Algebra & Geometry?

Question

i'm getting like a B- in algebra 1 and i was wondering if i should do honors or grade-level geometry next year, since everyone says they're so different. i'm basically a B student in math and an A student in everything else

memorizing stuff i can do. im not sure what u mean by "spatial skills", though

memorizing stuff i can do. im not sure what u mean by "spatial skills", though

Answer 1

Honors Geometry has the same Algebra in it that regular geometry has. The big difference is that honors geo will have more proofs which are long problems where you prove that something must be true based on given information. This is the most frustrating part about geo classes for most students.

Proofs are like logic problems or crossword puzzles. They seem difficult or impossible at first, but as you work on them you really begin to piece things together. If this sounds like fun, then you'll really enjoy geometry. If not, you may struggle.

I recommend that with your teacher's and parent's approval, you try honors. It's easy to step down to regular geo during the year of it's too hard, but impossible to go up to honors from regular during the year.

Good luck this year and next!

Answer 2

If you are only getting a B- in algebra and, if you were allowed to go to honors (which would surprise me if you are not making an A in algebra now) and then can't handle it. I think it might be embarrassing if you had to then drop down to the grade level class after starting honors.. Take the grade level and try for an A in that class. Don't be discouraged, everyone is not great in every area. Maybe your gift is in writing or history or something else.. Go for what you do well at and do your best with the things that are hard for you.

Answer 3

Unless they've changed it since I was in school (are the dinosaurs all dead?), shouldn't you take algebra 2 next ?

If I remember correctly, I took: Algebra 1, then Algebra 2, then Geometry, then Trigonometry, then Analysis, and finally Calculus.

Could A1 and A2 be combined in the same year or is it Trig and A2 that are combined. Two of these have to be combined because I only went to high school for 5 years and I'm adding up what I took and getting 6 years (?)

Anyway:
Algebra 1 is the study of equations (the basis for Algebra 2)
Geometry is the study of the relationships of lines and angles (lots of Proofs and Theorys/Theorems/Postulates)
Algebra 2 is the study of systems of equations (lots of hair pulling and the basis of Calculus)
Trigonometry is the study of actually figuring angles and lines along with lots of graphing
Analysis is the combination of algebra and geometry (really no numbers and lots of proving)
Calculus is the study of the taking the effect of each part and finding the effect of the whole (integration) and taking the effect of the whole and finding the effect of each part (differentiation)

So, if I haven't scared you to death about the math, then continue with the standard curriculum, it's a natural progression (don't try to jump ahead, you'll get lost) with each course building on the one before it.

Answer 4

My advice is this, if you have good spatial abitilty, go with the honors otherwise stay with grade-level. Just because honors geometry is a lot of formulas in 3dimensional space. Lots of formulas you have to memorize.

Answer 5

My observation is that everyone who says is blowing wind. Having good spatial skills and being logical is more important in geometry than algebra skills, so being B- in one may not mean much for the other. Go for honors unless you feel that your weak in these mentioned skills.

Answer 6

I would recommend sticking in the regular math class if math is not your specialty. The honors class in mathematics or science is usually much more challenging, and not necessarily worth it. I know because I take all math classes, and see many people in your position really struggle to get a B in an Honors math class

Answer 7

Geometry is different, but if you are doing well.. go for the honors course. If college is in your future, it's a plus to show you're not afraid of challenges by taking advance classes.

Good luck