SUCCESS IN ALGEBRA
Common Questions asked by
students

How much math do I need to know
before taking algebra?

What is the best way to study?

If I understand everything that goes on in
class, can I take it easy on my
homework?
How much math do I need to know
before taking algebra?

You should be able to do the four basic
operations (addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division) with whole
numbers, fractions, and decimals.

Don’t be overly concerned with fractions!
We will review fractions as we progress
through the book.
What is the best way to study?
The best way to study is to study
consistently.
 Work problems every day
 Find a schedule that works for you.


Example: Spend an hour or so in the
morning working problems and reading over
new material. Then, spend another hour in
the evening working problems.
If I understand everything that goes on in
class, can I take it easy on my homework?

Not necessarily
 There is a big difference between understanding
a problem someone else is working and working
the same problem yourself.
 No substitute for working problems yourself.
 Concepts and properties are understandable to
you only if you work problems involving them.
How to be Successful in Algebra
Attend all class sessions on time!
You can’t know
exactly what goes on
in class unless you
are there.
 Missing class and
then expecting to
find out what went
on from someone
else is NOT the
same as being there
yourself.

Read the book!

Read the sections
that will be covered
in class beforehand.
 Reading in advance,
even if you do not
understand
everything you read,
is better than going
to class with no idea
of what will be
discussed.
Work problems every day, and
check your answers



Key to success is
working problems
Answer to oddnumbered problems are
given in back of book
Compare your answers.
If you made a mistake,
find out what it is, and
correct it.

Review for quizzes and
tests




Study the chapter summary
Work the exercises in the
Chapter Review
Work the exercises in the
Chapter Test
Answers given in back of
book

Use resources available
with this book (optional –not
required for this course)



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Familiarize yourself with “A
Brief Guide to Getting the
Most from this Book”
Solutions Manual
Chapter Test Prep Video
CD
MyMathLab
MathXL, online tutorial
FREE Tutoring in Library
at GHC
Don’t expect to understand every
new topic the first time you see it

This expectation can
lead to
disappointment and
frustation.
 Understanding
algebra takes time
 That’s just the way
mathematics is.
 Don’t give up the first
time
Spend as much time as it takes for
you to master the material

There is no set
formula for the exact
amount of time you
need to spend on
algebra to master it.

RELAX – It’s
probably not as
difficult as you think.
Specific Details about this book

Concepts are
carefully explained
 Important definitions
are set off in boxes
 Procedures are set
off in boxes
 Examples are
worked out step by
step manner

Check Point (similar
practice problem)
after an example
 Study Tips (in
margins)
 Suggestions to avoid
common errors
 Author tried to make
practical and
applicable to life