Relearning Algebra

November 29, 2012 1:03 PM

I haven't done Math in approximately 5 years. How can I relearn Algebra I and II in 6 weeks?

I need to learn it well because I will be taking a Precalculus course soon. After Precalculus, I will be taking Calculus I.
The issue: I'm math challenged and this is making me anxious.

I have approximately 15 hours a week I can fully dedicate to this. I am not looking to hire a tutor and I learn better by myself.
Any tips, links and books suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I would love to find books that are detailed and provide recaps of basic concepts in each section.

posted by anonymous to education (8 answers total)

Have you given Khan academy a go? I linked to the Algebra section but there are pre-algebra courses there too if you find you need to go back a little further.
posted by brainmouse at 1:04 PM on November 29, 2012 [5 favorites]

2nding Kahn Academy.
posted by COD at 1:09 PM on November 29, 2012

The best way is to buy the textbook for Algebra I/II that your college uses and work through the syllabus for the class. Use Khan and the internet for references.
posted by zug at 1:47 PM on November 29, 2012

this book is good.
posted by facetious at 2:06 PM on November 29, 2012

I did the same thing, though I spread it out over a year. Thirding Khan Academy + an actual Algebra textbook.
posted by spinifex23 at 2:45 PM on November 29, 2012

Aleks online math might be good for you too. They do a diagnostic test at the beginning and then help with lessons and drills on your weak points after that. My students have had pretty good success with it.
posted by mjcon at 2:52 PM on November 29, 2012 [1 favorite]

I used the Math Smart series when I went back to college and found them to be very digestible and helpful. They are published by the Princeton Review and are dirt cheap on amazon (IE they are a penny each before shipping.)

Book One
Book Two


Good Luck : )
posted by MansRiot at 6:43 PM on November 29, 2012

I was going to suggest Aleks also. This is a web-based system that asks you math questions divided into various topics, and based on your answers serves up related problems. There must be instructions on how to do new kinds of problems, too.

We've used it as part of a Math Bridge program at my university, and it seems to be willing to sell you a month or so of access for relatively cheaply.

One nice feature is that it gives you lots of feedback both on what you know and what you don't, and as you work problems, if you get them wrong it will feed you more of that same problem type until you've demonstrated that you can do it.

The nice thing about this sort of program as opposed to working through a book is that gives you more tangible external validation that you're doing things right, or else a more convincing argument that you're making a mistake.
posted by leahwrenn at 7:14 PM on November 29, 2012 [1 favorite]