Jackie Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 I loved math in school, but that was twenty years ago. At that time, I went through calculus. All of my classes were more procedural than conceptual, and I'm not sure I ever did really understand underlying concepts in anything other than Algebra. In the last twenty years, I haven't used any math on a regular basis outside of the usual day-to-day stuff like budgeting or tipping. If I wanted to do some self-ed with AOPS, purely for enjoyment, what book would you recommend I start with? Anything you would recommend for a quick math refresher beforehand? In general, I'm not a fan of video-based teaching and prefer books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiana Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Honestly I think I'd just start with pre-algebra. I've heard so many people express their delight at being able to understand conceptually what they never really fully got before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmilyGF Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Work through the problems on Alcumus, read the explanations when needed, and from there you can figure out what you need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie of KY Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 I'd start with Algebra since you've already learned the concepts once unless you are weak in math. I also found the Counting and Probability book fun and mostly new to me even though I have an engineering degree. I agree that you might set up an Alcumus account and try it out for free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhudson Posted November 12, 2014 Share Posted November 12, 2014 I did Pre-Algebra with my twins and learned and finally understood so much more than I ever had before. It was great. Now, have to move on to Algebra. If they can finally explain Geometry to me, I will be so very happy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackie Posted November 13, 2014 Author Share Posted November 13, 2014 I decided to start with ordering Intro to Algebra. I spent a few hours on Alcumus and that was all coming back to me really easily. I did have a solid understanding through Algebra and loved doing MathCounts prep way back in 8th grade. It's geometry and Calculus that completely lost me. I'll try starting with Algebra, a subject I know I enjoy, and then move on to include Geometry later and see if it makes more sense to me now. Thanks for the advice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiana Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 You might really enjoy number theory as well if you enjoyed algebra. I loved algebra, loathed geometry, and when I took number theory it was one of my favorite classes ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alessandra Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Same here, went through calculus about 100 years ago, etc. I started with AoPS Pre Algebra. Plenty of challenge, and I think my brain is still reasonably functional, lol. AoPS ramps everything up a notch, more sophisticated approach in general. Plus, a lot of the problems are from math competitions, so they keep you on your toes. Other things to look at are free, online courses like MIT open courseware and ITunesU. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoppeltGemoppelt Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Jackie, I just asked the same question here a few weeks ago! I am currently using MEP's Step up to A-Level Maths to refresh my skills. Please let me know how you like AoPS Intro to Algebra! I was debating if I should order one of the AoPS levels and which one to start with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegs Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 FWIW, I worked through pre-algebra on Alcumus before starting Intro to Algebra, and my mathematics education was not dissimilar to yours. I'm finding it all fairly straightforward, and getting through a couple of chapters a week. I'm about to add Intro to Geometry, and will work through them concurrently. I'm excited for you. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.