Hi all, it's my first post here. I would be very grateful if someone could advise the best route to learn mathematics. I am an adult learner and taking steps to sort out my lack of mathematical knowledge, so I wish to start from the basics. I have borrowed from my local library "Basic Math & Pre-Algebra for Dummies" along with it's accompanying workbook and have started learning basic arithmetic. I'm doing OK so far. However, I wish to eventually progress to be able to handle degree level mathematics. For this I plan to spend time to develop a very good foundation in all the basics. What I would like help with is for someone to recommend what I should learn and in which order so that I will develop a strong foundation in the fundamentals.

If you are planning on going into degree level mathematics then I would advise you to study for the qualifications which lead up to a degree. It all depends on where you intend to study for your degree. Some establishments which offer degrees also offer courses designed to get you to the standard required to study at degree level. I think it best to be enrolled on a course to give you a structure to your learning and then use supplimentary material to boost you knowledge.

Welcome to the forum, and you are doing exactly the right thing. With the right attitude and enough time and effort there's no reason you won't be able to reach your goals.

What is your math background? I assume at this point, some of this is review for you?

When you are ready to work on elementary algebra, I recommend downloading xyalgebra, which is a free interactive program that will help you learn or review basic algebra (what would be first year algebra in jr. high or high school, or the first half of a college algebra course.) It is self-paced so as an adult with some dedication you should be able to get through it in a few weeks or a few months - doing all the exercises.

The program itself is a little clumsily written (in terms of being a memory hog), but it works, it's free, and it was written by a scholar who is passionate about math education. Here's the link:

xyAlgebra Home

I also recommend this site of a math tutor who is an extremely talented teacher and very clear communicator, who has fantastic math videos - from basic algebra all the way through second semester Calculus (and a little beyond). The videos are broken down into You-Tube length topics, and are very concise and clear.

Just Math Tutoring

Use texts - either from the library or you can often find use math texts cheap at the used bookstore. Honestly some of the older ones are best. The ones with shiny pictures and gobs and gobs of problems and puzzles and sidebars I think tend to be more convoluted and difficult for independent study than the old-style texts that are cored down to the basics.

When you get to a point where you need help and independent study is too challenging, most community colleges offer a math placement exam you can take for free or for a nominal fee, and this exam will give you a good idea as to where to begin formal mathematics education.

What degree are you seeking? In the liberal arts, there are many programs that do not require you to study anything beyond college-level algebra. Depending on the school, you may be able to test out of it entirely. If not, following the above tips will get you to a point where passing a liberal arts math requirement will be a no-brainer for you!

If you want a science degree, you're probably looking at 3 semesters of Calculus at least. Depending on the school, as an incoming adult they probably won't let you start any higher than Calculus I with a placement exam - but even still it can't hurt to do some independent study ahead of time.

Good luck!

I'll second that. if you're in the UK or Europe, you could do worse than get in touch with the OU. Their maths courses are really good.

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"No matter how fast or how far you run, you're still in the space where you are." -- Russell

I'll second that plug of the Open University.

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Thank you all for your replies

The link to the elementary algebra is very useful and hopefully I will be able to use soon. I am working through the Basic Math Dummies book and enjoying the whole learning process at the moment. I'm not really sure though what order I should learn things. I want to develop a strong foundation so that I actually understand the calculation rather than just learning a process without much thought. What topics would be essential to learn? For example geometry, trigonmetry etc I'm not sure what topics would be considered to be essential knowledge.

thanks for your suggestion
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