College Algebra Fall 2007

Published

Is anyone else taking College Algebra this fall? I thought that if there were several of us we could start a sticky. I always notice a lot of stickies for science classes but not so many for math. Math is definitely a tough subject for me so it would be nice to have some support.

I start August 27. Anyone else???

Well just had my first algebra class. It was pretty good.....teacher looks like Jim Carey...lol

We learned fractions, and order of operations today...brining back memories from HS! The only thing I was confused about was the adding/subtraction of fractions....

Can't wait till some of you guys take the class so we can ask for help! lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Triage, Trauma, Ambulatory Care.

I have already taken my first algebra class, the one I start in Sept. is an advanced class. I might be able to help with some questions on things I have already covered last quarter.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi, I too started a math class yesterday and I am already stressed. Let's just say that Math is not my subject! I'm so glad I found this thread!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow...so just finished my algebra homework. I get how to multiply and divide fractions..but have NO clue how to add and subtract them...I just don't get it!!

I have math again tomorrow...so hopefully that can help, and I'm also going to sign up for a math tutor...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Wow...so just finished my algebra homework. I get how to multiply and divide fractions..but have NO clue how to add and subtract them...I just don't get it!!

I have math again tomorrow...so hopefully that can help, and I'm also going to sign up for a math tutor...

I have not started my college algebra class yet but in middle school algebra (I took Algebra I in middle school and Algebra II in high school but Algebra I was the one that dealt with basic operations with fractions) I had the opposite problems. I understood adding and subtracting but had a harder time understanding multiplication and division. I would explain but its been so long since I've done it I don't want to give you a wrong explanation. Check the Math Help Links thread at the top of the page... there might be something there that can give you a proper explanation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Wow...so just finished my algebra homework. I get how to multiply and divide fractions..but have NO clue how to add and subtract them...I just don't get it!!

I have math again tomorrow...so hopefully that can help, and I'm also going to sign up for a math tutor...

You just need to make the denominator (the bottom number) the same in all the fractions. To do this, just figure an easy multiple and then multiply the top and bottom number by the multiple.

So if you have 1/2 + 1/4 you can multiply 1/2 by 2/2(which is equal to 1) and you'll end up with 2/4 then you can solve the problem 2/4 + 1/4 = 3/4.

Does that make sense?

Peace,

CuriousMe

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You just need to make the denominator (the bottom number) the same in all the fractions. To do this, just figure an easy multiple and then multiply the top and bottom number by the multiple.

So if you have 1/2 + 1/4 you can multiply 1/2 by 2/2(which is equal to 1) and you'll end up with 2/4 then you can solve the problem 2/4 + 1/4 = 3/4.

Does that make sense?

Peace,

CuriousMe

That's exactly how I was going to explain it! I'm glad I remember something. The last time I took a class that dealt deeply with fractions was middle school. My high school math classes were a joke.:uhoh3:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You just need to make the denominator (the bottom number) the same in all the fractions. To do this, just figure an easy multiple and then multiply the top and bottom number by the multiple.

So if you have 1/2 + 1/4 you can multiply 1/2 by 2/2(which is equal to 1) and you'll end up with 2/4 then you can solve the problem 2/4 + 1/4 = 3/4.

Does that make sense?

Peace,

CuriousMe

I get the idea...but I dont' understand how to find the lowest common denominator. That's what the teacher said...find the LCD, then multiply by what the times by...or something like that...but how do I find the lowest common denominator??? Hmmm.....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Triage, Trauma, Ambulatory Care.

To find the LCD you need to break it down into a product of prime factors. You can use a factor tree to lay it out if that helps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I get the idea...but I dont' understand how to find the lowest common denominator. That's what the teacher said...find the LCD, then multiply by what the times by...or something like that...but how do I find the lowest common denominator??? Hmmm.....

I found this website: http://www.mathwizz.com/fractions/help/help2.htm that seems to have a pretty easy formula for finding the LCD. I tried on a couple of problems and it seems to work. You'd just have to remember the steps. Or, on http://www.mathxp.com, there is a pdf book called Algebra Demystified. It has step by step instructions on factoring to find the LCD and has lots of practice problems.

Can you use a calculator for computation? If so, get the TI-30XII, it does fractions! (cost less than $20.00) I still use it for calculations even tho' I also use a graphing calculator. I look a right geek with the both of them laid out on my desk!!!

M

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, Psych, Education.

Went ahead and made this thread a sticky. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I got my textbook for this class yesterday and started reading it. It has really good explanations of everything so far in the first chapter which is great. My high school math books never explained ANYTHING so I had to rely on my math teachers for information and they weren't very helpful. Hopefully I will have a better experience in this class.

Those of you who have already started, how do you like it?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion