I ask because I am pursuing an economics degree with a math option as well as minoring in applied math and actuarial science. I’m taking trig right now because its a prerequisite for a lot of the upper division math courses I need for the major. I’m very confident in my math ability, I understand and can do trig. When I do the homework from the book, I’m spot on but when It comes to tests, I run into problems. The questions on the tests written by my instructor aren’t formulated nearly as well as the book; they are poorly written and vague. Its a huge difference for me when professionals write the questions vs someone writing their own test who doesn’t have that kind of experience. I am also never given enough time to take the tests. Has anyone else had a similar problem or had better experiences with online courses in that field?
Let me share a few thoughts that may or may not apply to your situation. Math MUST be approached like a foreign language: it takes study AND practice. When you have practiced and feel competent, THEN attempt the homework assignment. Homework should validate that you have mastered the concepts. Treat it like a mini-test and do not use notes or text examples.
In a trig class, I cannot imagine that the questions are tricky or “vague” (unless they are purely concept/essay type questions.) However, it would be helpful to you AND your professor to visit him during office hours. Let him know you didn’t understand the phrasing or question. Ask if most students finished the test. Also, you might want to find some study mates.
Trigonometry is usually reviewed in pre-calc and is necessary for some calculus courses (with analytical geometry.) That is probably included in applied math, but not necessarily actuarial sciences.
There’s the free MIT Open Source (or whatever it’s called) and the Great Courses series that just recently had a huge discount. I’m thinking the pre-Calc, Calc 1 and 2 series for about $190. I’ve heard only great things about the Great Courses Calc series and plan to get it next year for my daughter when it goes on sale again. There is also the free Kahn Academy.
Without a doubt augment with support material.
Here’s the trig/pre-Calc for $88:
http://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/mathematics-describing-the-real-world-precalculus-and-trigonometry.html