It's been 15 years since I've been in high school, what math course to take?

Question

I am going to be taking a math course in college, and it's been 15 years since I've taken mathematics. Actually, more like 18 because my parents put me in Vo-Tech in my last 2 years of high school, so my last math class, Honors Geometry, was in 10th grade.

I am, obviously going to be taking a remedial math course to help me "re-learn" the basics, because when I was taking college courses 4 years ago, I chose College Algebra, I was getting the correct answers, but could NOT explain how I was, so I knew I needed to drop the course and "go back" to a lesser course so I could re-learn what the processes are and how I was getting the answers (and no, I didn't have a cheat guide).

So, my choices are "Mathematics: Basic Math" or "Beginning Algebra"

I know my fractions and decimals and basic math...so should I go ahead and enter Basic Algebra and work my way back up that way? Or would it be wise to go with basic math, THEN beginning algebra and so forth?

Thanks!

I did want to add, I have a 6th grader and a 4th grader, and so far, haven't had any problems helping them with their math homework.

So, what grade level would a "basic" math course be?

Nenia, because I had ACT scores available, I did not have to take placement tests.

Answer 1

choose beginning algebra. this will explain how and why answers are found. you probably would have taken basic math before highschool and most likely remembered the things from that course. good luck.

Answer 2

I can really sympathize - after dropping math in 10th grade, I had to take Calculus during my doctoral program, surrounded by freshman pre-med majors who had already taken Calculus in high school and were only repeating it for the easy A. Doesn't your school offer a placement test? Our students don't have to make any decisions, because they take a test which puts them into the appropriate course upon entry.

Answer 3

you should take basic math and then beginning algebra. especially if u havent taken it in 18 years. I thought i knew what i was doing and turns out i didnt messed me up big and this was only 2 years. and im like the best at math. so yeah take basic math and u'll be surprised at how much u forgot that would help u out in the Algebra course. :D