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AdamsMath
Welcome to Adams Algebra/ Geometry!
Student sucess is my priority. The course of study is rigorous and challenging, but you can do it!
PLEASE give yourself enough time to get back into the swing of doing
Algebra. If, after 6 hours of class,you feel that you are in the wrong
class, I will gladly refer you back to a Math Review class until you feel
comfortable. Experts estimate that it will take between 100 to 400
hours of instruction to complete the standard course of study for this
class. My goal is for you to earn your high school equivalency
certificate, as well as score well on the Accuplacer, the placement
test for college. Please plan to attend class for the 100 hours
(minimum time estimated). This works out to about 33 classes.
33 divided by the two classes a week is about 17 weeks.
It is also important that you complete "homework" to maximize
your understanding. The only way to improve your understanding
and skill in math is to practice. Much like preparing for an athletic
contest, practice is the only way to become successful.
TWELVE MATH MYTHS
1. MEN ARE BETTER IN MATH THAN WOMEN.
Research has failed to show any difference in mathematical ability between men
and women. Men are reluctant to admit they have problems so they express
difficulty with math by saying, "I could do it if I tried." Women are often too
ready to admit inadequacy and say, "I just can't do math."
and women. Men are reluctant to admit they have problems so they express
difficulty with math by saying, "I could do it if I tried." Women are often too
ready to admit inadequacy and say, "I just can't do math."
2. MATH REQUIRES LOGIC, NOT INTUITION.
Few people are aware that intuition is the cornerstone of doing math and
solving problems. Mathematicians always think intuitively first. Most
people have mathematical intuition; they just have not learned to use or
solving problems. Mathematicians always think intuitively first. Most
people have mathematical intuition; they just have not learned to use or
trust it. It is amazing how often the first idea you come up with turns out
to be correct.
to be correct.
3. MATH IS NOT CREATIVE.
Creativity is as central to mathematics as it is to art, literature, and music.
The act of creation involvesdiametrical opposites—intensely and relaxing,
the frustration of failure and elation of discovery, the
The act of creation involvesdiametrical opposites—intensely and relaxing,
the frustration of failure and elation of discovery, the
satisfaction of seeing all the pieces fit together. It requires imagination,
intellect,intuition, and an aesthetic sense about the rightness of things.
intellect,intuition, and an aesthetic sense about the rightness of things.
4. YOU MUST ALWAYS KNOW HOW YOU
GOT THE ANSWER.
GOT THE ANSWER.
Getting the answer to a problem and knowing how the answer was derived
are independent processes. Ifyou are consistently right, then you know how
to do the problem. There is no need to explain it.
are independent processes. Ifyou are consistently right, then you know how
to do the problem. There is no need to explain it.
5. THERE IS A BEST WAY TO DO MATH PROBLEMS.
A math problem may be solved by a variety of me
thods that express individuality and originality—but
there is no best way. New and interesting techniques for doing all levels
of mathematics, from arithmetic to
of mathematics, from arithmetic to
calculus, have been discovered by students. The way
math is done is very individual and personal and the
best method is the one with which you feel most comfortable.
6. IT'S ALWAYS IMPORTANT TO GET THE
ANSWER EXACTLY RIGHT.
ANSWER EXACTLY RIGHT.
The ability to obtain approximate answers is often more important than
getting exact answers. Feelings about the importance of the answer often are a
reversion to early school years when arithmetic was taught with the idea that you
were "good" when you got the right answer and "bad" when you did not.
getting exact answers. Feelings about the importance of the answer often are a
reversion to early school years when arithmetic was taught with the idea that you
were "good" when you got the right answer and "bad" when you did not.
7. IT'S BAD TO COUNT ON YOUR FINGERS.
There is nothing wrong with counting on fingers as an aid to doing arithmetic.
Counting on fingers actuallyindicates an understanding of arithmetic—
more understanding than if everything were memorized.
Counting on fingers actuallyindicates an understanding of arithmetic—
more understanding than if everything were memorized.
8. MATHEMATICIANS DO PROBLEMS QUICKLY,
IN THEIR HEADS.
IN THEIR HEADS.
Solving new problems or learning new material is always difficult and time
consuming. The only problems
consuming. The only problems
mathematicians do quickly are those they have solved before. Speed is not a measure of ability. It is the
result of experience and practice.
9. MATH REQUIRES A GOOD MEMORY.
Knowing math means that concepts make sense to you, and rules and formulas seem natural. This kind of
knowledge cannot be gained through rote memorization.
.
10. MATH IS DONE BY WORKING INTENSELY UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS
10. MATH IS DONE BY WORKING INTENSELY UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS
SOLVED.
Solving problems requires both resting and working intensely. Going away from a problem and later
returning to it allows your mind time to assimilate
ideas and develop new ones. Often, upon coming back
to a problem, a new insight is experienced which unlocks the solution.
11. SOME PEOPLE HAVE A "MATH MIND" AND SOME DON'T.
Belief in myths about how math is done leads to a complete lack of self-confidence. But it is self-
confidence that is one of the most important determining factors in mathematical performance. We have
yet to encounter anyone who could not attain his or
her goals once the emotional blocks were removed.
12. THERE IS A MAGIC KEY TO DOING MATH.
There is no formula, rule, or general guideline that will suddenly unlock the mysteries of math.
If there is a key to doing math, it is in overcoming anxiety about the subject and in
If there is a key to doing math, it is in overcoming anxiety about the subject and in
using the same skills you use todo everything else.
https://www.txstate.edu/slac/math/skills/12Myths.pdf
Accessed 12/31/2013