Restarting math from Scratch. Need a some advice.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around seeking advice for restarting mathematics education from a foundational level. Participants share their experiences and suggest resources, including textbooks and potential learning sequences, focusing on topics such as algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to improve their mathematical understanding after struggling in high school and seeks recommendations for textbooks and a study sequence.
  • Another participant shares their experience of returning to education later and suggests that a strong command of high school algebra and some geometry may allow for starting pre-calculus directly.
  • A different participant recommends "Algebra & Trigonometry" by M. Sullivan as a useful resource based on their positive experience in college mathematics.
  • Another suggestion is "Basic Mathematics" by Serge Lang, noted for its challenging content and suitability for foundational topics before calculus.
  • One participant mentions two free resources: "The Elements of Algebra" by Euler and "The Elements of Geometry" by Euclid, along with a modern book "Principles of Mathematics" by Allendoerfer and Oakley.
  • There is a repeated recommendation for "Basic Mathematics" by Serge Lang, with one participant indicating they have purchased it and found it promising.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of foundational knowledge in algebra and geometry, but there is no consensus on a specific sequence or set of resources to follow, as different experiences and recommendations are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention varying levels of prior knowledge and educational paths, which may influence their recommendations. There is also a lack of clarity on the specific content covered in the grade 10 remedial course mentioned.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals looking to rebuild their mathematics foundation, particularly those who have struggled with math in the past or are returning to education after a break.

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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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