Math Disability

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I am having trouble with my algebra class. I know that people may do well in one area and not so well in other areas, however, I feel that in my struggles with algebra, it goes way beyond what the normal person struggles with. I think it all goes back to high school when I was diagnosed with having a math disabitlity. Today I had to withdrawl from my alegebra class because I simply do not understand it. The nursing advisor asked me that since I am struggling with algebra, then how am I going to make it through nutrition and chemistry. No matter how many times algebra is explained to me, I just don't get it. Is this the end for me??

College Algebra is a requirement for my RN program, but I haven't had a Math class in yrs, So this summer I am taking College Math and Intermediate Algebra to prepare for College Alg in the fall. I think you look at websites that are geared towards explaining math to children. They break it down in parts, so its really good for adults too.Just like the previous poster you have to have a foundation before you can build on it. Don't stress out and take your time.

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.
College Algebra is a requirement for my RN program, but I haven't had a Math class in yrs, So this summer I am taking College Math and Intermediate Algebra to prepare for College Alg in the fall. I think you look at websites that are geared towards explaining math to children. They break it down in parts, so its really good for adults too.Just like the previous poster you have to have a foundation before you can build on it. Don't stress out and take your time.

This is exactly what I did and the internet is what got me through the class.

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.
What equations are you referring to specifically?

I sold my Chemistry book when I was done with the class so I cannot give you specific examples, and that has been 3 years ago, but 80% of our exams were math, not theory.

The theory of Chemistry, granted, is not difficult, but our professor was a Chemical Engineer for 50 years and taught in his retirement...the math was a huge part of our exams and was the #1 reason so many were failing the class...and many of these students got A's in algebra.

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Specializes in LTC.
Not hardly, and no need to discourage our poster. Aside from maybe a Clausius-Clapeyron equation and perhaps a little manipulation in an Ideal gas law formula,algebra is hardly required to do well in chemistry. Indeed math is required but not at an algebraic level, in fact; a whole new way of looking at math is introduced in chemistry, and that being dimensional analysis. It is unfortunate that nursing schools do not emphasis this math method more as it makes solving equations much simpler.

If you can add, subtract, multiply, and divide, then intro chemistry math will not boggle your mind as algebra may have done in the past. As a side note, I would emphasis that you learn dimensional analysis well as it will serve you long after chem class.

Have a look at this link if DA interest you.

http://www.alysion.org/dimensional/analysis.htm

http://www.alysion.org/dimensional/fun.htm

Thanks 4 sharing the links, very helpful:yeah:

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I totally hate algebra its like my mind didn't work that way BUT you have to pass it..i've found its the way the teach it that sucks I suggest find an elementary teacher thats getting thier masters or that doesn't have kids that tutors and they can help really well my kids have several teachers at thier private school that are happy to do adult tutoring the reason I suggest ones getting thier masters is they would have had to have passed the GRE algebra to get in...good luck and DO NOT GIVE UP I'm 36years old took algebra 3 times and have never encountered again in my life to the extent of the course...just get through it however you can

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Specializes in ICU.
I sold my Chemistry book when I was done with the class so I cannot give you specific examples, and that has been 3 years ago, but 80% of our exams were math, not theory.

The theory of Chemistry, granted, is not difficult, but our professor was a Chemical Engineer for 50 years and taught in his retirement...the math was a huge part of our exams and was the #1 reason so many were failing the class...and many of these students got A's in algebra.

If you're referring to the calculation of the rates at which reactions occur, that's calculus, not algebra.

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Specializes in EMT-P.

For basic formula solving, this link might help.

http://www.wisc-online.com/objects/ViewObject.aspx?ID=GCH102

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My college does not require any math class before taking Chemistry...so can't speak for all.

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Math anxiety is a huge issue for me...besides "not getting it", I also get physically ill going to class, sitting in class and test taking is a nightmare. I have to have it (have tried to twice, but withdrew each time to preserve my GPA) so I signed up with a homeschooling site, time4learning that my son used in middle school, to "tutor" me. Somewhere along the lines I didn't get a good math foundation (I moved/went to 4 different high schools), so I'm going to try and start at the beginning. It's self-paced, and just 20 bucks a month. Much cheaper than a private tutor and no one to feel stupid in front of. We'll see how it goes... just another idea to look into. And know that you're not alone - I'm an older, returning student too. Good luck!

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Don't despair. Does your school offer remedial courses?

I always struggled with math. Thats why it took me so long to pursue nursing. I didn't have to pass College Algebra at my old school years ago. So when I decided I was going to pursue this seriously, I did Remedial Math. It was really really helpful. So if you are struggling with it, perhaps you should consider a remedial course. Best thing I ever did. I passed Math Modeling with a B so you can do it!

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And one more thing, getting back to the basics - I mean the very very very basics and building will help your confidence so don't be ashamed or afraid to take remedial classes. They don't affect your GPA so why not give it a shot?

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I agree with mangopeach. Go back to the basics. Take a remedial math class. I know a few people that have struggled in math, whether it be a math disability, or just bad math teachers in school. It has really helped them. Work on the core math skills, then you can work from there. Good luck to you, you can do it! Do not give up! :hug:

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