Math study tips?

[Scullery Maid]

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This fall I am taking college algebra, statistics, and intro to inorganic chemistry (NOT general chemistry, when I transfer to university I need either to take a placement test or this series as a prerequisite for Gen Chem.) And a liberal arts course, I am doing all the general ed and prereqs for a science major at the CC to save money, so when I transfer I only have the major requirements and premed courses to take.

This is the first semester I will be full time, due to other obligations I've taken 1-2 classes a semester. It's easy to do well and manage time with 2 courses. But 4, and probably involve a lot of work doing problems, I am panicking. 😱

Help? I haven't taken a math course in a year, so I've been watching Khan Academy videos to review every night. I would greatly appreciate any tips. TIA.

 

[ChE04]

In my experience there really is no shortcut to learning math, be it algebra or differential equations: there's only one way to get good, and that's do plenty of practice problems.

 

[Tsukiyo]

Go online and in book stores and find as MANY worksheets with answers that you can on the material you're working on said week. That extra practice will burn the methods well into your brain.

Having been mostly a math tutor, I noticed students that failed certain tests they had to pass to pass the class would ONLY practice with me an hour or two before their test. They dug their own grave without studying enough.

So yes, lots of pratice. Buying one book with answers at Barnes and Noble can help, too. (A for dummies WORKBOOK on the subject, not regular book, is also useful for easy-mid range problems and they run $20-$25.)

 

[TriagePreMed]

Here's a tip: don't apply to schools that require math.

 

[Scullery Maid]

College Algebra or higher is a requirement for most science classes at the local universities. And since I live in a state with several nearby medical schools, I am not going to limit myself. 😉

 

[CrushMCAT]

As mentioned, practice. Some of the Schaum's Outlines books can be helpful. Just check Amazon and see the reviews.

Also, if your text has a solutions manual, those can sometimes be helpful because they'll walk you through a solution. My advice is if you use a solutions manual, don't resort to it unless you're absolutely stuck on a problem.

 

[drdan83]

From my experience let me tell you, don't take any shortcuts with math.

I failed math throughout HS and the first part of college. Only then did I come to the conclusion that if you want to succeed in math and you are behind, you have to take the "long route" to finally succeed.

I bought five math textbooks and just decided to bang each book out.

I am using the McDougall-Litell series. "Algebra Structure and Method book 1+2" and "Geometry"

I am using Trigonometry by McKeague and Pre-Calculus by Stephens

Also I found the website called "Mathtutordvd.com" I bought most of their titles up to physics 1 and it has helped me out tremendously and the instructor is really cool and VERY easy to understand.

Khan Academy is nice but Sal's voice is annoying and I still think the website is sloppy. I use the mathtutordvd and khanacademy hand-in-hand though.

In the Algebra structure and method book I found that if I were to skip just one section, I would be lost for the rest of the book. Just invest the time and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are well prepared in math. It will boost your confidence tremendously.

One-on-one math tutoring is, in my opinion, a waste of time and money if you are trying to learn the math. Tutor's are great for review and to reinforce some concepts that you may be unfamiliar with.

 

[Scullery Maid]

I find Sal's voice rather soothing. I think I need to get of the house more though so my opinion could be off.

 

[Damia]

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[jsp132]

do problems even those that aren't assigned thats the only way you can do well imo

esp with calculus gets you accustomed to how to do problems like derivatives etc

granted you also need a good teacher who explains things well etc

 

[MCAT guy]

Here's a tip: don't apply to schools that require math.

Actually, doing well in math taught me some of my best study skills and thinking skills.

Don't go the easy road. Accept an achievable challenge and overcome.

 

[spctle342]

Maybe this is too obvious a suggestion to be helpful, but if your classes don't start until the fall and you're worried about not being able to keep up with the courseload, have you considered ordering your textbooks early and working your way through them this summer?

Prior to last semester, I hadn't taken a math course in nearly ten years. I took two statistics courses in the spring and aced both of them. I stupidly postponed taking college algebra until my final semester (this coming fall). I bought the book months ago (and the solutions manual that provides the answers for odd-numbered problems). I've been forcing myself to set aside time each night to work through one section, and review my answers until the questions I miss are second nature.

 

[Scullery Maid]

I am taking Intermediate Algebra this summer. It's a prereq for College Algebra, and to the RT program.

I did find some free college algebra and Precalc texts online, I am on my iPod so I can't link, but between the Khan videos and cherry picking out of the textbooks I've made some decent progress. Thanks y'all. 🙂

 

[mafunk]

Here's a tip: don't apply to schools that require math.

I agree - if you don't like math don't apply to school that require it. In my experience, many do not.

In terms of Gen Chem - it requires very basic math skills. Honesty you can learns these on your own. Good luck to you.