been out of print for almost fifteen years now and their content, while acceptable at the time, would not now enable a math student to proceed successfully through either the second or third editions of Math 87 or the newer third edition of Algebra ½.
Second, whenever I discuss using the Math 87 textbook, I am talking about either the second or third editions of that book and not the older first edition which has also been out of print for more than a decade. Let me assure you that, except for the new soft cover, the addition of a solutions manual, and the varied numbering of the pages, there is absolutely no difference between the 120 lessons and the 12 Investigations of the hard cover second edition of Math 87 and the new soft cover third edition of Math 87. Oh yes, the new third edition has added a TOPIC A at the end of the book (after Investigation 12) dealing with Roman Numerals and Base 2. And even though the marketing folks have added the word “Prealgebra” under the cover title of the soft cover third edition textbook, these two additional topics, while interesting and nice to know, are not pre-algebra material and will not create any shortfall in either Algebra 1 or even later in Algebra 2.
Both the Math 87 and Algebra ½ courses prepare the student for the Algebra 1 course. The main difference between using the Math 87 and the Algebra ½ books depends upon the student’s success in the Math 76 textbook. The Math 87 book starts out a little slower than the Algebra ½ book does because it assumes the student needs the additional review resulting from the student encountering difficulty in the latter half of the Math 76, textbook. Also, If you were to open to any lesson in the Algebra ½ textbook, you would immediately notice that the “Warm-Up’ box common in Math 54 through Math 87, is noticeably absent in the Algebra ½ textbooks.
If there exists a math savvy student of John Saxon’s Math 76 textbook, who received test grades of 80-85 or better on the last five tests in Math 76 (50 – 55 minute test period, no calculator, and no partial credit), then that student would be more challenged and, from my teaching experience, much better off in the Algebra ½ book. However, if his last five test scores are below 80, then from my experiences, that indicates that student should proceed to Math 87, and upon completion of that book, if his or her last five tests are now 80 or better (minimal mastery), then that student can easily skip Algebra ½ and go on to success in Algebra 1.
If however, a student encounters difficulty going through both Math 76 and Math 87, then proceeding through the Algebra ½ textbook before attempting Algebra 1 will allow the student to regain his confidence. Doing so will further ensure the student has mastered a solid conceptual base for success in any algebra one course.
Students will fail an Algebra 1 course if they have not mastered fractions, decimals and percents which are emphasized before the student reaches that course. I realize that not every child will fit neatly into a specific mold; however, John Saxon’s Math 76, Math 87, and Algebra ½ series allows the Saxon Homeschool Educator sufficient flexibility to satisfy every student’s needs, and to ensure the students’ success in any algebra one course.
I realize that not every student is alike. Should you therefore encounter a situation not clearly described in this news article, please feel free to email or call (580) 234-0064 (CST) and I will do my best to assist you in resolving the issue facing your child.
Have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year