My sister will be taking calculus this year but she can't divide. How can I help her?

Question

She got through trig and pre calc with a barely passing grade and now she's going to go ahead and take calculus 1.
The problem is that she seem to have forgotten all the basic math she learned when she was a kid. She just asked a homework help question on here about the basics of division.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/?qid=20060807105331AABFSiP&r=w#NbUvWjG5WDH1lMcykBgZ
How can I help her re-learn her math and get a decent grade in calc?

Answer 1

ok---just 'why' is she taking calculus?

i'm as smart as a firecracker. i'm in Mensa, buddy. i have a BS in Business Admin and a friggin MBA. i've passed two parts of the dreaded CPA exam.

but calculus has always kicked my butt----royally.

i just can't get my head around it.

why, why on earth would anyone willingly sit through calculus if they had problems with basic math skills?

Answer 2

Everybody has someform of learning difficulties all they need is patience, time, effort and encouragement.Give her the chance to try calculus first, well never know she might do good. For me the best way you could help her is to prepare her ahead of time on calculus lessons, as early as today go through any calculus books or even better buy ahead of time the recommended book that they're going to use. Read, answer and use the book, then evaluate her performance and focuse on lessons she had difficulty with. This way when classes starts your a few lessons ahead among the rest. If however, base on you, her and your families judgement that she will still need more reinforcements this would be a good time to find a good tutor.Good luck!!

Answer 3

I agree with Prince_Uranus.

I am by no means a stupid person. I am actually quite smart and have an IQ above 170. I took calculus in high school and hated every minute of it although I did pass. It was the only class I actually had to study for.

Why would ANYONE want to sit through calculus when they can't even do basic math? That just baffles my mind.

Answer 4

I took calculus and I can say that if she can't do basic division that she will not be able to sneak by this obsticle. Thoughhhhhh the fact that she got through trig and precalc means you are either overexadurating or your school system is very poor. To answer your question, the best thing to do would be get a basic arethmatic book and start learning it quickly.

Answer 5

She needs to get a tutor. Most high-schools and colleges have tutor help. You are very condescending and if I were your sister you'd be the last person I'd ask for help. It's really none of your business is she passes or fails. You're also trying to control the outcome of your sisters possible success by raining on her parade before it even starts. You my dear need to back off and let your sister take care of her math problems herself!

Answer 6

You can help by calling the school and having her placed in a lower math class or take basic tutoring.

Answer 7

calc doesnt involve much of division..juss basically byhearting some of the things n just basic use ..mainly addition and subtraction..and teach her division again..it'll suk if doesnt know even that..get her some grade 2 book and teach her

Answer 8

I suggest that she talk to her counselor and find a tutor.
A tutor will know what she needs to learn and help her form good study habits.
It will all come back to her then.

Answer 9

Teach her with small objects: Pennies, poker chips, anything. Sometimes people need to approach math visually.

Answer 10

Get her a science/math caculater its very good during calculus