Restarting math from Scratch. Need a some advice.

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A 20-year-old individual, who struggled with motivation in high school and left with a grade 11 math level, has developed a newfound interest in math and seeks advanced understanding. They are currently excelling in a grade 10 remedial math course but desire a more rigorous mathematical foundation. Participants in the discussion share their experiences of overcoming similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of a solid grasp of high school algebra and geometry as a prerequisite for progressing to pre-calculus and calculus. Recommended resources include "Algebra & Trigonometry" by M. Sullivan, "Basic Mathematics" by Serge Lang, and classic texts such as Euler's "Elements of Algebra" and Euclid's "Elements of Geometry." The conversation highlights the value of self-study and the availability of free educational materials online, encouraging the individual to explore these resources for a deeper mathematical understanding.
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Okay, so I am 20 years old, did terrible in high school mainly due to lack of motivation / not seeing the point.

I left high school with grade 11 math and had a whopping 52.

Three years later I discovered I like math and seriously want to get to an advanced level. I started taking some remedial grade 10 stuff at a local college, doing very well and not feeling challenged enough.

What I am asking for is some quality textbooks, reads and a possible mathematical sequence to follow for my studies, starting from the basics, algebra and geometry.

Though I am doing well in a grade 10 remedial course, I definitely need a more mathematical understanding of things to go further.

- Thanks to anyone that helps. :smile:
 
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What is the grade 10 remedial course teaching you?

I basically stopped going to high school around 10th grade and only went back when I was 18 after I matured enough to realize that education was the only way to accomplish my goals..

In my case, I was in a special program which allowed me to get my diploma by taking night courses. The last math I had successfully passed with a half assed grade of 70 was algebra. The program gave me a semester of geometry and said it was enough to meet the requirements for math. When I went to college afterwards I started with pre-calculus. Like in your case, it wasn't challenging and I pulled an A easily. After that I started calculus.

From my experience, especially if you aren't in a honors mathematics program, I think if you have a strong command of high school algebra and a little experience with geometry you can start from pre-calculus. If anything, I feel like all the concepts you need to know are reviewed in the courses anyway.
 
Dont worry I went to summer school for nearly all my math courses in high school, and scored on the 7th grade level on my SAT. Got my act together, and I have gotten As in every single math course in college up to calc 2.

I recommend : Algebra & Trigonometry by M. Sullivan 9

I used it for both college algebra and trig.

Ill send you some of my old exams if you would like to be tested as well.
 
Try "basic mathematics" by Serge Lang. That book certainly does offer a nice challenge as it's not so easy. But it's (in my opinion) the best math book on topics before calculus.
 
DeadOriginal said:
What is the grade 10 remedial course teaching you?

I basically stopped going to high school around 10th grade and only went back when I was 18 after I matured enough to realize that education was the only way to accomplish my goals..

In my case, I was in a special program which allowed me to get my diploma by taking night courses. The last math I had successfully passed with a half assed grade of 70 was algebra. The program gave me a semester of geometry and said it was enough to meet the requirements for math. When I went to college afterwards I started with pre-calculus. Like in your case, it wasn't challenging and I pulled an A easily. After that I started calculus.

From my experience, especially if you aren't in a honors mathematics program, I think if you have a strong command of high school algebra and a little experience with geometry you can start from pre-calculus. If anything, I feel like all the concepts you need to know are reviewed in the courses anyway.

Mainly learned a lot on Factoring / quadratics, linear equations, radicals and minimal geometry.
 
micromass said:
Try "basic mathematics" by Serge Lang. That book certainly does offer a nice challenge as it's not so easy. But it's (in my opinion) the best math book on topics before calculus.

Just bought that, took a quick look on google books and it seems like a great start!

Any more suggestions?
 
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