need some math help

[Kaido]

I'm really, really weak in math, and I've decided to start learning from the ground up. I need some good websites or books that has great information from the basics of math on up. I'm looking for:

1. Basic math (addition, long division, multiplication, etc.)
2. Algebra
3. Geometry
4. Trigonometry
5. Calculus

So far I've tried about three different books, a trip to the library, online searches, and browsing Amazon. Is it just me or do most math books stink? Does anyone know of a good series to learn from? I need math because I'm getting into electronics and stuff and I'm only up to pre-trig type stuff. I'm pretty fuzzy on everything before that and have trouble doing even simple addition (84 - 27, for example) in my head. But, I'm willing to learn, I just need a good resource. Suggestions?

 

[Darien]

For simple things, the best thing to do is just practice.
For advanced things, the best thing to do is just practice.

The theory math books try to describe might seem foreign to you, but practicing problems associated with them will make it clear.

 

[eigen]

practice practice.There is no royal road.Just fill up notebooks with worked problems.

 

[Kaido]

I'm putting together my plan and goals tonight. I'm going to spend the next few years, five or six days a week, studying a little bit each day. I just need some better books than I have

 

[GreatBarracuda]

You need a good tutor more than anything. Sure there are a lot of good books with nice explanations and lots of problems to practice and perfect your understanding. But when you run into a problem, you need someone with good understanding of the topic to explain it to you before you start feeling frustrated or bad about yourself.

I suggest getting a good tutor and getting lots and lots of practice. I am guessing you are in grade 10? Try to do some work over the summer, because once school gets started, you want to be ready!

 

[GigaCluster]

Mathematics books courtesy of Wikibooks.org.

 

[GigaCluster]

And yeah, like GreatBarracuda said, a tutor is invaluable. I used to tutor my high school English teacher's son, who went to intermediate school at the time, for several months. His math grades increased tremendously, likely due to the fact that I could instantly answer his any question, as well as explain it in several different ways until he fully understood the concept.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: GreatBarracuda
You need a good tutor more than anything. Sure there are a lot of good books with nice explanations and lots of problems to practice and perfect your understanding. But when you run into a problem, you need someone with good understanding of the topic to explain it to you before you start feeling frustrated or bad about yourself.

I suggest getting a good tutor and getting lots and lots of practice. I am guessing you are in grade 10? Try to do some work over the summer, because once school gets started, you want to be ready!

College sophmore, actually

Edit: I've never really had to use higher-level math for anything and so I've gotten away without taking trig or calculus as of yet. I don't need it for my degree, but I want to learn regardless because I want to have a good math foundation for future projects.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: GigaCluster
Mathematics books courtesy of Wikibooks.org.

Wow, that's a great resource, thanks!

 

[everman]

When all else fails, 42.

 

[eigen]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: GreatBarracuda
You need a good tutor more than anything. Sure there are a lot of good books with nice explanations and lots of problems to practice and perfect your understanding. But when you run into a problem, you need someone with good understanding of the topic to explain it to you before you start feeling frustrated or bad about yourself.

I suggest getting a good tutor and getting lots and lots of practice. I am guessing you are in grade 10? Try to do some work over the summer, because once school gets started, you want to be ready!

College sophmore, actually

Edit: I've never really had to use higher-level math for anything and so I've gotten away without taking trig or calculus as of yet. I don't need it for my degree, but I want to learn regardless because I want to have a good math foundation for future projects.

Your college most definitley has a tutoring center.I work at one of mine.We have one in the math dept.One across campus and tutoring labs in 3 dorms.This is at a small school 15,000.( all free of charge of course) So I am sure your school has one....Good Luck.

 

[GreatBarracuda]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: GreatBarracuda
You need a good tutor more than anything. Sure there are a lot of good books with nice explanations and lots of problems to practice and perfect your understanding. But when you run into a problem, you need someone with good understanding of the topic to explain it to you before you start feeling frustrated or bad about yourself.

I suggest getting a good tutor and getting lots and lots of practice. I am guessing you are in grade 10? Try to do some work over the summer, because once school gets started, you want to be ready!

College sophmore, actually

Edit: I've never really had to use higher-level math for anything and so I've gotten away without taking trig or calculus as of yet. I don't need it for my degree, but I want to learn regardless because I want to have a good math foundation for future projects.

That explains it because usually pre-trig is around grade 10. I commend your determination though. It's good that you have realized your weakness sooner rather than later. It would be unrealistic and deceiving yourself to do otherwise. And yes, a solid foundation in math is something that would only serve you well in the future. Now on with the plan!