Algebra Help: Where To Get It And How To Stop Struggling
Are you feeling overwhelmed with all the Algebra formulas, variables and graphing? Don’t stress out. The beauty of working online is there are amazing resources that you can use for Algebra help.
In our world today, students are not limited to just a textbook and one teacher to learn a topic. Everyone learns differently, but if you are really struggling, keep at it and these sites may get you back on track.
If you are new to Algebra, retaking it (oops!) or wanting to refresh your skills, read on to learn what sites will help improve your grade.
Algebra Help: Cool Math
Yes, math textbooks for the most part, are boring. The font is small, and it looks more like a foreign language. Yikes! The thing is, it does not have to be that way at all. Your textbook may just not be providing enough variety and examples to make the concept clear. There are so many sites that offer Algebra help, but CoolMath takes the cake. Select a topic from the detailed list and you are all set.
Why CoolMath is great for Algebra Help?
- Simple Words – In Algebra, there are tons of new words to learn. Intercepts, Slope and Quadratics. Terms we usually don’t hear in everyday conversation. This site does a great job of defining terms in an easy way. No more wondering what your teacher is talking about in class.
- Large Fonts and Colors – To really grasp a concept, we need to see examples written in multiple ways. This site adds color and fun fonts to make the learning process better.
- Big Pictures and Real Life Examples – Teachers are usually pressed for time in the classroom setting. They do not have the time to cover WHY these concepts are important. Getting the right Algebra help from professors and teachers who are passionate about your success is key. This site takes the extra time and has plenty of real life examples. If you know how to use it in everyday life, it will usually stick with you forever.
For Visual and Auditory Learners: Khan Academy
Let’s face it, if you learn best by seeing others do something or by looking at pictures, math can be a struggle in the traditional classroom enviornment. Thankfully, we have come along way in understanding how we learn. Some need step-by-step videos and there is nothing wrong with finding resources that work best for you. Simply click on a topic or question and see it all worked out in front of you. The best part, you can always watch it again if needed.
Why Khan Academy?
- Step-by-step instructions – Being focused in math for an hour or more everyday can be rough. Don’t worry it can happen to everyone. In these tutorials, teachers go slow and cover concepts in a short period of time.
- Video are made from professors and certified teachers – There is nothing worse than being taught something incorrectly and then having to go back. Rest assured they spend a great deal of time verifying credentials.
- Learn a different way to solve a problem – Sometimes the best type of Algebra help is seeing a different way to tackle a problem. Your teacher may have explained something one way, but in a video it was explained differently. All that matters is that it works for you.
For Graphing: Desmos
Once you get to Algebra, your teacher may require a graphing calculator. They can be expensive and difficult to use at first. If you don’t have the time to practice using a graphing calculator, but still want to learn, this is an easy to use website. Desmos also has a free app for a tablet or phone.
Why Desmos?
- Easy to Use – In the beginning, you really just need a simple graphing calculator. You can get the job done quick using this site. Desmos allows users to explore Inequalities, Circles, Systems of Equations and many more topics through Calculus.
- Color and Animation – It is easier to figure out key parts of a graph with color. The expensive graphing calculators, just came out with a color version. (They are a little behind right?) Color and animation help us really grasp what is going on with a certain function. Therefore, if we see it, we may start to understand it.
- Take it with you- Have you ever left a calculator at school or maybe forgot it at a friend’s house? Sigh. Desmos might just save you. The app is free and can be downloaded to any mobile device and the homework can still get done! Better yet, if you are working on a problem on the computer, the graph will still be available on your phone later.
For Practice: Kuta Software Free Worksheets
In Algebra, you are going to learn how to solve different types of problems. One of the things that can makes it difficult, is the memorization. However, the more you practice the easier your homework will be going forward. Free worksheets are a perfect start. Set a goal and try and do one or two a week. Learn a concept from Khan Academy or CoolMath and then start to practice your new skill.
Why Kuta Software?
- Free Algebra help Worksheets- Kuta Software is used by teachers to create practice worksheets for their classes. If you use these, chances are the problems may show up on homework or a test. Might as well try it.
- One Concept per Worksheet- When you are first learning something new, it helps to do a few problems to get the steps. The problems start off easy and will finish with tougher questions. Keep in mind though, you will need to add in additional practice to master the concepts.
- Answer Key- Being able to check your work and find mistakes is the best way to learn. Do yourself a favor and hide the answer sheet before you start. Once you finish, check your answers to find your mistakes. Ask for additional help if you still do not know what you did wrong.
For Checking Answers: Symbolab
You have reviewed the lessons, completed the worksheets, but what happens if you are still not getting the right answers? Don’t worry. After you finish a homework assignment, you should always check your work. Why? Because, we are human and make mistakes. The best way to learn is to notice errors and fix them. Symbolab is a wonderful tool to use to make sure your steps are correct.
- See Steps to Solve
See each step and know if your answer is correct! Mistakes happen, but after awhile it can start to make you frustrated. Before giving up, check the step-by-step instructions.
*Writing down the answers will only hurt you in the long run. Make sure to figure out which step is causing issues and ask for help.
- Do you want to see handwritten steps?
This website does a wonderful job going slow and has neat handwritten steps.
A little extra Algebra help may give you more tools to end the frustration and start seeing progress. You might also look into math games online or ask your math teacher for suggestions. This can be a great way to brush up on Pre-Algebra concepts in a fun way.
Photo credit: All photos from this post are from Open Source Wikipedia.
