I’m thinking about going back to college. It has been twenty years since I’ve been in school. I was never very good in math or science, so I know I need some refreshers. Can anyone recommend books or websites that will help me with the basics? I am really scared about this, my math skills in particular are pathetic.
Go to your local college book store or other used book store and buy and old textbook. Many bookstores carry old ones at significant discounts. Get one and do all of the exercises. It will significantly improve your confidence in such matters.
You haven’t given enough information here…
What was the most advanced math content you dealt with? Trig? Single Variable Calculus (intro calc)? HS Algebra/Geometry? Were there any topics in maths where you did not have as much difficulty?
Same for science, mainly what level of physics ed. did you have?
Umm…it was twenty years ago. I squeaked by and graduated high school with the barest minimum of math classes. Same for science. I had some problems (personal type, not academic, but it all trickled down) in high school, as a result I missed a boatload of high school, but managed enough to graduate.
Let me put it this way: I can add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers, but anything above that makes me frustrated and angry.
** pervert ** - I like your suggestion. My sister in law is homeschooling and she managed to snag a bunch of textbooks for all grade levels (including teacher’s editions) from a former book publisher. I’ll go check out what she has. I am a fast learner, and I’m sure it will come back fast, but I am still worried about my lack of skills.
So, I’ll assume you want a refresh from algebra onwards.
Those books seem pretty good, Gyan.
Don’t worry about your lack of skill, Boscibo. Skill is simply a matter of practice. Get a book and go to it!
My high school algebra / trig teacher used to say things like “God could not have created the oceans without the quadratic equation!” with a big smile on his face. He meant it as a way to express the beauty / power (even god uses it for important stuff) of math and the accessibility (jokes are created with it as well) of it. One of the best teachers I ever had in any subject.
Just start with something you are comfortable with and go from there. Don’t ever hesitate to ask for help either. There are lots of forums and your sister in law sounds like an excellent resource.