Review the four main operations of arithmetic: addition, multiplication, subtraction and division. Find books on this subject in almost any library. These books are usually entitled something like "basic math." All of algebra's concepts rely on a solid understanding of arithmetic.
Obtain an introductory algebra text, available at almost any library, bookstore or online book retailer. Most introductory algebra texts cover the same material, so do not worry about finding the "right" text.
Plan how you will learn the material. Create an outline of what chapters you will learn in the text. To truly understand algebra, you do not need to know every concept. However, you should definitely include the following subjects in your schedule if you are to consider yourself learned in algebra: equations, inequalities, the xy coordinate plane, lines, parabolas and the basics of functions.
Read the content of the material that you plan to learn. Take notes while doing so, jotting down the information that you are likely to need to solve algebra problems.
Do the practice problems at the end of each section, quizzing yourself on the material you just learned. Go back to the chapter when stuck.
Take the review test or quiz at the end of each section covering a specific topic. If you do well on the quiz, go on to the next piece of material in your plan. Otherwise, review the chapter and try more practice problems.