How to Tutor Algebra for Finite Math

Algebra-Math with letters and numbers

The world of math is complex, strange and sometimes even scary. Most people who struggle at math try to avoid anything that deals with it. There are many who believe that you are either a math person or you're not. These same people believe that if you are not a math person, you just don't need to worry about learning it at all. This is just not the case. Anyone can learn to live in and love the kooky world of numbers and letters.

Instructions

1. Find out what your student knows and does not know. It's helpful to create a little test with the questions getting harder and harder as the test goes on. If you want to avoid tests, devise a number of problems to work with the student. Begin with very simple math in order to build confidence in the student. The problems should include simple single digit addition problems (2+3 = ), multiple digit addition (214+45 = ), a list of numbers addition (5+10+213+67+7693 = ), simple one digit subtraction (5-3 = ), subtraction that uses the carrying method (3400-1739 = ), multiple digit multiplication (256 x 45 = ), simple division (18/9 = ), division with remainders (359/5 = ), then move on to the missing digit problems (x+4=8, 4x=8, etc.). This might take some time, but by the end you will see the student’s deficient areas, where you need to work and possibly why the student is having problems in the first place.

2. 

   Make sure the student understands what a number line and a Cartesian plane is (see image). Work on plotting and graphing lines and shapes, especially since algebra is heavily based on graphing. Then review the many rules on signs, such as when adding negative and positive numbers, the largest number dictates the sign (-8 + 3 = -5), a negative times a negative is a positive (-8 X-7=56) and a positive times a negative is a negative (-6 X 5 = -30). At this point, you have covered all of the basics to begin learning finite math algebra.

3. Start helping the student with the math problems he's having problems with first. The student’s homework comes first. In the midst of the work, teach the specific items that are in the problems. Large problem areas in algebra are the properties and simple equation movement. The distributive property is one of the main things that must be covered and most mess up. This property is multiplying everything in parentheses by the item that is outside. For example, 5(x-+3) when worked out equals 5x+15. The other item that is often messed up is the idea of doing the same thing on both sides. An easy way of explaining this is the idea of scales. Each side must be balanced, or it won't work.

4. Develop their understanding of combining like terms. An interesting way of teaching this idea is to take two different items and place groups of these items in various areas around the room. Ask the student to count how many of one item there is. When they answer, ask them how they did it. They will no doubt say by counting both, and you have just taught combining like terms. You should also focus on polynomial multiplication, or F.O.I.L. This is often misunderstood, and needs to be gone over again and again. Try to break down the idea of F.O.I.L as much as possible (see Resources below). Now you and the student are well on the way to mastery.

Tips & Warnings

• Use examples outside of math as much as possible. Students that are having problems have already become upset with math.

• Always have the student write out every step of the problem.

• Do not worry about how much paper is being used.

• When a student hits frustration, give them a problem they know how to do.

• Do not lose your temper at all costs

Resources

• Algebra tutor
• Help with algebra