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Before Prealgebra Ready for Prealgebra After Prealgebra Some Algebra 1 After Algebra 1 After Geometry After Algebra 2 After Precalculus Beyond Calculus
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Relativity

Imagine this: You can fit a 10 m pole in a barn half the size. Your twin is now 10 years older than you, but you didn't use a time machine. And no matter how fast you run, you can never reach the speed of light. How can you explain these scenarios? In this class, we use thought experiments like these and other tools to explore Einstein's theory of special relativity. We introduce Einstein's two postulates and explore the counterintuitive effects of time dilation, length contraction, and relativity of simultaneity. The class concludes with a look at spacetime diagrams and several challenging paradoxes of relativity.

6 hours
6 hours  

Schedule

Mon, Tue, Wed & Thurs
Jun 23 - Jun 26 		7:30 - 9:00
PM ET
Jun 23 - Jun 26
7:30 - 9:00 PM Eastern
6:30 - 8:00 PM Central
5:30 - 7:00 PM Mountain
4:30 - 6:00 PM Pacific
Click here to see more time zones
Noah Benjamin $145
$145
ENROLL
Sat & Sun
Dec 13 - Dec 14 		4:00 - 7:00
PM ET  –
Dec 13 - Dec 14
4:00 - 7:00 PM Eastern
3:00 - 6:00 PM Central
2:00 - 5:00 PM Mountain
1:00 - 4:00 PM Pacific
Click here to see more time zones
TBA $150
$150
ENROLL

AoPS Holidays

There are no classes July 4 ‐ 6, August 29 ‐ September 1, October 31, November 24 ‐ November 30, December 20 ‐ January 2, and May 23 ‐ 25, 2026.

Who Should Take?

This course is intended for students who have completed at least our Introduction to Algebra A or an equivalent first course in algebra. No advanced algebra techniques are used, but the experience of a second course in algebra equivalent to our Introduction to Algebra B will be useful in interpreting the mathematics used. The conceptual challenges of this course make it suitable for advanced students of any background as well. No prior background in physics or the theory of relativity is required.

Topics

1 The Principle of Relativity
2 The Speed of Light and Time Dilation
3 Length Contraction and Simultaneity
4 Paradoxes

This was the best math course I have ever taken. I have always been very strong in math and have taken many challenging courses. Intermediate Algebra challenged me at a greater level. Writing problems are the main way that Intermediate Algebra challenged me at a new level. If I had not taken this course, I never would have known the complex proof methods I have learned. The writing problems have also made me more prepared to succeed at contests like the Mandelbrot Competition and the USAMO, as I have learned proof-writing strategies. I always like to know a lot about topics, especially topics that I have a passion for, like math. Intermediate Algebra fulfilled that desire. This was also a great help for preparing for contests like the AMC 12. All in all, this was an excellent course.