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Effective and Patient Math Tutor
Philip P.

1,173 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $45
Philip P.'s Photo

Effective and Patient Math Tutor
Effective and Patient Math Tutor
Philip P.

1,173 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

1,173 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Philip


Bio

I am a retired engineer with a degree in Physical Sciences from the University of Maryland with a strong education in mathematics including calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, boolean algebra, analytic geometry, complex variables, and vector functions. I have also done graduate coursework in applied physics and mathematics at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. In my engineering career, I was often called upon to explain difficult technical topics to non-experts,...

I am a retired engineer with a degree in Physical Sciences from the University of Maryland with a strong education in mathematics including calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, boolean algebra, analytic geometry, complex variables, and vector functions. I have also done graduate coursework in applied physics and mathematics at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. In my engineering career, I was often called upon to explain difficult technical topics to non-experts, and I learned to cut the jargon and get at the key concepts, and I bring this approach to my tutoring.

I have been tutoring since 2014 and have a 5-star rating from my students. I have posted over 5000 answers on the Wyzant Homework Help forum and over 50 study guides. I have worked with students from the early elementary ages to working adults taking on-line college courses. But tutoring is not just about how much math the tutor knows; tutoring is about teaching; it's about helping the student to understand. For many students, getting a tutor can be intimidating. I try to put my students at ease and let them know that I am on their side. I am there to help them, not grade them, and will work at their pace until they understand. Students learn best when they are relaxed and not fearful of being judged.

I look forward to hearing from you and helping you or your student achieve success in mathematics.


Education

University of Maryland
Physical Science
Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab
Graduate Coursework

Policies

  • Tutor’s lessons: In-person
  • Hourly Rate: $45
  • Rate details: 1/2 hour minimum charge $45/hour for in-person lessons at Frederick Library
  • Travel policy: Within 10 miles of Frederick, MD 21701
  • Lesson cancellation: 2 hours notice required
  • Background check passed on 9/1/2017

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Elementary Education

Elementary Math

Elementary Math

I have a degree in Physics from the University of Maryland with a strong background in mathematics, including calculus, analytic geometry, differential equations, linear algebra, boolean algebra, complex variables, and vector functions. I have also taken graduate-level math coursework at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. I have worked for over 40 years as an engineer applying math to the solution of real-world problems. Having command of basic elementary mathematics - addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, exponents, roots, etc. - is essential to mastering the higher-level math disciplines that a student will encounter in high school and college. But 40 years as a working engineer has also taught me that math is a useful tool for solving real world problems, no matter what profession a student chooses in life. I truly enjoy working with young people, and have been a baseball and softball hitting instructor for many years. My experience has taught me to work at each student’s level until the subject matter is understood and the student becomes proficient at the skills he or she is trying to master. Please check out some of the Math Help Study Guides that I've posted to the WyzAnt website under the Resources-Files tab.

Homeschool

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I have a degree in Physics from the University of Maryland with a strong background in mathematics, including calculus, analytic geometry, differential equations, linear algebra, boolean algebra, complex variables, and vector functions. I have also taken graduate-level math coursework at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. I have worked for over 40 years as an engineer applying math to the solution of real-world problems. Algebra is the abstraction of basic arithmetic, using letters to stand in for specific known or unknown numbers. The abstract notation of algebra often gives new students difficulty, but the concept, when properly explained, is not difficult. A good working knowledge of algebra is essential to fields like science, engineering, math, economics, and finance. It is also useful in real life, from figuring out how to expand a recipe, to computing your batting average, to determining how many gallons you'll need to paint a room. I truly enjoy working with young people, and have been a baseball and softball hitting instructor for many years. My experience has taught me to work at each student’s level until the subject matter is understood and the student becomes proficient at the skills he or she is trying to master. Please check out some of the Algebra Help Study Guides that I've posted to the WyzAnt website under the Resources-Files tab.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I have a degree in physics from the University of Maryland with a strong background in mathematics, including calculus, analytic geometry, differential equations, linear algebra, boolean algebra, complex variables, and vector functions. I have also taken graduate-level math coursework at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. I have worked for over 40 years as an engineer applying higher-level mathematics to the solution of real-world problems. Algebra 2 is the springboard for the more advanced mathematics that a student will encounter in college. Having a firm grasp of polynomial operations, graphs, systems of equations and inequalities, matrix operations, logs and exponents, conic sections, and complex numbers is essential for succeeding at linear algebra, calculus, and advanced statistics. It is also essential to fields like science, engineering, math, economics, and finance. As an engineer, I was often called on to explain complex technical topics to non-experts. I learned to minimize the jargon and get to the underlying idea so everyone on a project could understand the technical approach. I bring that skill to my tutoring and can help make difficult topics accessible to the student. If algebra 2 is a struggle, I can help.
Geometry,

Geometry

I have a degree in Physics from the University of Maryland with a strong background in mathematics, including calculus, analytic geometry, differential equations, linear algebra, boolean algebra, complex variables, and vector functions. I have also taken graduate-level math coursework at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. I have worked for over 40 years as an engineer applying math to the solution of real-world problems. Geometry can be a difficult subject because there are many theorems and definitions that the student has to learn and apply - and each topic, be it parallel lines, triangles, polygons, circles, or areas and volumes, has its own unique set of theorems. In addition to the personal help, I provide each student with a number of study guides that I have written that summarize the key theorems and definitions. Together, the student and I use these guides to solve problems. I also use the IXL on-line math program to give the student extra practice at solving problems. But most importantly, I let the student know that I am there to help and will work at their pace to help them master each topic.
Prealgebra

Prealgebra

Having a good understanding of basic elementary and middle school mathematics is essential to mastering the higher-level math disciplines that a student will encounter in high school and college, and is a useful tool no matter what profession a student chooses in life. Please check out some of the Algebra Help Study Guides that I have posted on the WyzAnt website under the Resources - Files tab.

Math

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I have a degree in Physics from the University of Maryland with a strong background in mathematics, including calculus, analytic geometry, differential equations, linear algebra, boolean algebra, complex variables, and vector functions. I have also taken graduate-level math coursework at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. I have worked for over 40 years as an engineer applying math to the solution of real-world problems. Algebra is the abstraction of basic arithmetic, using letters to stand in for specific known or unknown numbers. The abstract notation of algebra often gives new students difficulty, but the concept, when properly explained, is not difficult. A good working knowledge of algebra is essential to fields like science, engineering, math, economics, and finance. It is also useful in real life, from figuring out how to expand a recipe, to computing your batting average, to determining how many gallons you'll need to paint a room. I truly enjoy working with young people, and have been a baseball and softball hitting instructor for many years. My experience has taught me to work at each student’s level until the subject matter is understood and the student becomes proficient at the skills he or she is trying to master. Please check out some of the Algebra Help Study Guides that I've posted to the WyzAnt website under the Resources-Files tab.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I have a degree in physics from the University of Maryland with a strong background in mathematics, including calculus, analytic geometry, differential equations, linear algebra, boolean algebra, complex variables, and vector functions. I have also taken graduate-level math coursework at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. I have worked for over 40 years as an engineer applying higher-level mathematics to the solution of real-world problems. Algebra 2 is the springboard for the more advanced mathematics that a student will encounter in college. Having a firm grasp of polynomial operations, graphs, systems of equations and inequalities, matrix operations, logs and exponents, conic sections, and complex numbers is essential for succeeding at linear algebra, calculus, and advanced statistics. It is also essential to fields like science, engineering, math, economics, and finance. As an engineer, I was often called on to explain complex technical topics to non-experts. I learned to minimize the jargon and get to the underlying idea so everyone on a project could understand the technical approach. I bring that skill to my tutoring and can help make difficult topics accessible to the student. If algebra 2 is a struggle, I can help.
Geometry,

Geometry

I have a degree in Physics from the University of Maryland with a strong background in mathematics, including calculus, analytic geometry, differential equations, linear algebra, boolean algebra, complex variables, and vector functions. I have also taken graduate-level math coursework at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. I have worked for over 40 years as an engineer applying math to the solution of real-world problems. Geometry can be a difficult subject because there are many theorems and definitions that the student has to learn and apply - and each topic, be it parallel lines, triangles, polygons, circles, or areas and volumes, has its own unique set of theorems. In addition to the personal help, I provide each student with a number of study guides that I have written that summarize the key theorems and definitions. Together, the student and I use these guides to solve problems. I also use the IXL on-line math program to give the student extra practice at solving problems. But most importantly, I let the student know that I am there to help and will work at their pace to help them master each topic.
Prealgebra

Prealgebra

Having a good understanding of basic elementary and middle school mathematics is essential to mastering the higher-level math disciplines that a student will encounter in high school and college, and is a useful tool no matter what profession a student chooses in life. Please check out some of the Algebra Help Study Guides that I have posted on the WyzAnt website under the Resources - Files tab.

Most Popular

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I have a degree in Physics from the University of Maryland with a strong background in mathematics, including calculus, analytic geometry, differential equations, linear algebra, boolean algebra, complex variables, and vector functions. I have also taken graduate-level math coursework at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. I have worked for over 40 years as an engineer applying math to the solution of real-world problems. Algebra is the abstraction of basic arithmetic, using letters to stand in for specific known or unknown numbers. The abstract notation of algebra often gives new students difficulty, but the concept, when properly explained, is not difficult. A good working knowledge of algebra is essential to fields like science, engineering, math, economics, and finance. It is also useful in real life, from figuring out how to expand a recipe, to computing your batting average, to determining how many gallons you'll need to paint a room. I truly enjoy working with young people, and have been a baseball and softball hitting instructor for many years. My experience has taught me to work at each student’s level until the subject matter is understood and the student becomes proficient at the skills he or she is trying to master. Please check out some of the Algebra Help Study Guides that I've posted to the WyzAnt website under the Resources-Files tab.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I have a degree in physics from the University of Maryland with a strong background in mathematics, including calculus, analytic geometry, differential equations, linear algebra, boolean algebra, complex variables, and vector functions. I have also taken graduate-level math coursework at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. I have worked for over 40 years as an engineer applying higher-level mathematics to the solution of real-world problems. Algebra 2 is the springboard for the more advanced mathematics that a student will encounter in college. Having a firm grasp of polynomial operations, graphs, systems of equations and inequalities, matrix operations, logs and exponents, conic sections, and complex numbers is essential for succeeding at linear algebra, calculus, and advanced statistics. It is also essential to fields like science, engineering, math, economics, and finance. As an engineer, I was often called on to explain complex technical topics to non-experts. I learned to minimize the jargon and get to the underlying idea so everyone on a project could understand the technical approach. I bring that skill to my tutoring and can help make difficult topics accessible to the student. If algebra 2 is a struggle, I can help.
Geometry,

Geometry

I have a degree in Physics from the University of Maryland with a strong background in mathematics, including calculus, analytic geometry, differential equations, linear algebra, boolean algebra, complex variables, and vector functions. I have also taken graduate-level math coursework at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. I have worked for over 40 years as an engineer applying math to the solution of real-world problems. Geometry can be a difficult subject because there are many theorems and definitions that the student has to learn and apply - and each topic, be it parallel lines, triangles, polygons, circles, or areas and volumes, has its own unique set of theorems. In addition to the personal help, I provide each student with a number of study guides that I have written that summarize the key theorems and definitions. Together, the student and I use these guides to solve problems. I also use the IXL on-line math program to give the student extra practice at solving problems. But most importantly, I let the student know that I am there to help and will work at their pace to help them master each topic.
Prealgebra

Prealgebra

Having a good understanding of basic elementary and middle school mathematics is essential to mastering the higher-level math disciplines that a student will encounter in high school and college, and is a useful tool no matter what profession a student chooses in life. Please check out some of the Algebra Help Study Guides that I have posted on the WyzAnt website under the Resources - Files tab.

Summer

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

I have a degree in Physics from the University of Maryland with a strong background in mathematics, including calculus, analytic geometry, differential equations, linear algebra, boolean algebra, complex variables, and vector functions. I have also taken graduate-level math coursework at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. I have worked for over 40 years as an engineer applying math to the solution of real-world problems. Algebra is the abstraction of basic arithmetic, using letters to stand in for specific known or unknown numbers. The abstract notation of algebra often gives new students difficulty, but the concept, when properly explained, is not difficult. A good working knowledge of algebra is essential to fields like science, engineering, math, economics, and finance. It is also useful in real life, from figuring out how to expand a recipe, to computing your batting average, to determining how many gallons you'll need to paint a room. I truly enjoy working with young people, and have been a baseball and softball hitting instructor for many years. My experience has taught me to work at each student’s level until the subject matter is understood and the student becomes proficient at the skills he or she is trying to master. Please check out some of the Algebra Help Study Guides that I've posted to the WyzAnt website under the Resources-Files tab.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

I have a degree in physics from the University of Maryland with a strong background in mathematics, including calculus, analytic geometry, differential equations, linear algebra, boolean algebra, complex variables, and vector functions. I have also taken graduate-level math coursework at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. I have worked for over 40 years as an engineer applying higher-level mathematics to the solution of real-world problems. Algebra 2 is the springboard for the more advanced mathematics that a student will encounter in college. Having a firm grasp of polynomial operations, graphs, systems of equations and inequalities, matrix operations, logs and exponents, conic sections, and complex numbers is essential for succeeding at linear algebra, calculus, and advanced statistics. It is also essential to fields like science, engineering, math, economics, and finance. As an engineer, I was often called on to explain complex technical topics to non-experts. I learned to minimize the jargon and get to the underlying idea so everyone on a project could understand the technical approach. I bring that skill to my tutoring and can help make difficult topics accessible to the student. If algebra 2 is a struggle, I can help.
Geometry

Geometry

I have a degree in Physics from the University of Maryland with a strong background in mathematics, including calculus, analytic geometry, differential equations, linear algebra, boolean algebra, complex variables, and vector functions. I have also taken graduate-level math coursework at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. I have worked for over 40 years as an engineer applying math to the solution of real-world problems. Geometry can be a difficult subject because there are many theorems and definitions that the student has to learn and apply - and each topic, be it parallel lines, triangles, polygons, circles, or areas and volumes, has its own unique set of theorems. In addition to the personal help, I provide each student with a number of study guides that I have written that summarize the key theorems and definitions. Together, the student and I use these guides to solve problems. I also use the IXL on-line math program to give the student extra practice at solving problems. But most importantly, I let the student know that I am there to help and will work at their pace to help them master each topic.

Examples of Expertise


Philip has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 5356 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

Ratings and Reviews


Rating

5.0 (476 ratings)
5 star
(455)
4 star
(21)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Really Great tutor!

Phil has been working with my daughter for a few weeks now, and she absolutely loves him. He has a very mild demeanor and is very patient with my daughter, who can at times be hyper and talkative when she is supposed to be working. Phil has a wonderful way of channeling her energy into the work and finding new ways to get her involved in the assignment. He makes up fun games that keep her engaged and make the work fun. I would recommend Phil to anyone who would like an extremely intelligent and efficient tutor. My daughter's work has improved and she looks forward to her tutor sessions and learning more in class. She is progressing at a wonderful rate thanks to Phil's help.

Keonah, 27 lessons with Philip

He helped my daughter to get rid of Math-anxiety

Philip is so calm and patient and teaches Math without over emphasizing it. My daughter started to be more comfortable and confident when solving math problems. Thanks.

Aysel, 26 lessons with Philip

Helpful and Patient

Mr. Philip is a very patient tutor he is helping my daughter who's having problems with math and Mr. Philip explains to her how to solve the problems and she is happy to have him helping her.

Hugo, 38 lessons with Philip

Understanding and patient

Philip has been very understanding with my daughters' needs. He addresses the issues she is struggling with the most in a way she can easily understand. He is also very patient with her.

Ana Paula, 11 lessons with Philip

Knowledgeable and patient tutor.

Philip and I went over some Algebra stuff and I think by the time I had it down. He also seems very cool and I look forward to more meetings in the future.

Dawne, 45 lessons with Philip

Excellent teacher!

My daughter feels a lot more confident and knowledgeable in her Algebra 2 class after her tutoring sessions. Philip is patient, helpful and really teaches the material thoroughly to her!

Tracey, 22 lessons with Philip

First Session was a good one!

This was my son's first session with Philip. Philip was able to get through all of the material that my son needed to go over. Philip made my son's first session an enjoyable one so he is looking forward to many more.

Susan, 8 lessons with Philip

Patient and clearly explains

Daughter learned a lot from tutoring sessions, was able to understand Algebra 2 much better with Phil's help. And most importantly, she did much better in her algebra class.

Selene, 14 lessons with Philip

Very great tutor

Mr. Philip is a very great tutor. My son had two lessons with him and he gives him high marks.

Patricia, 6 lessons with Philip

Excellent results so far

We had our first session with Philip yesterday and were very impressed with his ability to connect with our 14 year old son. Philip really seems to care about his students and ensuring they are really understanding the math concepts that are being covered. We are looking forward to additional sessions with him.

Jack , 34 lessons with Philip
Hourly Rate: $45
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