Learn Algebra Basic

When we consider that the failure rate for 1st year Algebra is now, and has always been, in the 50% range, it would seem impossible to make learning Algebra simple. Fortunately, there are people who know how to conquer Algebra; and there has been a great deal of research into why Algebra seems so problematic. There IS hope! We tend to like those things that we do well, and there are strategies that will lead you to success in Algebra. As your success increases, Algebra will begin to seem simple.

Strategies To Make Learning Algebra Simple:

1. Start with a solid foundation in both multiplication and fractions. In fact, knowledge of basic multiplication facts is the number one indicator of success in Algebra.

If your skills are weak, get a tutor early to just work on those skills. If you can start the Algebra course with this solid foundation, you are well on your way to finding Algebra easy to master.

2. Expect to have to work harder. The University of Chicago did a study in the 1980's to determine how much material in math textbooks was review versus new knowledge. The results of their study showed that, with the assumption that a 1st grade math book is 100% new material, for grades 2 through 8, every math text contained 75% review material and only 25% new material--generally introduced during the final quarter of the school year. Shockingly, starting with Algebra 1 textbooks, those percentages completely reversed. Algebra students have always had difficulty dealing with the quantity of new material being presented and the speed with which it is covered.

If you start Algebra class understanding this fact, you can't be caught off guard. Forewarned is forearmed!

3. Read each lesson, do your homework, and study for tests--ALL OUT LOUD! Studying out loud makes an incredible improvement in both the speed and the depth of your learning. Speaking out loud adds hearing to the senses you are using and any hesitations in your speech quickly show what you don't really understand. Do not underestimate the power of this tip!

4. Memorize formulas as soon as you encounter them, and learn to say formulas as words. Use flash cards to learn both the formula and how to read it. For example, A = 1/2 b h is the formula for the area of a triangle. It should be read as "The area of a triangle is equal to one-half times the base of the triangle times the height of the triangle."

5. When your teacher gives you a shortcut, PAY ATTENTION and learn to use it. For example, solving equations with fractions is not easy. Learning to eliminate the denominators simplifies the work considerably. So while it is not a necessary step in solving equations, it is a worthwhile step to learn.

6. Make your homework a study tool for the final exam. SHOW ALL WORK! Write yourself notes as to why you chose a particular method. If you make a mistake on your homework, explain in your homework what happened--what you should have done differently.

7. Thinks in terms of how you would write the test. As you proceed through a chapter, pretend to be the teacher. Be thinking about whether a fact should be tested and what questions you would write.

8. Teach someone else. The best way to learn something is to teach it. The "someone else" can be a teddy bear or your cat. Just cover the material as if you are teaching it.

In conclusion, understand that Algebra is a set of basic skills that will be needed for ALL future math classes. You cannot pick and chose what to learn. You must learn it all and be able to explain it to others!