<p>I have decided to major in CS, not because of the better-than-average job opportunities that await a CS graduate, but for the deep analytical and critical thinking that is honed from such coursework.</p>
<p>But I have a problem.</p>
<p>I am failing miserably in math, specifically College Trigonometry. I started this semester off enthusiastic and ready to conquer this lead up to pre-calculus, but instead, I am here two days before my final barely knowing anything beyond the first two chapters of our text. In fact, I hate going to class each day because I am so buried with non-understanding and I watch in envy how many of my peers delight in the daily challenges of this class.</p>
<p>What can I do? Am I doomed to something like painting or art history?</p>
<p>Do you want to learn and understand math (specifically, the kind of math you would use in a career as a CS professional)? Some subfields of CS, such as graphics, make significant use of trig. How much time are you spending on trig vs. other things?</p>
<p>^Yes, absolutely I want to have a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. I don’t know what’s mentally holding me back.</p>
<p>I really wish I would have executed my pre-study plan for this course which involved watching all the Khan Academy videos on trigonometry (and understanding them) and reviewing Algebra and Pre-Cal with my “Idiot’s Guide to Algebra” and “Idiot’s Guide to Pre-Calculus” (W. Michael Kelly) workbooks.</p>
<p>But time did not allow. Now I wish I did so I could hit the ground running. :(</p>
<p>Hate to say it, but you can’t succeed without a solid grasp of math (and math logic). That being said, even the best of math hit a brick wall eventually, a point at which their natural ability won’t get them through the math they need. Everyone hits it eventually. I started to have a “brick wall” problem with DiffEqs, but for you it seems like Trigonometry is that point. The only way to get through it is to just work harder. </p>
<p>I know I breezed through trigonometry, but that doesn’t mean you have a problem if you don’t. Just put in the effort necessary to do well (you’ll need more effort than your classmates). If you aren’t ready by this point, there’s nothing that can help you with your final, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn it. The good thing about lower level math is that there are some real gems for resources that you can use. One of my favorites is Khan Academy: [Trigonometry</a> | Khan Academy](<a href=“http://www.khanacademy.org/math/trigonometry]Trigonometry”>Trigonometry | Khan Academy) .</p>
<p>Edit: You really do have to make time. If it isn’t working out for you, a lack of effort won’t help you succeed. No, not at all.</p>
<p>On the bright side, you’re never going to need Trig in any of your CS classes. Some of you classes will involve math, but it won’t be trig. Some people can understand discrete math well but have trouble with continuous, and vice-versa.</p>
<p>You’re not doomed to art history. </p>
<p>I’m a firm believer in the “math anxiety” theory about how our academic culture kind of places everything into one category then “math” into its own category and the effect that has on people. I don’t think anyone who doesn’t have a serious learning disability is actually bad at math. Some people seem to just freeze up and stop thinking when they see a new problem or symbol though. If we integrated math formulas into every other subject instead of alienating it then everyone would be a math wiz.</p>
<p>English is one of the most complicated forms of algebra in existence & everyone on this thread “does it” without even thinking. If you thought about the mathematical structure behind English every time you started to form a sentence then you’d seem like a stuttering moron, right? I hate how math is taught by most teachers for that reason.</p>
<p>Like Neo posted, Khan academy is an awesome site (use the hint button in the exercises, it’s not a dumb generic hint button like other sites, it actually runs you through the steps of each problem). </p>
<p>I also like the “Teach yourself visually” series of math books. They revolve around color-coded step-by-step illustrations instead of having a “math person” digress through pages of math vocabulary and Greek history.</p>
<p>1) You WILL need to conquer Trig because just about any CS program is going to require Calculus I, Calculus II and Linear Algebra at a minimum. Even more and more I.S. programs are now asking for Calculus I, so even if you take the I.S. route, you will still need to conquer Trig in order to get to Pre-Calculus and so on.</p>
<p>2) Just like it was stated earlier, use Khan or Schaum’s outlines or any other teach-yourself avenues. You may have to take very light semester loads or take other easy courses to free up as much time to dedicate to conquering Trig and later on Pre-Calculus. Don’t worry about if it takes you more than 4 years for the degree, you just care about getting the degree.</p>
<p>Trig is also important because unless you take a B.A.-version of a CS degree and/or your CS degree allows Biology to fulfill science requirements, your science requirements will probably be Physics which WILL use Trig.</p>