Homework Clinic
Mathematics Clinic => Grade 9 Mathematics => Topic started by: geoffrey on Oct 3, 2013
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I'm going to study civil engineering this coming school year and I enrolled for an advance class for math. Every time we have a class, I find it hard to understand algebraic problems (especially word problems in algebra). I love math but I find it hard to apply every time we have a seat work or homework. I also have problems remembering formulas and the law of exponents.
I really want to improve my math skills. I really need your help before the first sem starts.
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you need to ask yourself if you are really decided to be a civil engr. in the future. if the ans. is a very firm yes, definitely, you solved your problem. i was once like you but i decided to "do whatever it takes to pass" my algebra class and all my engg subjects. patience patience and a lot of patience is all you need. eng'g course is not how brainy you are, it is how patient and resourceful you are.spend much of your time in practice, practice solving algebra problems. practice makes perfect. dont be disheartened. keep trying!!!
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I'm afraid the only answer is to practise. You need to work with the concepts until they become second nature. At first you will battle through referring repeatedly to your notes, after a while you will wonder why you even needed them!
Make use of your tutor, ask questions, and make sure you really understand the principles of the problem; many of my students just like to have an answer written down, without wantig to put any thought into how we got there, then get surprised when they can't do it themselves. Algebra is a very big field though, what particularly do you struggle with, rearranging formulae, graphical methods, indices?
Can recommend the BBC bitesize web site if it covers the areas you need though.