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College and High School Math for Classes and Test Prep
Michael E.

5.0 (1,671 ratings)

7,300 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $70
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Response time: 49 minutes

About Michael

Bio

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 I did a combined curriculum with the University's College of Education for my teacher certification.

Prior to becoming a teacher/tutor, I had...

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 I did a combined curriculum with the University's College of Education for my teacher certification.

Prior to becoming a teacher/tutor, I had done the programming, installation, and training of Point-of-Sale equipment, as well as accounting functions, such as Business Personal Property Taxes. Through these experiences, I can draw on practical applications for my tutoring, as well as the abilities to be flexible, adaptable, and most of all, patient!

Tutoring sessions take place at my office in Livonia, MI.

For online sessions, we can use either the Wyzant Whiteboard, or Zoom.

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Education

Wayne State University
Mathematics

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Approved Subjects

ACT Math

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

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

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

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

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.
Geometry

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

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

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

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

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

SAT Math

The SAT Math covers topics from Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry. If you are in Pre-Calculus, you have most likely seen all of 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. Also, you aren't necessarily just looking for 'x'. You could be looking for 'x + y' without knowing, or needing to know, the value of each. This is one area where the SAT likes to do more of than 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

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.

Examples of Expertise

Michael has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 138 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

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Michael E.'s Photo

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Ratings and Reviews

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Reviews

outstanding math tutor

I would like to express my deep gratitude for the excellent support my daughter received from her math tutor Michael! Firstly, at the very last minute, we scheduled a session with him to help my daughter prepare for a test the next day. Despite his own commitments, he went out of his way to offer a two-hour session. Afterward, my daughter was thrilled to tell me that she understood everything clearly and felt the explanations were even better than her school teacher’s. Secondly, he was incredibly thorough and patient in his teaching. He took the time to carefully understand which areas my daughter found challenging, and instead of rushing, he broke down the concepts even further. He would explain each part until she fully grasped it before moving on. This thoughtful and methodical approach made a huge difference in her confidence and comprehension. Overall, he is an outstanding math tutor, and we are very grateful for his dedication and expertise. Thank you so much Michael!

Snow, 12 lessons with Michael

Strong work ethic and eagar to teach

Many tutors know how to teach math, but what sets Michael apart is his patience, dedication to teaching, and strong work ethic. During our sessions, we encountered some technical difficulties with the internet connection. Despite these challenges, Michael went the extra mile by completing the unfinished question on his own time after our line was cut, without charging additional fees down to minutes. His commitment to helping students, even beyond the scheduled session, demonstrates his genuine passion for teaching. The only drawback was that he didn't provide a recorded session for me to review after the tutoring session ended. Some of my tutors provided this option so I could go back to review when I didn't catch the explanation fast enough during the session. I hope Michael can consider this option in the future and it will make our experience a perfect one.

Noriko, 3 lessons with Michael

very knowledgeable

Michael is very knowledgeable and very patient while teaching my high school algebra 2. I strongly recommend him to other families trying to help with Mathematics.

Krishna, 39 lessons with Michael

Knowledgeable and Skilled Tutor

My son has been working with Michael weekly for the past couple of months. I have seen my son’s grade increase significantly in his Honors Algebra 2 course. My son enjoys working with Michael and says that he explains math concepts in a way that makes them easier to understand. I highly recommend Michael.

Mildred, 24 lessons with Michael

By request and made simple

Initially, my daughter was upset that we were signing her up for pre-cal tutoring. Now, she is requesting to have tutoring saying that “Michael makes it so much easier.”

Danielle, 6 lessons with Michael

Algebra 2

My son enjoyed the lesson, and said that Michael was good. He liked the methods used and expressed interest in continuing on with lessons.

Eric, 4 lessons with Michael

Algebra 2

My son enjoyed the lesson, and said that Michael was good. He liked the methods used and expressed interest in continuing on with lessons.

Eric, 4 lessons with Michael

Algebra 2

My son enjoyed the lesson, and said that Michael was good. He liked the methods used and expressed interest in continuing on with lessons.

Eric, 4 lessons with Michael

Algebra 2

My son enjoyed the lesson, and said that Michael was good. He liked the methods used and expressed interest in continuing on with lessons.

Eric, 4 lessons with Michael

Amazing Tutor !!!

This is my first time using wyzant and I am happy to have chosen him as my tutor . Michael is very knowledgeable in Math suck as consumer math, exponential, etc. and has patience. Don’t hesitate! Choose him as your tutor , you won’t regret it = )

TeAirra, 11 lessons with Michael
Hourly Rate: $70
Response time: 49 minutes
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