Algebra!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

gypsigirl · Jun 1, 2002

Algebra......just the word alone used to make me break out in a cold sweat. During a test I have been known to start trembling so badly that I could hardly hold my pencil. When I decided to go to school, I started part time, just a class or two a semester. Then full time, but put algebra off until the very last possible minute. I was terrified. Also been out of school many years and had no algebra in school 20+ years ago. But I bit the bullet so to speak and have been through pre-algebra and beg-algebra. Will take intermediate this fall and college algebra in the spring. I have been fortunate enough to find a truly wonderful teacher that I will have for the next two semesters and that helps greatly. But it is tough. I have a 4.0 in my almost 100 other class hours. But with determination, prayer, lots of studying, prayer, repetition and more prayer, I am even looking forward to my next semester.

I used to have fantasies about winning the lottery and making a sizable donation to the college and "buy" my passing grade. ha

But I can do it, and so can you. Get help, take advantage of the free tutoring centers on campas. Ask about what teachers to avoid and what teachers are willing to spend time helping you.

Eat healthy and exercise, you will think more clearly.

Best of luck to you.

allthingsbright · Jun 2, 2002

Two books that have REALLY helped me are "Algerbra for Dummies" and "Forgotten Algerbra: A self-teaching refresher course." I have also been out of school for over 10 yrs, and these gave me a jumpstart for my entrance tests and for my upcoming classes. GL! :)

CharyM · Jun 4, 2002

NursesHN. I understand where you are coming from. I just passed my Algebra class and I could not wait until I did!! YOu can do it!! believe me!! There were times when I would get so frustrurated and disgusted because I couldn't understand it! But my instructor was great! She helped me and tutored me!! I took my time, and kept trying. Several times I wanted to give up! But I couldn't. Not only did I take ALgebra but I took 2 science classes that were tough A&P and Chem with it. So if you can just take Algebra by itself. I am not a very young student either and I was out of school for about 14 yrs. before I decided to go back. So again I understand. My suggestion to you is find an excellent teacher, pray, study, ask lot's of questions(even if you think it is not a good one) because believe me somone else is thinking the same thing you are! and ask for alot of help if you need it. And with that my dear I can gurantee you as long as you put your trust in GOD you will pass! I did!! Good Luck and if you ever need moral support just email me o.k.

jschut, BSN, RN · Jun 4, 2002

I had to take Algebra twice. But that kind of worked for me, cause now I understand it....a little...

Anyway! Best of luck to you! You can do it! I like the ideas of the books to get. My textbook had explanations, but I just didn't get them! And, I visited the tutoring lab alot!

Julie

RNbeach, ASN, RN · Jun 4, 2002

I hate ALGEBRA TOO!!!! I am taking it right now... during a summer 5 week.... and then taking Algebra II right after it!

Math.com. has helped me and the school tutor. I am constantly practicing the math quizez in my text book nightly. It does help.

Just remember this... at least it's what's helping me get through.

PRAY! and "C's Get Degrees" I keep telling myself that over and over again when it comes to my math classes!

Brenda

RNIAM, BSN, RN · Jun 7, 2002

Just hang in there. It is a tough subject for some but you can do it. If I can ,anyone can. I was a solid C student all the way through. Keep on going!

ruffhouser · Jun 9, 2002

Cheer up! There is hope! While in high school, I did terribly in math. My highest grade in algebra was a D. I so wanted to be a nurse, but didn't go after my dream because of the math anxiety thing. I got comfortable with a calculator and did mortgage banking instead. Nursing kept calling to me and I went to the community college and bit the math bullet. I had been out of school for about 20 years at that time. I tested and had a choice of studying and going into a beginning algebra class or taking the next lower class. I went for the next lower class as I felt more comfortable with that. I was amazed at how well I did. After the first math success in my life, I went on and took care of all of my other math, including college and statistics. I got A's on them all. Maybe it just took the aging process for me. After a while, I looked it as more of a puzzle than a problem. There will always be help available to you if you seek it out. Good Luch

Lisa2902 · Jun 11, 2002

When I had to take the college level algebra placement test I used a book call "Math Smart" by the Princeton Review ($9.00 at the mall bookstore). I had never taken Algebra in high school, only general math, and I only had a basic (very basic) understanding of algebra. "Math Smart" was a great help. It was very easy to understand and went through everything I needed to know step-by-step. And, by the way, I passed the test! I also purchased "Algebra For Dummies" ($20.00 at the mall bookstore)and I thought you had to be a rocket scientist to understand it. It jumped around to much.