English Deutsch Français Italiano Español Português 繁體中文 Bahasa Indonesia Tiếng Việt ภาษาไทย
All categories

I am a first year college student. I have been in honors for every subject except for math. My verbal IQ is 148... how can that be and I can't do simple algebra??

2006-07-10 08:48:37 · 9 answers · asked by haptaz 1 in Education & Reference Higher Education (University +)

9 answers

maybe you aren't a math person. some people arent.

2006-07-10 08:52:27 · answer #1 · answered by sellatieeat 6 · 0 0

As someone who teaches college math, I can tell you that there is a real difference between how we approach things vs the public schools.

For example, I want my students to be able to do more than just solve mathematical problems. I want them to be able to understand the concepts themselves and why things need to be done a certain way.

For example, I can teach anybody how to solve X + 3 = 5 because everyone can follow simple steps. And everyone will know the book's definition of things and how to do the math, but they will have more difficulty in explaining those concept in their own words.

My suggestion is to focus on the concepts themselves. Pretend you're the teacher and are up there explaining things to students who know nothing. How would you define things? How would you walk them through it? When would you use that concept?

By putting yourself in the shoes of us (teachers), you'll get a better grasp on the topics, which will improve your ability to do the math.

Perfect example: Which variables do you always solve for in any algebra problem? The UNKNOWNS. Why? Becase if you already know it's value, then there's nothing to solve for. KNOWN variables are those who values you already have and know. The UNKNOWNS are the ones where you don't have or know the values, so they must be calculated by solving the equation.

2006-07-10 16:05:07 · answer #2 · answered by msoexpert 6 · 3 0

It doesn't mean that you are not a math person. There is no such thing as math person, language person, etc. These are all stereotypes formulated by the society. However, it's possible that you had a bad experience with Math during high school, etc. Or, maybe you are struggling with dyscalculia, which is correctable with educational interventions. Do seek the help of a school psychologist, counselor, or special education specialist. Best wishes!

2006-07-10 08:57:27 · answer #3 · answered by Edward R 1 · 1 0

Nothing wrong with that. Math is not english. Math is just facts and absolutes. If you can think of a way of relating it to what you do or like that would be great. But good luck.
I just did a whole bunch of surfing on the internet to understand my math.
And it might be that you need to take math102 then trig then algebra. Especially if you have to take Calc.

2006-07-10 08:55:32 · answer #4 · answered by shawonda 3 · 0 0

Maybe, depends on the person for the first few questions, but why would you want to jump into the ocean with out learning how to swim first? Take the stuff leading into Calculus first, it is there because for 98% of the world it makes it easier to understand and utilize correctly. As for is it the hardest, kind of depends, but for most people undifferieniable equations style class, or linear algebra is harder than Calc.

2016-03-27 00:00:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Get a tutor. There should be some available through your school. I hate Math myself. Let the teacher know that you have a hard time with it and if he/she is a decent teacher, they will also guide you. Good luck

2006-07-10 08:54:59 · answer #6 · answered by celestine 4 · 0 0

If I can pass Statisics class at my college, anyone can pass math. Take notes (flash cards help). Ask the teacher questions, even if you'd rather not do it in front of others. Get a tutor if its that bad.

2006-07-10 08:56:01 · answer #7 · answered by ? 2 · 0 1

my i.q is 147 and i have the same problem your probably not a math person

2006-07-10 08:56:14 · answer #8 · answered by samehshalabi 1 · 0 0

One word . . . tutoring

2006-07-10 09:18:14 · answer #9 · answered by CollegeDropIN 2 · 0 0

fedest.com, questions and answers