The Solution Manual for Saxon's Algebra 1 program gives the "reasoned path" to the answer, showing how the answer is found step-by-step.

The standard topics of a first-year algebra course are covered in Algebra 1. Specific topics include: arithmetic of and evaluation of expressions involving signed numbers, exponents and roots, properties of the real numbers, absolute value and equations and inequalities involving absolute value, scientific notation, unit conversions, solution of equations in one unknown and solution of simultaneous equations, the algebra of polynomials and rational expressions, word problems requiring algebra for their solution (such as uniform motion and coin problems), graphical solution of simultaneous equations, Pythagorean theorem, algebraic proofs, functions and functional notation, solution of quadratic equations via factoring and completing the square, direct and inverse variation, and exponential growth.  Every problem set contains problems asking students to compute the areas and perimeters of irregularly shaped regions and the volumes and surface areas of a wide variety of geometric solids (geometric computations).