Q&A for How to Understand Algebra

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    When do you learn algebra?
    Daron Cam
    Algebra Tutor
    Daron Cam is an Academic Tutor and the Founder of Bay Area Tutors, Inc., a San Francisco Bay Area-based tutoring service that provides tutoring in mathematics, science, and overall academic confidence building. Daron has over eight years of teaching math in classrooms and over nine years of one-on-one tutoring experience. He teaches all levels of math including calculus, pre-algebra, algebra I, geometry, and SAT/ACT math prep. Daron holds a BA from the University of California, Berkeley and a math teaching credential from St. Mary's College.
    Algebra Tutor
    Expert Answer
    You typically learn it in high school. Middle school math is typically pre-algebra, although you may dip your toes in algebra when you're in 8th grade if you're taking an advanced class or something.
  • Question
    Do I need to know algebra to learn calculus?
    Daron Cam
    Algebra Tutor
    Daron Cam is an Academic Tutor and the Founder of Bay Area Tutors, Inc., a San Francisco Bay Area-based tutoring service that provides tutoring in mathematics, science, and overall academic confidence building. Daron has over eight years of teaching math in classrooms and over nine years of one-on-one tutoring experience. He teaches all levels of math including calculus, pre-algebra, algebra I, geometry, and SAT/ACT math prep. Daron holds a BA from the University of California, Berkeley and a math teaching credential from St. Mary's College.
    Algebra Tutor
    Expert Answer
    Yes, absolutely. The courses even build on one another. It's sort of like a pyramid, and if you want to learn calculus at the top, you'll need the algebra underneath it.
  • Question
    If b=2, what is 10b squared?
    Community Answer
    If you're asking about 10b², it's (10)(2)(2) = 40. If you're asking about (10b)², it's (10 x 2)(10 x 2) = 400.
  • Question
    I absolutely suck at math; I don't understand a word the teacher is saying. It's hard for me to fully understand websites like this. Any advice on how I can improve?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    It sounds like you could definitely use the services of a good tutor. (A "good" tutor is one who can sense that a student is not grasping a concept and is adept at adjusting an explanation until the student does understand.) If you don't want to pay for such a service, perhaps you could find a friend or relative who understands algebra and who's willing to spend some time helping you. (Remember that just because someone understands a topic does not mean s/he is good at explaining it!)
  • Question
    How can I be a faster student?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    You get faster with practice.
  • Question
    What if I have a test coming up but don't get it?
    Community Answer
    Ask your teacher things you don't get, or ask classmate or friend for help. Maybe even stay at lunch or after school with your teacher so you can fully understand it. You could always find Khan Academy videos that are helpful.
  • Question
    In algebra, does one ever subtract?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Yes, many times.
  • Question
    Why do you have to reorder some algebraic questions before you can answer them, and not others?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    It was discovered long ago that algebraic equations are most easily solved by following certain steps in a particular order.
  • Question
    I am starting college in the future. What is the easiest and fastest way to learn algebra? I have been out of high school 40 years.
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    The easiest way is to read an algebra textbook and understand each concept as it's presented. You could also hire a tutor.
  • Question
    I do not understand any math whatsoever; this is so hard for me. Anything I could do to improve?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    If you're completely lost, all you can do is hire (or find) a tutor, and start over again at the beginning. That may mean you'd have to review several years of math! This would be time-consuming, so you have to decide how important this is to you. It might be worth it simply for the self-confidence you could gain.
  • Question
    How do I figure out percentage?
    I_l1ke_gam3s
    Community Answer
    A percent is always out of 100. Think about this: per means divide and cent means 100 (100 cents is $1).
  • Question
    How do I solve k/4 - k/3=7?
    I_l1ke_gam3s
    Community Answer
    Multiply both sides by 12 to eliminate the fractions: 3k - 4k = 84. -k = 84, and k = -84.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article