Michael E.
Livonia, MI
College and High School Math for Classes and Test Prep
Wayne State University
MathematicsAbout Michael
From 2006 to 2010, I had taught mathematics, and since 2010 have been a full-time private tutor. I work with students on topics from Prealgebra to Calculus, whether specifically for a class, or as part of test preparation for an entrance exam. My degree is a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Wayne State University's College of Science, where
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24 hours notice requiredTravel Radius
Travels within 20 miles of Livonia, MI 48150Michael offers online lessons
Michael is approved to conduct lessons through Wyzant Online. Wyzant Online allows students and tutors to work remotely via video, audio, and collaborative whiteboard tools. For more information about how online tutoring works, check out Wyzant Online.
If you’re interested in online lessons, message Michael to get started.
"Patient, helpful and connected with my daughter very well."
- Pauline, Northville, MI on 9/12/16Michael helped my daughter to practice and prepare for the Math section of the ACT. Along the way, he was able to identify math concepts that may have been missing from her high school teaching-so it was learning that she can use in the future, too. We are so thankful for this!
"Excellent tutor!"
- Susan, Sterling, VA on 9/13/17My son is a bit rusty as he took Pre-Calculus a couple of years ago and now taking Calculus. He says he has learned more from Michael than from his teacher or others in just a few hours of tutoring. Thanks, Michael!
"Great"
- Jennifer, Idaho Falls, ID on 4/23/17Michael is quick to delve into the math and relates very well to my son. I'm very pleased with his service. He is always available on short notice, and that is nice for a teenager that has no thought for the lives of other people, especially someone that is two time zones away!
"Knowledge and very patient tutor"
- Charity, Ellicott City, MD on 4/6/17Online Skype Session.
Helped with these topics:
Solving Equations Involving Radicals
- may have to square both sides once or twice
- check for extraneous solutions
Rationalizing the Denominator
- when there is a radical there
Graphing Polynomials
- Domain, VA, Holes, HA, x and y Intercepts, OA
Factoring Quadratics
Long Division of Polynomials
Synthetic Division
- with complex numbers
"Organized, interesting and knowledgeable tutor"
- Lia, Washington, DC on 3/12/17Michael was always prepared, and would easily explain any math question and run through it step by step until I fully understood it. Also used a whiteboard on online sessions which was very useful
"Michael is a great tutor!"
- Jenna, Livonia, MI on 3/3/17Michael goes above and beyond for his students. He gives extra worksheets to help make you understand. I highly recommend him for anyone who really wants to learn and understand the math concepts.
"Great job!"
- Alfonso, Fallston, MD on 12/19/16Great job! Def Recommend! Michael was very attentive and asked me multiple times if I was good of I needed re-explaining which some students are scared to ask for.
"Mirthful Tutor"
- Adam, Royal Oak, MI on 12/8/16Mirthful: full of mirth; merry or amusing.
Adam, you crack me up! :-)
"Best Tutor Ever!"
- Maxine, Romulus, MI on 11/13/16Michael is very patient, and he as able to breakdown math in a way that was easy for my child to comprehend. He makes himself available at all times (even on a Sunday at 8:00 at night). I definitely would recommend him, and I plan on using his services again in the future.
"Knowledgable and patient tutor"
- Jonathan, Royal Oak, MI on 6/9/16I asked Michael for a crash course GMAT review session the day before my exam. He was quick to respond, accommodating to my situation, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend him!
"Knows his stuff; relates well with students"
- Laura, Canton, MI on 4/11/16Michael was able to help with some test prep and was very available to meet scheduling needs. He is very prepared, so it was easy for my son to understand his teachings. We will be using Michael again to help with math needs. He is highly recommended!
"Great tutor"
- Kemal, Keego Harbor, MI on 4/3/16I was very happy with his way of teaching.
He is clear and does his job in a very professional way.I strongly recommend him.I will work with him again if needed.
"Great teacher!"
- Ann, West Bloomfield, MI on 12/30/15Michael was really invaluable in helping me prepare for the GRE. He could break down things I had difficulty understanding and explain them in a way easier for me to grasp. It was also really helpful that he could assess the types of problems I was struggling with, and give me extra practice in those areas to improve. My GRE math score definitely improved thanks to his help.
"The best tutor!"
- Tom, New York, NY on 11/13/15Michael is a true mathematician and great in the world of problem solving.
Michael knows all parts of mathematics inside and out. He showed me the beauty of calculus and mathematics!
"Excellent Tutor"
- Charlene, Beachwood, OH on 10/30/15My son really likes Michael's math tutoring. Michael answered my urgent math tutoring request and responded promptly and took the task in very short notice. He communicated very well with my son and is very knowledgeable and knows how to hit the right point. What a relief to hear my son says so often: Oh! I got it! Thanks, Michael!
"Excellent tutor"
- Caleb, Dearborn, MI on 10/7/15Chose Michael to prep for the GRE. I haven't used the math needed in years and do not enjoy it. Michael has made the process much easier though. Very patient, extremely sharp, and always helpful. Highly recommend.
"Excellent educator"
- Frank, Livonia, MI on 9/15/15Michael is an excellent educator. He not only knows mathematics but also knows how to communicate and relate to people.
"Fantastic Tutor!"
- Craig, Dearborn, MI on 9/9/15Michael is a great tutor. I have used him multiple times now and will continue to use him when needed. I would recommend him to anyone that is looking for a math tutor.
"Very accomodating"
- Nancy, Farmington, MI on 2/3/15Thank you Michael for fitting Logan into your schedule at the last minute and for working with him extra hours. We appreciate your assistance.
"Amazing tutor"
- Michelle, Ypsilanti, MI on 9/24/13Very amazing tutor. Makes complicated concepts fully understood, takes time makes you feel confident in your abilities. Look no further this is one of best tutor's on this site.
"Excellent tutor, very flexible and knowledgeable. Extremely helpful tips."
- Hanh, Franklin, MI on 9/15/13Michael is an excellent tutor. He is knowledgeable, and very flexible. He provides extremely helpful tips and will meet your need to help you understand the materials and be prepared for your test. We are fortunate to know him. Thank you Michael.
"Very Patient, has gone above and beyond the call of duty!!!"
- Kim, Livonia, MI on 5/23/13Thank you Mike. You have been wonderful with our daughter, who is suffering of "Senioritus" right now. Thank you so much for the extra effort and time you have given to her. I am sure that she will be skyping you from Cornell for online tutor sessions! I would highly recommend you to anyone, as a matter of fact, I will be needing you for our son this fall for Algebra, entering 7th grade.
"Very knowledgable."
- Jennifer, Milford, MI on 4/19/13Thanks for all the help. I appreciate your expertise in math and your flexibility in working with my schedule.
"Geometry"
- Diane, Northville, MI on 3/22/13Michael has been very helpful and accommodating. My son's grade has improved by two letter grades. We couldn't be happier.
"Wonderful tutor"
- Nancy, Livonia, MI on 1/29/13Always answers questions quickly and very accommodating. Working with my son has made a big difference in both his high school calculus and college calculus understanding.
"Genius."
- Michaeline, Farmington, MI on 9/13/12Michael was very knowledgeable, patient and kind. He did not make me feel "stupid," or try to talk down to me. I am 40 and appreciated his "lets do this!' approach to algebra. I would use him again and refer him to anyone who is struggling with math on any level.
Approved subjects are in bold.
Approved subjects
In most cases, tutors gain approval in a subject by passing a proficiency exam. For some subject areas, like music and art, tutors submit written requests to demonstrate their proficiency to potential students. If a tutor is interested but not yet approved in a subject, the subject will appear in non-bold font. Tutors need to be approved in a subject prior to beginning lessons.
ACT Math
The ACT Math covers topics from Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry.
If you are in Pre-Calc, you have most likely seen all the information before.
While the test is certainly checking for content knowledge, it also checks for a certain level of ability to manipulate the material.
Though a calculator is allowed, all questions are designed to be done without, and usually with less effort or the same as typing into the calculator. Time should be set aside for practicing problems both ways.
Unless the problem indicates in some manner that you will be rounding, all answers will be exactly one of the options. If you are even a little off, it is probably not the answer.
Algebra 1
Having trouble solving for 'x'? Not sure if you should be adding or subtracting from both sides of an equation, or multiplying or dividing on both sides? Do terms like 'radicals' or phrases like 'rational expressions' make you wonder if you are still talking about math? Please message me when ready to start tackling these items, or any others, which may be giving you trouble.
Algebra 2
College Level: Intermediate Algebra is equivalent Algebra 2. Many college students are taking this class online. Quite a few problems arise from just trying to figure out how to enter the answer into the online program. Whether due to this, or problems with the material directly, please message me, and we will get started.
High School Level: Algebra 2
Algebra 2 is traditionally taken after Geometry, but can be taken beforehand. Check with your counselor beforehand before doing either, however. A large focus here is placed on parent graphs, how you can translate them, and how their corresponding equations would look. Factoring techniques are covered in depth, and quite often, a deeper look will be taken at Trigonometry, beyond SOHCAHTOA, to accommodate ACT test questions.
ASVAB
I have done tutoring for the ASVAB Math portions, which I would compare to the SAT, or the ACT without the Trigonometry, both of which I have also done tutoring.
There are two math portions on this test: Arithmetic Reasoning and Mathematics Knowledge. The Arithmetic Reasoning portion contains word problems, while the Mathematics Knowledge portion contains algebra and geometry problems, which may or may not start off as a word problem.
Currently, no calculator is allowed, so mental calculations, and tricks for simplifying are very useful.
Calculus
Calc I: Take the formula for slope from your algebra and geometry classes, change the notation, and see what happens when the 'run' is taken to be infinitely small.
This derivative will then be used for practical applications: minimizing outputs, maximizing outputs, related rates, etc... Anything from your Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry is fair game for working out a problem.
A lot of time will be spent learning the rules for finding the derivative of a function by means of: Power Rule, Product Rule, Quotient rule, and Chain Rule. Be very comfortable using rational exponents rather than radical symbols, and keep a sheet of trig identities at hand.
Calc II: Here is where you mainly learn about anti-derivatives and integrals. There will be a variety of techniques for finding the anti-derivative and integrating: Substitution, Partial Fractions, Integration By Parts, Tabular Integration, etc... Again, anything from previous math courses is fair game, and keep a sheet of trig identities handy. Typical applications are for finding the area and volume of an object.
GED
Having trouble solving for 'x'? Not sure if you should be adding or subtracting from both sides of an equation, or multiplying or dividing on both sides? Do terms like 'radicals' or phrases like 'rational expressions' make you wonder if you are still talking about math? Please message me when ready to start tackling these items, or any others, which may be giving you trouble.
Geometry
Most of a student's difficulty comes from writing proofs. Think of it as writing an argumentative paper, and having to cite your sources.
With the 'Given' typically as your introduction, make your argument with any supporting definitions, postulates, and/or theorems available to you at that time, and end it with what you want to 'prove' as your conclusion.
Your particular geometry text book is your source for citing, unless other material is given by your instructor. You can only cite references covered to date. No peeking ahead.
Beyond proof writing, while it may be other geometric concepts causing issues, it is probably number concepts, algebra skills, and/or mental calculations that need to be worked on.
GMAT
Depending on the University/Program you are looking to enter, you may need to take the GMAT, or GRE. Preparation for the math portions of the GMAT and the GRE are very similar in topics: Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Basic Probability, and Data Analysis.
While a calculator is allowed on the GRE, it is a very basic one. For the GMAT, a calculator is allowed on the 'Integrated Reasoning' Section, but not the 'Quantitative' Section. So, while preparing for either test, you will want to practice mental and written calculations, and shortcuts for both.
For the GMAT, hold off on doing the 'Data Sufficiency' questions. For the GRE, hold off on the 'Quantitative Comparison' questions. Be sure to have the basics, and the other question types down first.
GRE
Depending on the University/Program you are looking to enter, you may need to take the GMAT, or GRE. Preparation for the math portions of the GMAT and the GRE are very similar in topics: Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Basic Probability, and Data Analysis.
While a calculator is allowed on the GRE, it is a very basic one. For the GMAT, a calculator is allowed on the 'Integrated Reasoning' Section, but not the 'Quantitative' Section. So, while preparing for either test, you will want to practice mental and written calculations, and shortcuts for both.
For the GMAT, hold off on doing the 'Data Sufficiency' questions. For the GRE, hold off on the 'Quantitative Comparison' questions. Be sure to have the basics, and the other question types down first.
Prealgebra
Having trouble solving for 'x'? Not sure if you should be adding or subtracting from both sides of an equation, or multiplying or dividing on both sides? Do terms like 'radicals' or phrases like 'rational expressions' make you wonder if you are still talking about math? Please message me when ready to start tackling these items, or any others, which may be giving you trouble.
Precalculus
A further look is taken at parent graphs, how they can be translated, and the domain and range of functions are more closely kept track of.
Main things to look for when determining the domain of a function: division by zero, square rooting (or any even root) of a number.
Anything learned in previous math classes is fair game at any point, and more time will be spent on special classes of functions, and identities: logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric, rational, etc...
Become very comfortable using rational exponents rather than radical symbols, and do not rely too much on the calculator for calculations which should be done mentally.
SAT Math
The SAT Math covers topics from Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry.
If you are in Pre-Calc, you have most likely seen all the information before.
While the test is certainly checking for content knowledge, it also checks for a certain level of ability to manipulate the material. This is one area where the SAT likes to do more of that the ACT.
Starting with the 2016 testing, the Math portion now has a calculator and non-calculator portion. Though for a large part of the calculator portion, just about all questions can be done without, and usually with less effort or the same as typing into the calculator. Time should be set aside for practicing problems both ways.
Unless the problem indicates in some manner that you will be rounding, all answers will be exactly one of the options. If you are even a little off, it is probably not the answer.
Trigonometry
Whether taking this as a class of its own, or as part of some other class, you will want to know your unit circle, and be able to prove various trig identities. Learn how to graph polar coordinates and use formulas like de Moivre's formula. The basics of Trigonometry tend to be taught in Geometry and/or Algebra II, but you will need it throughout Precalculus, and Calculus.
Other Livonia, MI Tutors
Michael E.
Livonia, MI
College and High School Math for Classes and Test Prep