Help, taking dev math

[Brandi8]

Hi,

I am enrolled in elementary algebra. Its kicking my butt. I am very weak in any kind of algebra. I can do basic math but not algebra. I am so confused. I went to tutoring and it did help but I can tell I am going to need many more sessions of tutoring. I can do the easy problems but when the problems start getting hard and long I cant figure them out.

ANyhow, I need this class because I didnt pass the tasp test yrs ago. The math section. I have not taken the accuplacer.

I dont know if I can pass this class and I am really worried. I am even considering just going for LVN instead of RN since I wouldnt have to take any algebra since the LVN is exempt from tsi requirments. The LVN does require you take the accuplacer for a pre entrance exam though. I think they just make you take a basic math for vocational nurses if you dont pass the math on that test. That would be so much easier than algebra.

I have no idea what to do and am really worried I cant make it through this algebra class.

I have heard by rumor that if you dont pass that the teachers will pass you anyways but I dont want to take that chance if they dont.

Has anyone taken Elementary algebra and thought you were not going to pass and did? I am so scared. If I drop it my other class will be dropped to so I cant really drop it unless I am willing to drop everything and just go for the LVN program.

Any advice?

THanks,

Brandi

[kristi1111]

Hi Brandi,

You are not alone. I also have had difficulties with Algebra. In high school I ended up dropping Algebra II and taking an extremely easy what was called Consumer Math class just to get my last credit in Math to get out of high school.

When I got to college (I already have a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree in another field) and was working on my Bachelor's Degree, I tested into a class at my University which was called "Prep Math." It was basically a class where they crammed Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry (which I failed the second semester of twice in high school because of the Algebra part of the Geometry.)

The first time I took Prep Math in college, I took it with other subjects and ended up dropping it because it was too much for me as well as the fact that I got a graduate student who barely spoke English as a teacher and was failing miserably.

I then decided to take it again a few semesters later by itself without any other subjects (and worked part-time.) This time I was blessed to get a really good teacher. I went in during her office hours and what our university calls a math lab for assistance. I also used Cliff notes for Algebra I and II. I did math problems constantly. I passed that class with a B. I went on to take Basic Statistics (which was required for my major at the time) along with another class the next semester and did fine (while also working part-time.)

What I guess I am trying to say is not to give up because if I had not I would not have the Bachelor and Masters Degrees that I have now. I am currently working on yet another Bachelor's Degree (in Nursing) and am doing basically the same with Chemistry as I have never had it in the past and the Algebraish stuff in it is making me nervous yet again. However, I am just approaching it as I did before and know that I will get through it because I did it before also.

In my case, in retrospect, I believe that my problem with high school Algebra and then later in college was because my high school had placed me from a regular math class (in 8th grade) to an Algebra I class (in 9th grade) without teaching me the basics of Algebra (I had gotten straight As in Math up until that point.) If I had known then what I know now I would have asked to be put in the class before it rather than Algebra I but you cannot change the past, you can just learn from it.)

I would also suggest a reference book that I found at Borders Bookstore titled Effortless Algebra. I have been referring to it for the Algebra sections of my current Basic Chemistry class I am taking and have found it very helpful. My husband who is also just returned to school after being out for awhile and has to reremember how to do Algebra has been using it also. I also have seen it mentioned by others on these message boards.

I hope that you will not give up on becoming an R.N. just because you feel that you cannot do something. I personally believe that anyone can learn anything -- you just may have to find different ways of approaching it.

Hope this helps you. Good luck.

[PurposebyDesign]

Hi Brandi

I was in the same boat last semester, I was really bad at math in school and was scared to death of algebra. It has been 8 years since I was in high school. I knew that I needed to pass and I took this class along with Biology and i had to work very hard. I studied at least 5 hrs a week,(homework not incl). I know how you feel. I also had to go to the tutors. I ended up getting an A for the class. I would say just keep doing the problems over and over until its in your head then continue on.

I know that, YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!:up:.:pumpiron:

[morningstarRN, RN]

I too was terrified of Algebra. I took elementary Algebra last quarter. Our grade was based only on six exams and a final. I was concerned right up until the end that I would not pass. I ended up with a A- and was ecstatic! This quarter I am taking Intermediate Algebra and it is going much easier for me. I think the confidence I built up from last quarter is making it better this time around. I did take advantage of the tutors, did all my assigned homework and then reworked each problem. I spent a lot of time on that class, about 3 hours a day of study time most days.

If I can do it I know you can too! :)

[mybrowneyedgirl, BSN, RN]

I think you just need the right tutor. Once you have someone who can explain it well, you will catch on. I've tutored several people in it and I've had to go to summer school once because I was not "getting it". Ask around. Someone you know might be able to spend some time with you to explain it better for you.

good luck