[miray]

Algebra frustrates me soooo much and I don't know why. I try so hard and still don't get it. It is only a refresher course. I took it once and got 69%...yes, by 1% I got a D and have to have a C, so am taking it again. Once again, I am having a terrible time with it. I try and try on my homework, and after awhile I get it, but when the tests roll around, I don't seem to know what they want. I know how to do a lot of the work, but get things they are asking for mixed around so it messes everything up. I have to try hard with other things, but I get A's and B's almost always. For some reason this has me completely stumped. Does anyone else have these problems and does anyone have any advise that may help

yikes. Algebra was never my cup of tea either, in fact, I despise tea. I remember once, I wanted to throw my algebra book away. heh. For me, I ended up taking it twice, and it was easier the second time around (naturally, i became the star of the class and a favorite of the teacher ).
Well anyway, imho, I think it's time to get a tutor. It doesn't mean that you're stupid, it's helpful. If you don't want a tutor, all I can say is, turn off/stay away any distractions and separate yourself from the rest of the world when you do algebra. It's important that you do well. You need to focus on getting a C. My guess is though, that things will end out to be a little bit better, at least better enough to get you that one point and get a C.

You can do it!!

ps:I'm sorry you missed it by 1, that's killer.

pss: everyone hates algebra, except math teachers. lol

Also, I need to add that you should talk to you teacher about this, some people just freak w/ tests and don't do well. (not sure if this is your case, but still...) Maybe your teacher will give you some extra help or extra credit?

What I also found extremely helpful was asking a classmate for some help. There's nothing wrong with that. Nothing at all. Plus, they probably will be on your side and tell you how much algebra sucks (lol), which may boost your confidence about all of those x and y things.

Best of luck miray.

[whoswho]

I actually gave algebra tutoring to kids for a while. I'm a Calculus student at the moment, and I've always been into math/science--you know, the nerdy types. But I have a really difficult time with English and Reading; sometimes I feel practically illiterate and, if it wasn't for spell check, you probably couldn't even read my post right now.

So don't feel embarrassed to ask peers for help. If they're good at math, then they're probably bad at something else. Also, just try and take extra time working on math. Like I mentioned earlier, I've always had difficulty reading (I didn't even learn to read until I was 9) so I made an effort to read more. It really helped my reading and English skills over these past 3 years. You can always try purchasing just a basic Algebra book (I bought the AP Calculus study guide, but there are books available for any mathematics course) and just working out problems for an hour every night. It gets easier with practice, trust me! You might not see results immediately, but over time your brain will begin to think in a mathematical way and the transition between language and numbers won't be as difficult.

PS: Don't be afraid of Algebra, it only makes things worse. Trust me! If you feel yourself becoming frustrated, take a 10 minute break and come back. Sometimes taking your eyes off the problem for a while will reveal the answer. Communicate with your teacher and, if you still need help, seek out a tutor (we don't bite!)

~Good Luck

[UnspokenWords]

I have the same problem too. I HATE algebra but the teacher keeps me going.

[littleyellowspider]

I also have that problem. I had to drop my algebra class last year because it was so difficult for me. What helped me though was sometimes just have someone explain it a different way from how the teacher did, so if you can get help from a tutor or just a class mate it might help you out.
Good luck! I definitely feel your pain here, Algebra sucks.

My son has taken college algebra 3 times and still hasn't passed it. It just isn't in his genes. He's very frustrated with it. He sees no point to learning algebra which doesn't help the issue. (I'm inclined to agree with him. I've never used my algebra skills in real life. I'm an English teacher.) He's one of those practical people who needs a reason to learn something. Coupled with just poor math skills, it's a huge mountain to climb. Put him in a literature or philosophy class, a history or science class, and he does beautifully.

[wecm7]

Your not alone farmergirl. I waited to my last semester in college to take algebra. And still procrastinated; and was stressed to do the work. I also get A's and B's in my legal and psychology courses. But this subject terrified me. But it passes with time; and developing a strong mental attitude helps. Look at it this way; are you going to let one subject possibly ruin your whole future and life? Take tutors if you have to.

[wecm7]

excuse me farmergirl, my last post was meant for mira.

[(JD)]

In your profile you list PTSD. Test taking is high stress and it may very well be the PTSD that is limiting your full focus for one. You can try asking for accomodations, such as more time, a separate time or room, someone to read it to you etc, using the reason of "stress disorder." If you don't wish to let the whole uni know, then you might share your concerns with the prof, and see if they can understand it isn't that you haven't studied?

[Michah]

Miray,

What level of schooling are you at? (High school/tertiary).

May help.....http://www.math.com/

And some shameless plugging of my social group http://forums.psychcentral.com/group.php?groupid=97 for maths, science and english discussion......

I sucked at algebra in school, then went to Uni as an adult and now do algebra to relax! Take care, try not to stress about it.......it will come.

Any questions? feel free to ask.

Mics

[fallenangel337]

I TOTALLY understand this 100%. Do you ever have section quizzes in your class? If you do, I've found it's helpful to get the correct answers, fold the answers over, and retake the quiz. From there, you can see what you need to focus more on. Maybe it's a particular concept that you're having trouble with in a chapter that you need to look over again? This was the biggest help for me.

Also, does your professor offer any tutoring sessions or anything? I've found that the on-on-one attention is extremely helpful as well.

I wish you the best of luck.

[Moreta]

you should get a tutor. many people need tutors, but don't seek out help. i tutored all four years in college and most of the time it was for algebra. the people that actually came in for tutoring passed their classes, while others in the class had to re-take it. which i know to be true, because they usually came in the 2nd time around.

Maybe you should not look at algebra as math. Look for patterns and repetition. Use a timer to study. Set it for 10 min intervals. 10 min studying, 10 min doing something else. if you use the other 10 mins to exercise, it will increase your endorphin level, which could help you focus when you are studying.

[GrayNess]

I loved algebra and math and science as a kid and still do now, doing my 3rd math/stat course although I'll probably do more. I've helped my cousin out with some math work a while ago and if you want, others who are good at math and myself can try to answer certain math questions you may have. Alternatively, you could talk to the professor after class, go to any tutorials or try to get a fellow classmate to help you out. If you want help on here, I don't think that's a problem with any rules but you'd have to provide specific questions.

Some people find certain subjects easier than others. For math and science, I can do that fairly well but toss a poem in front of me and ask me to interpret it, chances are I'll be a bump on a log.

[Perna]

I've noticed in the past that there's lots of Algebra help online; I'd find a fun site and "play" online and get extra help that way?

http://www.purplemath.com/modules/index.htm

[catrules]

Hee. I hate algebra as well. I had never had below a b at any time during school. Failed Algebra the first time. Retook and got a D the second time. Now I am married to a math teacher. If you had asked me in middle school if that would have happened, it would have been an emphatic no.

miray, how's it going right now w/ algebra?
are somethings clicking yet?