I have failed Math 131/Intermediate Algebra twice in Pasadena City College. What am I doing wrong? I know I need to pass the general education courses in order to move on and transfer to a four year university, but am I lacking something in studying my material? Please reply for advice and/or opinion.
@Potential1900
It’s kind of hard to access what went wrong based on what you’ve said so far.
The good thing about algebra is that it’s all about process. If you can identify the type of problem, you can go straight to the process for that type of problem, and follow the steps to the solution. (Unlike, say, geometry, where you have to let the information lead you.)
I’m guessing you’re slated to re-take the course in the fall?? OK, as a math teacher, here’s what I suggest:
Today, start to memorize your times tables. Honestly. You can’t factor a trinomial without them, and you need to be able to factor.
Get a hold of a good algebra book. Buy it, don’t download it. Take a look at the syllabus of Math 131 to decide which book to buy. You want a book with good explanations, and LOTS Of practice problems.
As you go through each set of problems, I want you to write this in your notes:
Type of problem:
How to identify it:
Process:
So, for example, if you hit graphing parabolas:
Type of problem: Graphing parabolas
How to identify: Either x or y is squared, not both.
Process: 1. Get all the terms of whichever variable is squared on one side of the equation; everything else on the other side.
2. Complete the square
…
Do that for every single topic you cover. Eventually your notebook will look a lot like an instruction manual.
A great website I can suggest is www.regentsprep.org It’s intended to prepare kids for the NY State Regents exam, but that doesn’t matter-- Algebra II is Algebra II.
Good luck!
Thank you.
You’re welcome.
Let me know if you need help.
There is something, I just happened to failed Intermediate Algebra twice at PCC. It’s a community college, so what would happened if I failed it the third time?
How did you do in Algebra 1?
That would depend on your school’s policies.
I imagine it’s covered in the student handbook.
From Pasadena City College website:
If you failed it twice the you first step is to talk with your professor and ask for help. Many professors will go out of their way to help a student grasp the material. The next step is the math center if your school has one. Then if you can afford it a tutor or a friend that is good in math. I am guessing that you might not have the background you need for the course. You might need to take a math course at a lower level to better prepare you. I would hope that your professor could help you with this decision. Taking the same course a third time without identifying the root cause of your trouble would probably be a mistake.
There are many videos on the web that can explain the concepts. You might also try the Chalk Dust math videos (expensive but sometime available on EBay).
“D” on my first try in Fall semester and “F” on my second try in Summer, which I kind of regret taking it because the process was going a bit fast and I didn’t review my shortcomings before going to that said class.
Usually they will give you a list of recommended practice problems to do out of your book. Do all of them that are recommended, or choose to do the important ones from the end of every section (the odd numbers usually have answers in the back of the book). Do them twice if you have to (again before the test).
I would try going to some outside company like Kumon or something and have them evaluate your math deficiencies.
Also summer classes are too fast paced so avoid that.
if you take it again, get at tutor.
Watch the Khan Academy videos for the topics you are working on.
Do extra problems.
Go to your professor’s office hours EVERY WEEK and get help.
Use the Math Resource center at your college!!!
http://www.pasadena.edu/divisions/mathematics/resourcecenter/hwcenter.cfm