How to Get Extra Help With College Algebra

So you've found yourself in a college algebra class and it's a little tougher than you expected. Many highly intelligent people have a hard time with mathematics and anyone who has been out of school for a few years is likely to discover that they've forgotten everything they once knew about algebra. Think of college algebra as a series of complex number "tricks" you can learn, because that's what it is. Contrary to what teens shout at their parents, you really DO use algebra in real life, so passing this class will give you skills that will come in handy--plus, it's impossible to get a bachelor's degree without this credit. Where can you turn?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Class textbook
• Other college algebra textbooks
• Other college students
• Your college's free tutoring staff
• Internet access
• High school honors students

1. When you first look at your class textbook, algebra can seem truly overwhelming, even if you once knew this stuff. So get your class textbook early--even the day you register for the class. Spend some free hours before your first class looking through the chapters and find out if any of it looks familiar, whether there are "in-class" instead of "homework" problems, whether there are supplementary practice problems and if there is an answer key. Practice problems with answers will be the most helpful, because they'll give you a chance to study at home and test yourself once class starts.

2. Some textbooks are much better than others in explaining mathematics topics. Especially beware the textbooks written by the college staff itself; even math geniuses can write confusing textbooks. Because all the topics are the same, you can use any college algebra book to help you understand. Ask friends for old textbooks, advertise on freecycle sites, haunt used bookstores and resale shops, check your local library. Anything that says "college algebra" might be useful.

3. You don't have to go it alone. If you're struggling in your class, there are probably others in the same situation. Go to class early and informally ask the other early-arrivers if they are interested in forming a study group. There's probably somewhere at the school (such as their resource center/library) where you can meet and go over the homework, compare test answers, etc. Most colleges also offer free tutoring of some kind; if you can fit that into your schedule, sign up early, since math spots tend to fill up quickly.

4. The Internet can also be a great source of college algebra help. Search by topic (i.e., "factoring polynomials") in any search engine, or go to the homework helper sites. Youtube.com has many video clips of math teachers explaining algebra concepts, and it's often helpful to hear a few different teachers explain the same concept.

5. College algebra is taught to high school honor students, and many high schools require seniors to do some type of community service. Ask your friends and neighbors with smart high school students, or call your local high school's principal and explain that you're looking for free, higher-mathematics tutoring and will sign off on community service forms. Young people can be surprisingly patient at explaining algebra. If you can't find someone who needs the community service hours, the student will probably be happy to accept a modest fee.

Tips & Warnings

• Maybe it goes without saying, but attend every one of your college algebra classes, take good notes, copy down sample problems from the board and ask questions about anything you don't understand.
• Be willing to spend an hour a day or so at home solving practice problems in your current topic.
• Be willing to talk to your instructor about how you're doing in the class and take his suggestions seriously. Some instructors are willing to meet early/stay late with a small group of students to give extra help (but don't count on this).
• Don't be tempted to use the answer key to do your homework. Eventually, you'll have to pass the test without the benefit of supplied answers, so there's no way around learning this stuff.