Does anyone actually enjoy algebra?

[curlybop]

I have returned to college and must take a remedial math class. It is called intermediate algebra, but most of the time I call it something else. Seriously, does anyone enjoy this type of stuff? It takes hours upon hours for me to do homework and online quizzes. Then when we take exams I nearly blank out because I just can't remember all of the rules. If I pass it will be a miracle.

After years out of a classroom I hoped my mind would be changed - but no. I hate it. I would rather write a very long essay or study for my biology final than try to figure this stuff out. I told my DH that I must have ADD or something. If I can't get it within a couple of minutes I want to give up. If a problem takes over 5 minutes I want to throw it across the room.

Anyone else have (or had) the same issues? Go ahead and laugh, it's okay. Most days I have to so I don't cry over the frustration!

 

[Mama-san]

You know, I've never been a math person (outside the basics), and I've wondered if my attitude towards algebra and the like would be different as an adult student. You may have answered my question! My DH is a ChemE, so he'll work calculus equations for fun. Maybe now that I would have him as a tutor it might be a little better.

 

[wvjules]

I'm sitting here scratching my head trying to figure out how to graph this stupid third degree polynomial as we 'speak'. I am ready to pull my hair out!

 

[mumom95]

I teach the remedial math classes at a local University. And I LOVE algebra. Honestly, I could work problems all day. Geometry, not so much.

I think this probably falls under the whole different strokes for different folks saying.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

I have returned to college and must take a remedial math class. It is called intermediate algebra, but most of the time I call it something else. Seriously, does anyone enjoy this type of stuff? It takes hours upon hours for me to do homework and online quizzes. Then when we take exams I nearly blank out because I just can't remember all of the rules. If I pass it will be a miracle.

After years out of a classroom I hoped my mind would be changed - but no. I hate it. I would rather write a very long essay or study for my biology final than try to figure this stuff out. I told my DH that I must have ADD or something. If I can't get it within a couple of minutes I want to give up. If a problem takes over 5 minutes I want to throw it across the room.

Anyone else have (or had) the same issues? Go ahead and laugh, it's okay. Most days I have to so I don't cry over the frustration!

Congratulations on your return to college. I would guess that your lack of interest in "remedial math" or "intermediate algebra" or whatever it is called is shared by lots of people.

Just do the best you can and take it one step at a time. It is unlikely that you have ADD but you are like many people who don't like math. Having said that just buckle down and don't give up.

 

[SandrA9810]

This is exactly what my bf is going through. He's taken practically every english class possible, and is now having to face math class so he can get his AA.

I'm good at it, and even got into calculus in HS, but unless I start from the beginning, I'm totally clueless on how to solve the problem. Now I've been working through his whole book so I can help him when he needs it. I personally find it fun to do a 100 math problems for no particular reason.

 

[minkydog]

I hate all forms of math. When I was in college I had to take basic Math 101. I had a tutor who met with me 7 days/week for 2-3 hour sessions each time. I squeeked by with a C, after all that effort.

In all honesty, I have never really needed algebra or other upper level maths to do my job. I'm a nurse and I'm very upfront about my math limitations. When I've been confronted with a situation that demands good math, I take a stab at it first, but I ALWAYS have someone double check me. If it's something really weird then I'll have my charge nurse do the calculation and explain it to me. I have a ton of nursing experience and I'm good at (most) of what I do. Just not math.

You have my sympathies

 

[NotUrsula]

Yeah, there are people who love that stuff -- they're obviously freaks

Seriously, you might want to try Danica McKellar's math books; they can be a little hokey, but they are full of useful tricks to help you "get" Algebra.

 

[diznygirl]

My son loves math. He really likes algebra and he loves word problems. He actually cheers when he sees them on his homework. Yes, I know.

But it's no trouble getting him to do homework, so I'm not complaining.

 

[Jennasis]

I HATE math. I'm terrible at it, and I think that vast majority of it is useless in real life.

 

[MomNeedsVacay]

ME!!!!! I love Algebra and used to teach it!!
I don't really care for Geometry though....

 

[STLDisney_Freak]

I am also in intermediate algebra this semester and I'm at this point praying to pass with a C.

 

[mommasita]

NO!!!!!!!

Just reading or discussing Math, makes me pull a sweat . I keep thinking the teacher is going to call on me to go UP and write out the answer.

DH LOVES Math, as does DD. Good for them.

 

[KAMLEM]

I love algebra! I have a B.S. in Mathematics and algebra is one of my favorite subjects.

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

I am the exact opposite of you. I would rather work 100 algebra problems than write a paper anyday. I love math, and pretty much always have.

 

[kamik86]

I'm sitting here scratching my head trying to figure out how to graph this stupid third degree polynomial as we 'speak'. I am ready to pull my hair out!

How much of a geek does it make me if I say I loved algerbra and when you said this the basic form of a three dimensional polygnomial immediatly popped into my head??

I did start having to work at it once I got to differential equations but even then when it was in an environment where I could slow down and figure it out I still enjoyed it. My problem is my first look at those was in a class of electrical engineers who all took differential equations already and thus the instructor assumed it was all review!!

My niece hates algerbra though I had to help her with some of her homework a few times when we all went to my parents for dinner.

 

[Kathi OD]

I was one of the worst math students you have ever seen. Went to college and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. I could do basic math, so all was good.

Then I was assigned to teach middle school and high school basic math skills and had to become highly-qualified. UGH! I was a mess thinking that there was no way I would be able to pass those algebra classes. I was wrong. For some reason, my brain now "gets" t and I love Algebra. Geometry not so much and forget about Trig and Calculus. But Algebra? Yep, I love it now.

oh, and FWIW, I took my classes online, rather than attend classes. The teacher used a superb program and was always willing to help us with problems we didn't understand. She worked out step-by-step examples, with very clear explanations. It was obvious she understood that most, if not all of us, were not the strongest math students.

 

[kamik86]

I am the exact opposite of you. I would rather work 100 algebra problems than write a paper anyday. I love math, and pretty much always have.

Is it a technical paper (requirements or design spec mostly) if so I'm ok. If not nope dont' want to write it. Espeically if its one of those papers on what some author really "meant" when he wrote some poem that of course the author was dead before anyone ever thought to start figuring this out so we are probably all wrong anyway and even if not its still just your opinion... At least math has a defined answer so I know if I'm right or not!

 

[cepmom]

ugh...I feel your pain. I took it in high school and got by, took it again in college and got A's by some miracle. Now I'm back in school and just found out I have to take it AGAIN! I transferred my previous college algebra 1 and 2, but my school transferred them as intermediate algebra and trigonometry; I need statistics or higher for my program. Not happy at all

 

[curlybop]

oh, and FWIW, I took my classes online, rather than attend classes.

I wish I could! All of these were in person only. In fact I have class tonight - it's four hours once a week. Now that is just a ton of fun. I think that being in the classroom messes me up actually. Our teacher will be showing a problem then get interrupted five times by someone asking a question, then back to the problem. Just get through it first! The other 2 math classes I have to take after this are all online though, so I hope I don't struggle quite as much.

Funny thing is, I deal with numbers all day at work. Never once have I had to know what x over y squared is. Luckily this is a pass/fail only course, so if I can make a 75 than I pass. Most days I wonder if I'll even get to that. I had to dissect a pig this past week for biology and do five additional labs about the procedure. I'd much rather do that than algebra. I'm just not a math person at all. But now I feel a bit better knowing I am not alone!