For the Math/Engineering Gurus here: How do i improve my math skills?

[wasserkool]

I haven't touched Calculus after first year in college (university) and my skills is getting rusty.

Back in high school, I only took calculus and got 90% but that is like the only math I had. I can't say I am very bright in math or in the concepts since from grade 10-11, i basically self-taught myself.

Now i am thinking of doing a program switch into engineering and it requires tons of math + science. So what is the best way to pick up my back background? I have several friends in Engineering, should I get their books and do self-study?

 

[BigJ]

Honestly, you may want to pick up an AP Calculus study guide.

Back when I took it, the AP Calc study guide was much more beneficial than my textbook, and actually explained the concepts in terms that were much more understandable. Plus it was full of tests and questions that you would review.

 

[Brian23]

practice

 

[magomago]

open the book....do all the odds, there are usually answers for those and partial solutions guide. That is how i studied for my midterms for classes like diff eqs and vector calc...just keep drilling problems and you'll see all sorts of little tricks via repetition so you can recognize them instantly (rather than have someone give them to you and you loo kfor them...the former method is much more effective)

 

[Vertimus]

Originally posted by: BigJ
Honestly, you may want to pick up an AP Calculus study guide.

Back when I took it, the AP Calc study guide was much more beneficial than my textbook, and actually explained the concepts in terms that were much more understandable.

Your textbook must suck then.

I suggest either Larson or Stewart for the textbook. Larson has facier illustrations, and is quite a bit more expensive. Stewart is cheaper, but has better word problems IMO. Larson has better "straight-down" practice problems.

The point of the textbook is pretty much for the problems for practice.

 

[Xyclone]

Originally posted by: Brian23
practice

 

[wasserkool]

so i guess get some books and start practicing? What worries me is that I might not understand the concept well. Do you guys think a tutor would be a better idea?

 

[ActuaryTm]

Originally posted by: wasserkool
What worries me is that I might not understand the concept well.

There are quite a number of online informational sites and forums specifically for mathematics should the above be the case.

 

[rocadelpunk]

here's a pretty good website I've used in the past.

http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/

 

[Jmman]

Originally posted by: wasserkool
so i guess get some books and start practicing? What worries me is that I might not understand the concept well. Do you guys think a tutor would be a better idea?

Everyone is different, so this question is hard to answer. I can simply read the textbook and learn how to solve the problems, even with advanced mathematics. Other people need to learn from a teacher or a tutor. Most schools have free tutors for math and the sciences, so it might be something to think about.....

 

[miniMUNCH]

Take a course or two at a local city college?

 

[Tiamat]

only way to improve math skills is to practice practice practice. Even if you know of math tools, they are useless unless you know when to use them.

 

[ColdFusion718]

just do lots and lots of algebra, trig and calculus problems, the only way to get good is to do these problems, good luck man.