I want to start math over... From the beginning.

I've come to realize that I née mathematics. In school, I was one of the sort who would at "I'm never going to use this in life". Ive come to realize how seriously debilitating a lack of mathematical knowledge really is. I did well enough in mathematics up until the sixth grade, where I encountered some sort of mental stumbling block (of which I have no idea what it is or when I encountered it) which has made it difficult for me to understand some of the simplest and fundamental concepts in more advanced mathematics, (algebra, advanced geometry, trig, calc, etc) my wife jokingly patronizes me for having a high understanding of the English language, and factual, rather than conceptual knowledge about the sciences, but no understanding of basic algebraic equations, and certain mathematical concepts. I suppose what I am trying to ask is, does anybody have a link to a website containing curriculum pertaining to introductory math, and mathematical terminologies, which goes upward to expand upon all of its subsidiaries? I basically want to start back from a first grade level, only to work my way up to at least a college level of understanding. I would greatly appreciate any input.

.

good luck with that , hope you'll use it someday (never)

It depends on what your goals are. If you are seeking some academic works torrent is your friend. A great resource I found recently is linked below, the writers words very much echo my own sentiments in regards to education and mathematics.

steve-yegge.blogspot.com...

I can't help you with your search, but i am in the same boat, exact same story.

I understand everything else, with the use of common sense and knowledge.
If i don't know about it i will read and learn about it, but when it comes to math. BAM! Annoying inteligence barrier, is kicking in, and there is no way around.

Unlike you i won't start over, life have come a long way for me allready, so im trying to concentrate on other things.

Here is a starter tip: 0+0=0

reply to post by OrNaM3nT


That's not true. I use simple algebraic equations at my work place. Very simple ones. In order for me to get anywhere in life, I must learn what my peers know. Can somebody please help?

reply to post by zigmeister

www.khanacademy.org...

A lot of local colleges also offer remedial math courses that might be worth checking out. You'll not only get great lessons, but you'll have the aid of a teacher (and possibly a tutor like me) at your beck and call should you get stuck.

Congratulations! You've taken the first step to knowledge... the realization you need to know. If you need any help, I am a PM away, and I am sure some of the other members will be willing to help as well.

TheRedneck

Best I can recommend as stated above, is khan academy, you should check out their website.I use this website sometimes for practice before exams etc. Hope it can help you too

After 5th grade I couldn't grasp math well at all. Maybe it was because I lived in the inner city and their pipes/paint is filled with lead that leads to cognitive functioning abilities. Or maybe I'm just left brained

Math rules. School ruined it for me. Even in college too much time was spent going over the same crap over and over and over in a fruitless effort to bring the dullards up to speed. At the beginning of every semester when it was apparent 90%+ of the class had no business being there the teacher always went on a rant about how it wasnt his job to teach the last class over and he spent half the semester doing just that. So it never went anywhere.

I loved it, then school made me hate it, now that all that structured catering to the lowest common denominator is done with I love it again.

I've been on an engineering and mechanics kick that is spilling over into organic chemistry. Stuff I always thought I loved until I took them as classes. Nothing quite ruins the excitement of education like being dragged down along with the bell curve.

The real shame if it is that as much as I may learn on my own it's all basically useless since it doesnt mean anything without that fancy and expensive piece of parchment to verify it.

www.math.com...
www.openculture.com...
www.openculture.com...

Thanks one and all. I also find it comforting that I'm not alone (sadly). For quite some time I've wanted to re educate myself, but college is out of the question, (due to my financial responsibilities and incapabilities, and my time constraints) I am an artist, and very focused on the concrete, which sort of interferes with some of my abstract reasoning capabilities. I wish to expand my horizons, so to speak. My main drive for all of this is because I have a son on the way, and I want to be able to teach him, not only the English language, or foreign languages, but also the universal language, that is math.

reply to post by zigmeister


I don't have any websites that I know of that would work for you, but I am VERY impressed that you're spending time relearning math to try and understand it. You've learned that you were wrong before and are trying to learn whatever your problem was in school and fix it. Best of luck!!

Basic maths for dummies

£11.99 amazon

www.amazon.co.uk...=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323356933&sr=1-2

I think it would be easier to sit in bed with a book than do stuff online.

I love math...all of it...problem solving, statistics, algebra, etc...my wife on the other hand hates it and has some sort of mental block too.

My suggestion would be what was suggested above...some remedial math courses first...my wife had to start out with some relatively simple basic math...and now she has decided to tackle problem solving this semester!

It has been a long road for my wife...where I had it so easy...but it is worth it when it finally clicks in and that moment of clarity comes to you...magically it all makes sense.

Stay vigilant...and take baby steps if you need to.

forget all this other links... i am on the same boat, go to khanacademy.com this and some text books is all you will need. start with arithmetic(elementary math) then pre algebra then alegbra etc

This is a really good lecture series:

College Algebra with Professor Richard Delaware

It's called "College Algebra" but he starts off with some very basic concepts that are at the core of mathematics, but are often overlooked, and very gradually moves into the harder stuff. I find that he doesn't skip the 'important parts'. He is continually defining new mathematical words that he gradually introduces, and gives very clear explanations of the concepts behind them. Some times he even goes into a little bit of history behind the words and symbols, I learnt more about mathematics from his lectures than the entire time I was in school.

This may be off topic...if so I apologize but I need to ask a question pertaining to the subject of math.

Has anyone had a chance to use the new TI-89 titanium...I just bought one and it is so different from the TI-83 and TI-84? I am just having a bit of trouble with it and wondered if there was any math junkies out there like me that might have some input?

Thanks...and sorry if it was a bit off topic OP!

Wandering the web may not get you what you want in a form you can digest.

If you are serious, spend $80 for a video course and book "Algebra I" Taught By Professor James A. Sellers, Ph.D., www.thegreatcourses.com...
The Great Courses are well done and lessons are 30 minutes, each. This starts with a review series of lessons and would take you through algebra 1 in 36 half hour lessons plus problem sets.

From the website
"Algebra without Fear

Professor Sellers takes the fear out of learning algebra by approaching it in a friendly and reassuring spirit. Most students won't have a teacher as unhurried and as attentive to detail as Dr. Sellers, who explains everything clearly and, whenever possible, in more than one way so that the most important concepts sink in.

He starts with a review of fractions, decimals, percents, positive and negative numbers, and numbers raised to various powers, showing how to perform different operations on these values. Then he introduces variables as the building blocks of algebraic expressions, before moving on to the main ideas, terms, techniques, pitfalls, formulas, and strategies for success in tackling Algebra I. Throughout, he presents a carefully crafted series of gradually more challenging problems, building the student's confidence and mastery.

After taking this course, students will be familiar with the terminology and symbolic nature of first-year algebra and will understand how to represent various types of functions (linear, quadratic, rational, and radical) using algebraic rules, tables of data, and graphs. In the process, they will also become acquainted with the types of problems that can be solved using such functions, with a particular eye toward solving various types of equations and inequalities.

Throughout the course, Professor Sellers emphasizes the following skills:

•Using multiple techniques to solve problems
•Understanding when a given technique can be used
•Knowing how to translate word problems into mathematical expressions
•Recognizing numerical patterns"

If that seems too frightening, start with "Master Math: Basic Math and Pre-Algebra " www.amazon.com...=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323357364&sr=1-5#_
It is about $11 on Amazon and should allow you to review and learn before you start algebra. The big gripe is that it doesn't explain addition of fractions with different denominators very well, but everything else seems to be OK.

reply to post by zigmeister


I suggest you check out Art of Problem Solving books for gifted children. Then you will have a strong foundation with which to understand university mathematics. Once you grasp math, it becomes very fun to learn.

reply to post by jerryznv


Fine by me. 😄 I don't know how the mod will see it, but I don't mind one bit. No need to apologize. Also, the support I've received is overwhelming. I'm quite thrilled by the feedback. I couldn't be happier with this thread. Thanks everyone!