The Struggle to Understand Algebra

Algebra a basic branch of math dealing with structure of problems, relation, and quantity. It usually involves equations containing a variable which must be solved. The most basic algebra begins way back in middle school, and is slowly built upon until the official algebra courses taught in high school. There are more advanced algebra classes which can be taken in college. Algebra acts as a basis on which you will build the rest of the more advanced mathematical branches, so it is imperative that you fully understand how it works and how it can tie in with everything else.

The best strategy for learning algebra is to keep up with the class. The moment the teacher begins to talk about something that you don’t fully understand, raise your hand and ask a question. Have the tough parts explained to you. If you still don’t understand, don’t just let the rest of the class stampede past you and leave you choking on their dust. Try to stick with the rest of that class period, and afterwards stay and talk to the teacher. Have him or her explain it again right there on the spot to try and get a better grip on it.

If you still aren’t able to get the teacher to explain it in a way that you can understand, then you will have to look elsewhere. Arrange a private tutoring session using whatever resources your school has to offer. Most universities offer either tutoring appointments or drop-in tutoring sessions to all students. Take advantage of these. You might be able to get the algebra explained in a different way that makes it completely clear, so don’t hesitate to seek help besides your class instructor.

Even if the homework is not required for a certain chapter, you should do the recommended problems. Just because you think you grasp a concept doesn’t mean that you will know how to apply it when a problem comes along. Therefore you should get as much practice as you can before the date of the test that goes over those concepts. No matter how boring or repetitive it seems, just stick with it and you will be glad that you learned the concept so thoroughly.