Algebra STRESS and HELP!!

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CT Pixie, BSN, RN

3,723 Posts

Thanks for your reply. I will check out that site. Right now I am struggling with things that look like this:

5 - 1/15x = 1/10x

I already emailed my professor w/ this type of problem as I have been doing pretty good these past few days w/ the fractions in algebra BUT this problem and ones like it throw me off when they start w/ a whole number. :confused:

You want to isolate the number (with no letter) from the ones with the letters..in order to do that you need to do the opposite of what it says..it says minus 1/15x..so you would add 1/15x to both sides..that would leave 5=1/10x + 1/15x. Then work the problem from there.

digoe74

110 Posts

You want to isolate the number (with no letter) from the ones with the letters..in order to do that you need to do the opposite of what it says..it says minus 1/15x..so you would add 1/15x to both sides..that would leave 5=1/10x + 1/15x. Then work the problem from there.

Thank you! The answer is 30 or -30 I don't remember now... I tried to do it and STILL got it wrong I know I'm doing something silly wrong (prof. has pointed out I'm just making minor mistakes) but I ended up with 5 as the answer. I work in a program called mathxl.com and when you get an answer wrong twice the system changes the problem and gives you the answer to the problem you were working on...so that's how I know my answer is wrong. I will go over it tomorrow w/ the prof. -- thankfully she is VERY helpful! :)

considering how hard math is for me a/o right now I have an 80 average (good for me in math) so I will just keep plugging along! ;)

thanks again!

CT Pixie, BSN, RN

3,723 Posts

Thank you! The answer is 30 or -30 I don't remember now... I tried to do it and STILL got it wrong I know I'm doing something silly wrong (prof. has pointed out I'm just making minor mistakes) but I ended up with 5 as the answer. I work in a program called mathxl.com and when you get an answer wrong twice the system changes the problem and gives you the answer to the problem you were working on...so that's how I know my answer is wrong. I will go over it tomorrow w/ the prof. -- thankfully she is VERY helpful! :)

considering how hard math is for me a/o right now I have an 80 average (good for me in math) so I will just keep plugging along! ;)

thanks again!

I'm coming out with 30 as the answer (not 100% sure it correct) but..like I said, you need to get the 5 by itself which we did so then we had 5= 1/10x + 1/15x. so now you want to get a common denominator (which would be 30) so it would become 5=3/30x + 2/30x which comes to 5=5/30x (reduce that down to 1/6x). Again you want to isolate X you need to do the opposite of what its stating..it says 1 divided by 6 so you now need to multiply to cancel it out. Comes to 5/1 times 6/1=x you end up with 30=x

digoe74

110 Posts

I'm coming out with 30 as the answer (not 100% sure it correct) but..like I said, you need to get the 5 by itself which we did so then we had 5= 1/10x + 1/15x. so now you want to get a common denominator (which would be 30) so it would become 5=3/30x + 2/30x which comes to 5=5/30x (reduce that down to 1/6x). Again you want to isolate X you need to do the opposite of what its stating..it says 1 divided by 6 so you now need to multiply to cancel it out. Comes to 5/1 times 6/1=x you end up with 30=x

Yep yep! It was 30. the professor when over those types of problems today (starting w/ a whole number) and now I'm totally clear! thanks so much for taking the time to help me! :D

CT Pixie, BSN, RN

3,723 Posts

No problem. I hope I helped clear it up a little.

Specializes in Med/ Surg/ Telemetry, Public Health.

I am currently taking math 110 college algebra. Got a A in pre alg and intermed alg. What I do is rewrite my lecture note problems over a gazillion of times for practice, the key here is knowing what to do and how to work the problem. Do all your homework, you must force yourself. Also I get tutoring right before a test to clarify any problems I can't quite grasp. Know your teachers teaching style not all teachers teach alike. I almost forgot I practice problems everyday every chance I get. I am not a math person believe me I always hated it scored low on the compass test so I had to start at the bottom of the math scale. One thing I keep telling my self you have to keep your eyes on the prize and pass because this is your only way into nursing school. One more thing if I don't understand how to work a problem my tutor may show me a different way to work the problem where it sticks in my brain because some of the problems can be worked out different ways. Good luck I wish you the best.:twocents:

Anne36, LPN

1,361 Posts

I understand how hard it is to take a summer math class. I also took my Algebra in an 8 week summer course. It was 2 nights a week for 4 hours each and an exam about every week. I dont know how I did it, but I got an A. Its a lot of commitment but the good part is it doesnt last long! The downside is that I hardly remember any of it. So far we have not had to do anything mind blowing or for that matter anything much over pre-algebra for our dosage calculations.

bigboi

135 Posts

Yaymath.org

myty

6 Posts

Hi Digoe74,

It sound like you're in the same situation that I'm in. I just went back to school after 20+ years and decided to take algebra and phed 1101 online for the summer semester, thinking that because math was always my strength many years ago, I wouldn't have a problem with it. Well, Let me tell you....There is an assignment due everyday that takes me 3 hours at minimum to complete. I even said to my husband that this can't be normal, because for the first week & second week of class I found myself consumed for up to 8 hours studying, taking notes, constantly reviewing to make sure that I comprehend before moving on. My instructor then explained that the summer course is typically a 12 week course condensed to 6 weeks....so, basically- "We are taking a crash course!" My husband is a statistics professor and gave me a few options that I should consider which I will give to you; opt 1, you can withdraw and retake the class in the fall....opt 2, try to tough it out and get tutoring everyday if need be. Fortunate for me, I comprehend the work but I just spend too much time taking notes and reviewing. It also helps to have somewhat of a descent professor. Not everyone can teach an online course. In the future, take the time out to review the ratings of your professor prior to taking the class: go to ratemyprofessor.com; I've selected both my professors through this site and am very pleased with my choices.

I hope this helped. Good luck! Don't rush it. I know you're probably anxious to begin nursing school but you have to pace yourself and not take on more than you can handle. What do you call a nursing student who graduates last in her class? "Registered Nurse":nurse:

All the best!

digoe74

110 Posts

Hi Digoe74,

It sound like you're in the same situation that I'm in. I just went back to school after 20+ years and decided to take algebra and phed 1101 online for the summer semester, thinking that because math was always my strength many years ago, I wouldn't have a problem with it. Well, Let me tell you....There is an assignment due everyday that takes me 3 hours at minimum to complete. I even said to my husband that this can't be normal, because for the first week & second week of class I found myself consumed for up to 8 hours studying, taking notes, constantly reviewing to make sure that I comprehend before moving on. My instructor then explained that the summer course is typically a 12 week course condensed to 6 weeks....so, basically- "We are taking a crash course!" My husband is a statistics professor and gave me a few options that I should consider which I will give to you; opt 1, you can withdraw and retake the class in the fall....opt 2, try to tough it out and get tutoring everyday if need be. Fortunate for me, I comprehend the work but I just spend too much time taking notes and reviewing. It also helps to have somewhat of a descent professor. Not everyone can teach an online course. In the future, take the time out to review the ratings of your professor prior to taking the class: go to ratemyprofessor.com; I've selected both my professors through this site and am very pleased with my choices.

I hope this helped. Good luck! Don't rush it. I know you're probably anxious to begin nursing school but you have to pace yourself and not take on more than you can handle. What do you call a nursing student who graduates last in her class? "Registered Nurse":nurse:

All the best!

Hi there!

Thanks for responding. Yes, this class is VERY fast-paced. We learn a new topic and then are tested on it the next day. My class only runs 5 weeks and today began week three! I spend 3 hours in class, 4 days per week and THEN I have anywhere (depending on how confused I am with the topic) from 2 - 4 hours of studying/homework to do. It's intense... to say the least! I am going to try to tough it out. I do have the option of taking it again in the next summer session which starts in July (should I fail this one) but hopefully I will not have to do that. I did check out my professor at ratemyprofessor.com and she has mixed reviews -- I have to say that so far -- I like her. She is very fair and seems to have unlimited patience. So, we shall see! Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Thanks again and good luck to you as well!! :D

digoe

myty

6 Posts

Thanks Digo! Btw, it helps also to go back to basics. There must be something that you missed or didn't get earlier on in the semester that you need to review and re review. My issue was dividing/multiply fractions with whole numbers. Once I went back to review it, everything else after that was so much clearer. Give it a try!

Myty

digoe74

110 Posts

Thanks Digo! Btw, it helps also to go back to basics. There must be something that you missed or didn't get earlier on in the semester that you need to review and re review. My issue was dividing/multiply fractions with whole numbers. Once I went back to review it, everything else after that was so much clearer. Give it a try!

Myty

yes, fractions in general tend to intimidate me. But when dividing/multiplying fractions w/ whole numbers my current prof suggested turning them into improper fractions first -- which helped me A LOT!

Thanks, you are correct there are some things that I need to review. Unlike you, math has NEVER been a strong point for me (your are lucky!) :D Sometimes I feel like I am missing a part of my brain bc I remember things long enough to take a test and then I forget them! Sigh....

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