Question regarding math? - Blu-ray Forum

ZackL · 01-19-2009, 06:28 AM

So as of right now I am pursing a degree in Economics; problem is that I am terrible at math. I am able to do all the stuff at my level like the basic formulas and algebra but I am pretty worried about what it's gonna be like later down the line closer to graduation. Right now I enrolled myself in a pre-calculus functions class; I understand nothing, and have quickly picked up a tutor.

So my tutor sits down with me today and pretty much tells me not even to bother trying because I won't be able to keep up with the class and will fail the higher levels. ( I plan on taking Calculus after and Linear Algebra). I really don't need that demotivation so I don't plan on paying him for any more sessions and will get a new one, but do you math guys agree with that statement? I am a hard worker but it really feels like a kick in the nuts when someone tells you that you can't do something when you know your knowledge is zero in math...

Also does anyone have any tips in math besides practice, practice, practice?

Thanks guys... I guess i'll go bury my head in my micro book.

silversnake · 01-19-2009, 06:33 AM

I don't know if the way the tutor mentioned it but definitely "not even trying" shouldn't be part of a tutor's vocabulary. Maybe he meant that based on what you know now it will be too hard for you to catch up with the current pace with the class.

I found myself struggling a lot (even with a tutor) and noticed I would finally understand the stuff in the beginning of the curriculum when it was midway or at the end of the semester.

For me the practice practice is sound advice. It's only by doing problems that you understand the methods and understand what exactly you are doing. Practice makes perfect, good luck

SHines-IT · 01-19-2009, 06:35 AM

If your tutor told you that, I would tell him to take a hike. If your motivated and set your mind to it, you can accomplish just about anything.

Mxr5150 · 01-19-2009, 06:50 AM

I am studying Electrical Engineering and am taking Integral Calc and multi-dimensional calc. I just finished pre-calc, my best advice is to read the chapters, and do practice problems. Like the previous post mentions, ditch that tudor. Classes just started, there's no reason you can't excel in the course.

It does take regular practice though, so set aside sometime not only to go over homework, but to review. The more you do it, the less time you'll have to spend in a given session. Also, don't just practice the things you understand. Move onto concepts that you struggle with and master them. Feel free to send me a message if you have any specific questions. I haven't gotten rid of my math books from pre-calc. Do you have the solutions manual? If not, it is every cent worth it.

katharsis · 01-19-2009, 08:23 AM

Get rid of the tutor right away!
Pretty unbelievable that he made a statement like that.
How did you find him/her? If it is through some kind of agency I would call them up! You are paying for the sessions and can expect them to deliver not demotivate you!

Other than practice there is not much besides making a cheat sheet

I've been pretty good at math back in school and college, got a degree in business management, but went a bit of a different route in my job, so I haven't really been using a whole lot of what I learned. Not too long ago my wife took some classes at the University of Hawaii and got stuck with math, so I tried helping her, however it took me quite some time to get back into it.
But practicing helped me figure most of it out again.

Skyline · 01-19-2009, 12:53 PM

Math teacher here.

As others have said, the tutor sounds like a college stundet (not an education professional). I could be wrong, but where did you find the guy? ANYONE can handle mathematics up through Calculus if they have enough drive and motivation.

One question I do have, though, is when was the last time you took a math course? You said you were pretty polished with your Algebra skills, but did you take it in college or is that knowledge coming from your high school days? If this is the first college math course you've taken, then you might want to consider taking College Algebra first to review and strengthen your foundation. If you've already taken it, then get yourself another tutor immediately, and dig in. If you feel like you aren't going to make it, does your school have an option to take an incomplete and then repeat the course next semester? Some people take longer to absorb this stuff than others. There's not a thing wrong with that...I never really understand the stuff myself until I started teaching it!

As for tips besides practice, practice, practice, I'm sorry, but that's about the best thing you can do right now as dull and tedious as it seems. As someone else suggested, the example problems in your textbook are golden, and review books from the library/bookstore are golden. Use them.

It may take a ton of work, but don't let ANYONE tell you that you aren't capable.

Teabaggins · 01-19-2009, 02:23 PM

I cheated in micro and macro econ in college...also in various accounting and finance classes...and some statistics courses. too boring to waste my time with when the bars opened at like 11.

NJ_RAMS_FAN · 01-19-2009, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teabaggins

I cheated in micro and macro econ in college...also in various accounting and finance classes...and some statistics courses. too boring to waste my time with when the bars opened at like 11.

micro and macro econ are so boring.. not sure how I passed. accounting was easy but to much info. statistics was cake..lol.. Finance courses were a bit more fun.

pre-cal was easy but i took it about 3 years ago so I don't remember jack.. lol..

ZackL · 01-19-2009, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyline

Math teacher here.

As others have said, the tutor sounds like a college stundet (not an education professional). I could be wrong, but where did you find the guy? ANYONE can handle mathematics up through Calculus if they have enough drive and motivation.

One question I do have, though, is when was the last time you took a math course? You said you were pretty polished with your Algebra skills, but did you take it in college or is that knowledge coming from your high school days? If this is the first college math course you've taken, then you might want to consider taking College Algebra first to review and strengthen your foundation. If you've already taken it, then get yourself another tutor immediately, and dig in. If you feel like you aren't going to make it, does your school have an option to take an incomplete and then repeat the course next semester? Some people take longer to absorb this stuff than others. There's not a thing wrong with that...I never really understand the stuff myself until I started teaching it!

As for tips besides practice, practice, practice, I'm sorry, but that's about the best thing you can do right now as dull and tedious as it seems. As someone else suggested, the example problems in your textbook are golden, and review books from the library/bookstore are golden. Use them.

It may take a ton of work, but don't let ANYONE tell you that you aren't capable.

It has probably been 3 years since I did math and the course I am taking now is the lowest level possible while still attaining university credits. I just picked up a new tutor who is a major in Mathematics and Economics so I lucked out in that respect.... he can help me with my elasticity of demand! But thanks for the advice and the motivation guys... I just love economics so much and it would absolutely kill me if math held me back and I couldn't do the program due to it; I would likely drop out of university.

ZackL · 01-19-2009, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melsbluespecv

micro and macro econ are so boring.. not sure how I passed. accounting was easy but to much info. statistics was cake..lol.. Finance courses were a bit more fun.

pre-cal was easy but i took it about 3 years ago so I don't remember jack.. lol..

I loved micro and macro.

fatediesel · 01-19-2009, 07:15 PM

I took micro and macro about 3 years ago and literally don't remember a single thing from class. I couldn't even tell you the difference between the 2. I ended up getting a B+ in both of them so I must have understood them at the time.

Uniquely · 01-19-2009, 07:40 PM

Just curious...... but if you know math isn't your strong suit..... why would you choose a career that relies so heavily upon math?

ZackL · 01-19-2009, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatediesel

I took micro and macro about 3 years ago and literally don't remember a single thing from class. I couldn't even tell you the difference between the 2. I ended up getting a B+ in both of them so I must have understood them at the time.

Broad-based and individual level economics my man. I liked them because they don't have much theory like the higher levels; everything is applicable to real life as opposed to things like Micro II where they expect you to build a s/d chart in relation to ridiculous claims that would never happen.

ZackL · 01-19-2009, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robinandtami

Just curious...... but if you know math isn't your strong suit..... why would you choose a career that relies so heavily upon math?

Because I really love economics and finance and it really isn't actually that math intensive. Like I said I actually do very well with most of the economic math because so far it just involves graphing, and basic algebra and formulas but I can't actually graduate without having these other courses; of course I can't tell you what the high up levels of economics that involve things like econometrics are like so I may be in for a ride.

Edit: I think about it like this... just because you are a pilot doesn't mean you know how to work on turbines!

nbxfan · 01-19-2009, 07:47 PM

Loved math until I got into high end degrees of math where there were no numbers and just symbols. That was when I started getting lost. Pre-Calculus is unfortunately pretty easy in comparison to Calculus and Linear Algebra. Not a put down at all but, it is important to become familiar with the basics before moving on. If you are struggling with Pre-Calculus, it could be a case of how it is being taught, your study habits etc. When I was in Jr. High, I took Pre-Alegrba and, ended up with a D. Because of that I had to take it over again in summer school and from that point on, was an A student in all of my math classses. Just an example of how it is being taught.

You may just need to learn in a different sort of way that makes sense to you. The biggest issue and, though your tutor shouldn't be being negative is, that if you struggle thru pre-calc, you will definitely have problems later. It really isn't a case of Algebra to Algebra II where in the former case you are taught what is my oppinion to be harder ways of solving equations than what you get in Algebra II. I'd say in this case, it was a way of showing you multiple ways of learning to do something which possibly is why when in Algebra II things were so much easier.

Finally, it has been some time but, there are computer programs as well that should be able to help you out. At the time I was in school, there were Princeton Review software study programs as well as Cliff Note software. May not teach but could at least help give you a little more practice. I'd also find a new tutor.

toef · 01-19-2009, 08:10 PM

I'd say don't worry too much about it. If the tutor is helping, that's good, but don't get too worried about higher level math classes. Though I wasn't an econ major, I had to take a lot of econ classes in undergrad and grad school, including some pretty high level courses. None of them required much above pre-calculus, and the one that involved a small bit of calculus included some extra help from the professor, since he knew we weren't math majors.

Skyline · 01-19-2009, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nbxfan

Pre-Calculus is unfortunately pretty easy in comparison to Calculus and Linear Algebra.

I don't necessarily think that's the case. Many people find Linear Algebra to be drop-dead easy. Just depends on the individual.

Anthony P · 01-20-2009, 12:23 AM

with out knowing anything about you, it is hard too say, but I would definitely find an other tutor. There is nothing magic about math it is all simple, logical and straight forward. But math is like a home and so having a good foundation helps a lot. Calculus and linear algebra just use what you know in functions. In calculus you will learn new terms (such as derivative and integral but in the end most of the courses will be function manipulation, for example in LA you will be tought an easier way (known as a matrix) to solve a system of complex equations (i.e. x+3y=5, 2x+y=4, what is x and y and what if there are more variables and more equations)

I guess if you really don't get a concept you can also ask here, someone will be able to help you grasp it.

Apart from that Math is mostly practice, that is what helps pound in the concepts as well as structure your mind to see the clues.

01-19-2009, 06:28 AM	#1
ZackL Senior Member Member since:Mar 2008 Location:Ontario, Canada	Question regarding math? So as of right now I am pursing a degree in Economics; problem is that I am terrible at math. I am able to do all the stuff at my level like the basic formulas and algebra but I am pretty worried about what it's gonna be like later down the line closer to graduation. Right now I enrolled myself in a pre-calculus functions class; I understand nothing, and have quickly picked up a tutor. So my tutor sits down with me today and pretty much tells me not even to bother trying because I won't be able to keep up with the class and will fail the higher levels. ( I plan on taking Calculus after and Linear Algebra). I really don't need that demotivation so I don't plan on paying him for any more sessions and will get a new one, but do you math guys agree with that statement? I am a hard worker but it really feels like a kick in the nuts when someone tells you that you can't do something when you know your knowledge is zero in math... Also does anyone have any tips in math besides practice, practice, practice? Thanks guys... I guess i'll go bury my head in my micro book.

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01-19-2009, 06:33 AM	#2
silversnake Blu-ray Champion Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Montreal Home Theater Gallery:22 4K collection:7 Blu-ray collection:498 Blu-ray reviews:6 Trading Score:32	I don't know if the way the tutor mentioned it but definitely "not even trying" shouldn't be part of a tutor's vocabulary. Maybe he meant that based on what you know now it will be too hard for you to catch up with the current pace with the class. I found myself struggling a lot (even with a tutor) and noticed I would finally understand the stuff in the beginning of the curriculum when it was midway or at the end of the semester. For me the practice practice is sound advice. It's only by doing problems that you understand the methods and understand what exactly you are doing. Practice makes perfect, good luck

01-19-2009, 06:35 AM	#3
SHines-IT Special Member Member since:Dec 2008 Location:Eustis, FL Blu-ray collection:19 Trading Score:3	If your tutor told you that, I would tell him to take a hike. If your motivated and set your mind to it, you can accomplish just about anything.

01-19-2009, 06:50 AM	#4
Mxr5150 Special Member Member since:Mar 2008 Location:Indiana Blu-ray collection:74 Blu-ray reviews:10	I am studying Electrical Engineering and am taking Integral Calc and multi-dimensional calc. I just finished pre-calc, my best advice is to read the chapters, and do practice problems. Like the previous post mentions, ditch that tudor. Classes just started, there's no reason you can't excel in the course. It does take regular practice though, so set aside sometime not only to go over homework, but to review. The more you do it, the less time you'll have to spend in a given session. Also, don't just practice the things you understand. Move onto concepts that you struggle with and master them. Feel free to send me a message if you have any specific questions. I haven't gotten rid of my math books from pre-calc. Do you have the solutions manual? If not, it is every cent worth it.

01-19-2009, 08:23 AM	#5
katharsis Power Member Member since:Aug 2007 Location:SoCal Home Theater Gallery:16 Blu-ray collection:379 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:8	Get rid of the tutor right away! Pretty unbelievable that he made a statement like that. How did you find him/her? If it is through some kind of agency I would call them up! You are paying for the sessions and can expect them to deliver not demotivate you! Other than practice there is not much besides making a cheat sheet I've been pretty good at math back in school and college, got a degree in business management, but went a bit of a different route in my job, so I haven't really been using a whole lot of what I learned. Not too long ago my wife took some classes at the University of Hawaii and got stuck with math, so I tried helping her, however it took me quite some time to get back into it. But practicing helped me figure most of it out again.

01-19-2009, 12:53 PM	#6
Skyline Active Member Member since:Jan 2009 Blu-ray collection:98 Blu-ray reviews:1	Math teacher here. As others have said, the tutor sounds like a college stundet (not an education professional). I could be wrong, but where did you find the guy? ANYONE can handle mathematics up through Calculus if they have enough drive and motivation. One question I do have, though, is when was the last time you took a math course? You said you were pretty polished with your Algebra skills, but did you take it in college or is that knowledge coming from your high school days? If this is the first college math course you've taken, then you might want to consider taking College Algebra first to review and strengthen your foundation. If you've already taken it, then get yourself another tutor immediately, and dig in. If you feel like you aren't going to make it, does your school have an option to take an incomplete and then repeat the course next semester? Some people take longer to absorb this stuff than others. There's not a thing wrong with that...I never *really* understand the stuff myself until I started teaching it! As for tips besides practice, practice, practice, I'm sorry, but that's about the best thing you can do right now as dull and tedious as it seems. As someone else suggested, the example problems in your textbook are golden, and review books from the library/bookstore are golden. Use them. It may take a ton of work, but don't let ANYONE tell you that you aren't capable.

01-19-2009, 02:23 PM	#7
Teabaggins Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Aug 2008	I cheated in micro and macro econ in college...also in various accounting and finance classes...and some statistics courses. too boring to waste my time with when the bars opened at like 11.

01-19-2009, 07:15 PM	#11
fatediesel Blu-ray Count Member since:Nov 2007 Location:Iowa Blu-ray collection:410 Trading Score:47	I took micro and macro about 3 years ago and literally don't remember a single thing from class. I couldn't even tell you the difference between the 2. I ended up getting a B+ in both of them so I must have understood them at the time.

01-19-2009, 07:40 PM	#12
Uniquely Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Sep 2008 Location:Mobile, AL Home Theater Gallery:14 Blu-ray collection:171	Just curious...... but if you know math isn't your strong suit..... why would you choose a career that relies so heavily upon math?

01-19-2009, 07:47 PM	#15
nbxfan Special Member Member since:May 2008 Location:Anaheim, CA Blu-ray collection:246 Blu-ray reviews:12 Trading Score:15	Loved math until I got into high end degrees of math where there were no numbers and just symbols. That was when I started getting lost. Pre-Calculus is unfortunately pretty easy in comparison to Calculus and Linear Algebra. Not a put down at all but, it is important to become familiar with the basics before moving on. If you are struggling with Pre-Calculus, it could be a case of how it is being taught, your study habits etc. When I was in Jr. High, I took Pre-Alegrba and, ended up with a D. Because of that I had to take it over again in summer school and from that point on, was an A student in all of my math classses. Just an example of how it is being taught. You may just need to learn in a different sort of way that makes sense to you. The biggest issue and, though your tutor shouldn't be being negative is, that if you struggle thru pre-calc, you will definitely have problems later. It really isn't a case of Algebra to Algebra II where in the former case you are taught what is my oppinion to be harder ways of solving equations than what you get in Algebra II. I'd say in this case, it was a way of showing you multiple ways of learning to do something which possibly is why when in Algebra II things were so much easier. Finally, it has been some time but, there are computer programs as well that should be able to help you out. At the time I was in school, there were Princeton Review software study programs as well as Cliff Note software. May not teach but could at least help give you a little more practice. I'd also find a new tutor.

01-19-2009, 08:10 PM	#16
toef Blu-ray Champion Member since:May 2008 Location:Isla Nublar 4K collection:229 Blu-ray collection:545 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:4	I'd say don't worry too much about it. If the tutor is helping, that's good, but don't get too worried about higher level math classes. Though I wasn't an econ major, I had to take a lot of econ classes in undergrad and grad school, including some pretty high level courses. None of them required much above pre-calculus, and the one that involved a small bit of calculus included some extra help from the professor, since he knew we weren't math majors.

01-20-2009, 12:23 AM	#18
Anthony P Blu-ray Count Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Montreal, Canada	with out knowing anything about you, it is hard too say, but I would definitely find an other tutor. There is nothing magic about math it is all simple, logical and straight forward. But math is like a home and so having a good foundation helps a lot. Calculus and linear algebra just use what you know in functions. In calculus you will learn new terms (such as derivative and integral but in the end most of the courses will be function manipulation, for example in LA you will be tought an easier way (known as a matrix) to solve a system of complex equations (i.e. x+3y=5, 2x+y=4, what is x and y and what if there are more variables and more equations) I guess if you really don't get a concept you can also ask here, someone will be able to help you grasp it. Apart from that Math is mostly practice, that is what helps pound in the concepts as well as structure your mind to see the clues.

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