Geometry, metric system, trigonometry, intro to algebra, pre-calculus, difficulty?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by pfelectronicstech, Feb 10, 2013.

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  1. pfelectronicstech

    pfelectronicstech New Member

    I am in the first semester at Penn foster college in a A.S. degree program, and boy they throw you right into the fire. I like that actually, but the fire is serious math. How hard is geometry, the metric system, trigonometry intro to algebra, and pre-calculus to learn cold, meaning I have very little experience with these subjects? I have some but not a whole lot? I do have a friend that is excellent in math and my father-in-law is awesome in math also. They will certainly help almost as free tutors, but do you think I can still pick these subjects up, and really learn them? Its very important for my degree, and for the industry I plan to enter after I graduate. Thanks for the help.
     
  2. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    You have to learn them - so what does it matter what we think? If we say they're simple - or extremely difficult, that's subjective and doesn't help you in any way.

    My personal experience - I was hopeless in math in my youth - but found it much less difficult and got straight As in 3 semesters of College math when I was in my 40s-50s. Motivation was the key - the entire key.

    It appears you're well-motivated and have good support from family and friends. I think you can't lose - but what I say doesn't influence your marks - you have to do the work. That's the sole determinant of the outcome.

    Johann
     
  3. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    As Johann said . . . I learned all those things in high school. So what? That means nothing about what your experience will be. The good news for you is that there are a huge number of online resources out there, tutorials on every subject that is math-related. Math is just common sense and logic chains. You're a smart guy. You'll be fine.
     
  4. pfelectronicstech

    pfelectronicstech New Member

    Thanks guys, I was just trying to get a gauge on how difficult they will be to learn. I have to learn them, so I will. I actually will need this on a pretty regular basis in this field.
     
  5. JBjunior

    JBjunior Active Member

    Sounds like you're a little overwhelmed and looking for some support. You realize the importance of it and will put in the effort to learn it. Take a deep breath....
     
  6. Koolcypher

    Koolcypher Member

    I agree with what everyone said. However, Khan Academy is your friend.:smile:
     
  7. BobbyJim

    BobbyJim New Member

    The good news is that most of it will not be just theory but instead 'applied practical math'. You will see how your math fits into the bigger picture of electronics/applied physics as you progress in your courses.

    +1 on Khan Academy.
     
  8. pfelectronicstech

    pfelectronicstech New Member

    What exactly is this Khan academy? It seems pretty awesome, you can learn everything you need to learn it seems from their website. Impressive I think.
     
  9. BobbyJim

    BobbyJim New Member

    Here is some background on Khan Academy: Khan Academy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

     
  10. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member

    There are several math course videos here:
    Annenberg Learner
    Some were used for TV courses by the Los Angeles CC Consortium.

    I recall seeing other videos on math in my local library and on Netflix.

    My own experience is that each math course I took in college was tough but as I progressed the earlier courses seemed less tough.
     
  11. pfelectronicstech

    pfelectronicstech New Member

  12. pfelectronicstech

    pfelectronicstech New Member

    Interesting also, it seems there are a lot of free places to learn subjects from. The internet can be used for bad, and it can be used for good. This is one of those good things.
     
  13. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    Well, if it's important or necessary, you have no choice. IMO, you need to spend enough time with the material to develop an intuition about. I, however, have never taken algebra. Literally. Never. Not even in high school, and I'm 42. And found mathy courses like chemistry, statistics, physics, etc to be a challenge (taken as an adult). Not because I couldn't follow the formulas, but because I lacked intuition about the numbers. I have to "think" about scientific notation, I have to look up metric, I have to write out every step every time. Maybe you'll be able to compartmentalize the subject in your brain and focus on the grade instead of learning (I did that at first, I earned A's), and finding the answers will be enough (It wasn't for me), or maybe you'll learn quickly (I didn't lol), I don't know. I do know, however, that it can be done if you're determined!!! Get a tutor if necessary, try some of the free videos at Khan Academy, and give it a go! You won't know if you don't try.
     
  14. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Here's an example: You go camping and your "good" friend offers to carry the food if you carry the water. Water weighs approximately 8.5 pounds per gallon. If you're going on a camping trip for the weekend that can be MANY gallons of water. How far is it to the campsite? Smirk at your friend and carry the food.
     

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