Algebra 2 Articles

Mathematical Journeys: The Function Machine

By Ellen S. | 5/21/2013 9:19 AM CST |

y = f(x)

I can't tell you how many times I've had students come to me profoundly confused about their entire math unit, all because their teachers never fully explained this concept. Teachers throw this equation up on the board without discussion as if it explains everything – which it does, but only if you know what it means. So let's discuss!

First off, it's important to remember that this is not just an equation; it's an indication of a larger concept. We'll get to that in a minute, but let's start at the beginning.

Imagine that I have a little machine which I set on the table in front...

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Homeschool Math Support and Accelerated Math Development for Public and Private School Students

By Patrick M. | 5/2/2013 9:29 AM CST |

I have been working with a few students who are ready to learn math much, MUCH faster than allowed by the traditional classroom model in which math is taught over 6 to 8 years. Based on this experience I believe that many students as young as 4th grade and as old as 8th grade (when starting in the program) can master math in 2 years from simple addition through the first semester of Calculus, with Arithmetic, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, Probability, Statistics, and Trigonometry in between.

This is significantly faster than the traditional approach and is enabled by a combination...

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Intuition and Memorization

By Kevin E. | 4/22/2013 4:39 PM CST |

When someone is interested in a topic, there is a heavy intuitive knowledge associated with that interest. A good musician intuitively knows what would be enjoyable to their target audience; a good fashion designer intuitively knows what would be fashionable for the next season; a good personal trainer knows intuitively how to work a particular person with a particular body and a particular mentality to make that person more active and more healthy. In all of these fields and any field you can think of, there is a certain amount of memorization required, a certain set of rules to follow, but...

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MathCounts

By Khem C. | 4/7/2013 9:03 AM CST |

I would like to encourage all of the 6th, 7th and 8th grade students with Interest in Mathematics to participate in Mathcounts competition. Mathcounts is the best Math competition available in the Nation to Middle school students. It is very helpful to build a Very strong foundation in Mathematics for the kids. Most students who have done well in this competition have done very well in their life. Many of them go to study in Top Engineering and Medical schools and many represent our nation USA in International Mathematics Olympiad. I love to help students prepare for this competition. More details...

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The IMPORTANCE of ALGEBRA!

By Keisha K. | 3/24/2013 5:40 AM CST |

To My Future and Current Students,

I can't stress enough the IMPORTANCE of ALGEBRA! Of all the mathematics I have taken in my lifetime...BELIEVE ME IT'S BEEN A LOT, ALGEBRA is the only course that is WOVEN into every single course. I was lucky enough that my first mathematics teacher in High School (Mr. Large), turned me from a B student into an A student such that I graduated High School with a 4.0 in mathematics. The one piece of advice he gave me that I will share with you is that...I NEED TO CHECK, DOUBLE CHECK AND TRIPLE CHECK ALL OF MY ANSWERS!

Algebra is a required course (prerequisite)...

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Advice to my younger self- the student

By Lisa B. | 3/19/2013 8:54 PM CST |

IF I could go back in time and give my younger self some advice on how to be a better student, be more successful in school, life, etc, I would definitely tell myself that being involved in everything comes at a cost. It is better to find a few things that you like to do, do them well and often, than feeling stressed because there is so much on your plate at one time. Being a 'Jack of all Trades' it is natural for me to dip my toes in different waters- all at the same time, but that does not mean that I can give 100% to any of them at that time.

While I was able to get good grades (A- average)...

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Abe, learning something new everyday-about math

By Ibrahim E. | 3/12/2013 6:16 PM CST |

I'm learning things about math, namely its intricate but omnipresent plethora of connections intertwined to form a seamless and methodical fabric of wonderment, as a tutor that I did not learn or realize as a student. it really enhances the quality of each tutoring lesson.

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Your Child's Success is My Success

By Neemisha M. | 3/11/2013 12:05 PM CST |

A parent told me recently that her son scored a near 100% on his last test. I was so proud. I feel proud when all my students succeed. The question is what does it mean for a student to be successful. I think it's a mix between the student having more confidence than when I begin working with the student, as well as an increase in the student's grades.

Depending on the student and his or her own situation grades may increase immediately and with others it may take a bit of time. I want my students to feel confident about their abilities and also be able to show the world and themselves that...

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Suggestions for finding the BEST tutor for your child or student.

By Paul C. | 3/8/2013 9:49 AM CST |

When interviewing a prospective tutor, parents should ask about the tutor's skills and experience, and find out if the tutor truly enjoys teaching. When the tutor feels enthusiastic about the subject, and communicates well, the student has an opportunity to learn to enjoy the subject too.

I recommend for parents to observe the first lesson to see the tutor's skills in action, and watch/listen carefully to future lessons when possible, to make sure the tutor has an encouraging, supportive attitude at all times. (Tutors should welcome and respond positively to the child's questions, and NEVER...

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Math is the Key

By Anthony K. | 3/6/2013 7:39 PM CST |

Note to the Future of our World:

Learn as much Math as possible - everything consists-of or is composed-of Math. And, when you say "When will we ever use Math?" the actual answer turns out to be, "You use Math in everything, everywhere, all of the time!"

Most students have had a rough time with Math - not because they are stupid but because their teacher didn't figure out how they learn best individually - everyone learns differently - even the students who seem smart figered out how to work-around the teachers and of course they never admit that they are also struggling and they don't share...

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