Trigonometry Troubles

[xXIDaShizIXx]

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Alright this might take a while to explain so bear with me. A few semesters ago I took trigonometry with statistics, I realized I couldn't handle that much math at one time and I dropped trigonometry. I preregistered for General Chemistry I, Psychology of Learning, Psychology of Religion, and Trigonometry for a summer session. My grandfather developed lung cancer and esophageal cancer. So I dropped general chemistry and trigonometry, so I could spend time with him in the hospital (he was my father figure). But I do take full responsibility for my actions. I now have a total of 4 Ws and I cannot have anymore. I am taking trig again this semester, but they only offered it online. Once again I am struggling and I have to pass to get into general physics I. I have As in both parts of General Chemistry,General Biology, and Organic Chemistry, but math is just killing me. I made a 54 on the last test and there are no tutors for it and the teacher won't help. I am in Florence Alabama and seeing as the majority of the people around here don't even have a high school diploma, I can see why. What should I do? I have a 3.75 overall GPA right now, 100+ hours of shadowing, 4 letters of recommendation, and I am in 3 honor societies, but math is just killing me. What should I do? I really do want to get into an allopathic school. I understand that I won't get into a top tier school, that doesn't bother me, just as long as I get in one. Thank you in advance for any help! It is much appreciated.

 

[DinoSaysRawr]

http://patrickjmt.com/ This guy is great. Good luck! 🙂

 

[LifeTake2]

Find a tutor!

If you can't pass Trig, you will never do well in Physics. You need to slay this beast once & for all.

As at the school, ask on here, look online....you need to figure out what is tripping you up and get your arms around it. It sounds like you are intelligent enough; but you have to get over this hill.

Good luck.


PS: if there are specific questions or topics you are having issues with, PM me and I'll try to give you pointers.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Well I have tried and I honestly can't find tutors. The University of North Alabama only has tutors for basic algebra and statistics, I passed those though. I have emailed several tutors advertising their services online, but none have gotten back to me in weeks. I even called the local community college and I couldn't find anyone that could work around my hectic schedule or anyone that was even qualified for that matter. I am seriously worried.

 

[azerkail]

http://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/Trigonometry-basics/

this site, though slow at times, has been of great use to me. i'm in the same boat as you as well, my lack of higher level math is killing me on requirements. but trig, i know trig. feel free to pm any questions.

if its really REALLY bad, take a lighter course load and focus. physics (usually, your mileage may vary) is a lot of trig early on in kinematics, as well as in vectors for like optics and magnetism later on, with bits of plug and chug in the middle.

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

I have the exact same problem as you. I am terrible at math.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Thanks to everyone that has answered so far. I just have no idea what I'll do. I don't understand any of the problems in all honesty. I need someone in person to help, but the math professors are never in their office and have the "screw you I already have my Ph.D" attitude so I can't get that help.

 

[PantherPride]

If you can't find a tutor, do you have any friends that are willing to help you out?

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

All of my friends are either psychology, history, or sociology majors, that only took basic math. I'm pretty much the only one that will take anything above that other than statistics.

 

[aSagacious]

I'm sorry, but I have a hard time believing that your professor is unwilling or unable to help you... that's his job. Buy a solution manual for the textbook, do as many practice problems as you can get your hands on and consult your professor when you get conceptually tripped up. Simple as that.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Obviously you haven't been to Florence, Alabama. Out of about 7,000 students enrolled, only ~30% graduate. I'm sorry, I take my work seriously, if I didn't I would have just flunked out. I asked and they either weren't ever there or they gave me one example and told me to leave. We didn't even get lectures. It was pretty much a self taught class. But thanks for trying though.

 

[aSagacious]

Have you considered transferring? If this is the status quo at your current institution I think a transfer would be justified. With a 3.75 you would be in good shape for Alabama or Auburn (I think).

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

You only need to know Cos, Sin, Tan, and Tan-1 for physics 1 at least. I don't think I've used a single trig identity so far.

But yah, I actually had a similar problem, because I had forgotten the majority of trig. However I was surprised to find out that you really don't need an extremely strong background in it for physics.


Try Khan Academy & Freelance teacher on youtube.

 

[Neurosis]

I'm sorry, but I have a hard time believing that your professor is unwilling or unable to help you... that's his job.Buy a solution manual for the textbook, do as many practice problems as you can get your hands on and consult your professor when you get conceptually tripped up. Simple as that.

honestly, I'm surprised that at this statement. At my school, I would say 70% of the staff could careless about you and your grade.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Well I am currently 16 (I am serious) so that's out of the question. My local university is about 15 minutes away and its relatively cheap. The university is fully recognized and is older than Alabama or Auburn and about ~60% of the teachers are great, but the math department is full of adjuncts and 80 year olds. Believe me I would if I could, I made a 28 on my ACT and had a 3.98 high school GPA with honors, but I'm just constrained. So thats why I'm pulling my hair out.

 

[Morsetlis]

This is you.

 

[aSagacious]

honestly, I'm surprised that at this statement. At my school, I would say 70% of the staff could careless about you and your grade.

I don't think my expectations are that far off base. In my experience at two large public universities (neither of which are worth bragging about) the professors make themselves readily available or set up help rooms staffed by grad students if they are unable to make time for the students themselves.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Actually I'm a Junior - A psychology major /philosophy minor/ and a premed concentration since I started.

 

[Neurosis]

I don't think my expectations are that far off base. In my experience at two large public universities (neither of which are worth bragging about) the professors make themselves readily available or set up help rooms staffed by grad students if they are unable to make time for the students themselves.

maybe it's just my school...🙁

 

[Neurosis]

This is you.

what if you're a English/creative writing major who's a pre-med.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

what if you're a English/creative writing major who's a pre-med.

Mind = Blown.

 

[Stumpyman]

Yeah I'm not surprised by not-so-great faculty in Florence, I used to live near florence and know quite a few professors/students there, I've heard some pretty bad stories. But anyways, you should search for online videos and find others to study with (or others that can help you). I had a really similar situation, started college early (at a not very academically reputable school), had problems with math, etc. I did use tutors (but for you I guess that's not an option), and a ton of online videos.

 

[Doctor246853]

I'm sorry, but I have a hard time believing that your professor is unwilling or unable to help you... that's his job. Buy a solution manual for the textbook, do as many practice problems as you can get your hands on and consult your professor when you get conceptually tripped up. Simple as that.

Have you been living under a rock? There are plenty of professors that can care less about their students. At the college level it's pretty much self-teaching...

 

[Neurosis]

Have you been living under a rock? There are plenty of professors that can care less about their students. At the college level it's pretty much self-teaching...

that's what i said.

 

[jay2324]

im in trig at the moment and got a 98 on my first exam. If you need help, message me and ill try and help.....

 

[kpcrew]

http://www.khanacademy.org/

focus on the topics that give you trouble. this website is a really good resource and i watched several of their physics videos.

 

[centrigeugle]

This is you.

winner.

 

[xXIDaShizIXx]

Thanks to everyone who replied, I found a tutor that has had up through Cal 3. He helped a lot too. Thanks again!