<p>i have always liked math. and i still do, i still understand it, but i have a D in class!!! and that's not even honors precalc! i don't know what to do, i understand everything, just don't do well on tests. and tests are 98% of the grade. has that happened to anyone before? should i just fail it and than take it in summer school?</p>
<p>I know what you mean! I've liked maths and have already studied a lot of calc but I only have a B pre-calc :|. I'm horrible at taking tests. I suggest doing a lot of practice to make sure you don't make many mistakes. Take to your teacher as well to see what you can do, perhaps extra credit.</p>
<p>Allowing yourself to fail would be quitting on yourself. </p>
<p>The only way to study for math is to do math problems. A wide variety of different questions. And don't rely on having the book solve it for you, you need to understand the reasoning behind everything. Math tests are just reiterations of questions you've already answered in homework. The only difference is that you're timed.</p>
<p>Math is all about logic. Things make sense in math, the hard part is realizing why they do. Just take chunks of different questions from different sections of the chapter and work away. When test time comes, you should be able to answer everything while on autopilot.</p>
<p>EDIT: Btw, look out for stupid mistakes. Like, forgetting a negative sign somewhere. They screw everyone over.</p>
<p>omg that's so true I ALWAYS lose points because of stupid mistakes(((</p>
<p>Kinda like my school. Depends if you are senior or not, and depends on which college you are applying to(if at all) but never give up!!! Fight to the bitter end, and you might see some progress. </p>
<p>Consider buying support books for the textbooks you use. A Study and Solutions guide is an excellent help in many cases.</p>
<p>i'm a junior
junior with horrible study skills ((</p>
<p>I understand. Pre-Calculus was horrible for all of us. Some of us are not really those sterotypical CC math geniuses in Linear Algebra sophomore year. Half my class failed last year, and many who passed got C's. That was regular Pre-Calc. Now I'm in Calculus, and it's definitely worse. </p>
<p>Here's an advice. If you're struggling in pre-calc, do not in any circumstance take Calculus AB or BC. It's much harder to get, and you will regret every second of that class.</p>
<p>I have a C too and uh, it's such a boring class. I guess I can't offer any help here other than...read your textbook.</p>
<p>i got a D in trig/precalc last year (my junior year) first semester too, but second semester i got an a, so my college counselor said it's fine cause i have an upward trend (=</p>
<p>maybe its just me, but i dont understand why so many people struggle with precalc/calc... just pay attention in class and do the hw and practice problems... </p>
<p>all it really is is understanding the concept and how to apply it...</p>
<p>I struggled in math (particularly calc and pre-calc) in high school and here's some advice:</p>
<p>1 - If it's just test stress, find ways to calm yourself before the test. Positive thinking goes a long way.</p>
<p>2 - Sometimes you think you're understanding all of the material, but you really are only understanding the basic problems. Try extra, in-depth studying for more practice. There's a ton of pre-calc resources and practice problems online.</p>
<p>3 - If you're still struggling, talk to your teacher about stuff you don't get on the practice. If you need more help, try finding a tutor. </p>
<p>Trust me, you don't want a failing grade on your transcript.</p>
<p>I'm going to cry now...
seriously, I had a test today and I was actually feeling very well about it... until I realised that when taking square root i forgot to put +-, which means 1 problem is wrong. and who knows how many stupid mistakes have i made........ I got the hard concept, but just that +- sign... i don't think she will even give me partial credit(((</p>
<p>^haha i so feel your pain</p>
<p>where's your HS?</p>
<p>LA suburb
where is your school?</p>
<p>^goleta, north of santa barbara</p>
<p>Don't study it. Just try to route all of the explanations in your brain until the knowledge becomes as obvious as your phone number. I never study precal unless it has something to do with special angles. Do your homework though, try to do as many as you can.</p>
<p>I just got a D in Calc. Then again, the val and sal got C's, so that tells you a little about how hard that class was. Our administration actually called the teacher in to tell her to lighten up her class. BTW our school is on the quarter system, so it counts for a lot more.</p>
<p>Do every problem assigned for homework and if you don't get them all right, redo the whole assignment. Go in for tutoring to A) prove to your teacher that you're motivated and B) get a better grasp on how your teacher approaches math.</p>
<p>Well, you better cross out any prestigious institution from your College list.</p>