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How can I catch up on math to prepare for a STEM college major?
I didn't do very well in high school math, but I want to pursue a STEM major in college. How can I start building my math skills?
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Joseph’s Answer
To pursue a STEM major in engineering or the physical sciences, it's important to strengthen your math skills for problem-solving. Algebra is essential for understanding subjects like calculus, differential equations, and numerical analysis. Geometry helps explain how objects fit together in space, which is crucial for fields like robotics, civil engineering, and computer graphics.
The first step is to take remedial classes in Algebra and Geometry at a community college before enrolling in Calculus. Calculus is like "Algebra with a sense of time and movement." With strong Algebra skills, Calculus becomes much easier, and you can progress to advanced topics like Numerical Analysis or Differential Equations, which are needed for specialized STEM careers.
The first step is to take remedial classes in Algebra and Geometry at a community college before enrolling in Calculus. Calculus is like "Algebra with a sense of time and movement." With strong Algebra skills, Calculus becomes much easier, and you can progress to advanced topics like Numerical Analysis or Differential Equations, which are needed for specialized STEM careers.
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Andrew’s Answer
Mathematics is the language of science and technology. Hence, it is imperative to achieve competency and proficiency in this symbolic and logical language.
In high school, it would be important to complete successfully both Algebra I and Algebra II classes to prepare for subsequent classes such as Precalculus sequence, College Algebra, and Trigonometry and Analytical Geometry.
If you are already in college, take the results of the math placement test seriously. Take the necessary remedial math courses, which are basically Algebra I and Algebra II in high school, to build a solid foundation for subsequent Precalculus courses.
In high school, it would be important to complete successfully both Algebra I and Algebra II classes to prepare for subsequent classes such as Precalculus sequence, College Algebra, and Trigonometry and Analytical Geometry.
If you are already in college, take the results of the math placement test seriously. Take the necessary remedial math courses, which are basically Algebra I and Algebra II in high school, to build a solid foundation for subsequent Precalculus courses.
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Zach’s Answer
https://www.khanacademy.org/ is an excellent resource to learn the topics mentioned above.
Find your learning style - some prefer textbooks with problem sets, others like youtube, others might do a Gemini / Claude / ChatGPT interactive learning plan. Once you find what works for you, try to dedicate some time each day to learning.
You can also consider a spaced-repetition tool like Anki (https://apps.ankiweb.net/) to help you with remembering what you're learning.
You got this!
Find your learning style - some prefer textbooks with problem sets, others like youtube, others might do a Gemini / Claude / ChatGPT interactive learning plan. Once you find what works for you, try to dedicate some time each day to learning.
You can also consider a spaced-repetition tool like Anki (https://apps.ankiweb.net/) to help you with remembering what you're learning.
You got this!