Free University Project

College Prep Online - 2002

Math Review

by Jack C. Star

Every person comes to college level math with a different background of formal studies and comprehension. Most sites that provide math review, therefore, generally span a range of topics from basic arithmetic to calculus. Mathematics has its own symbolic language and logic. Some people quickly grasp the language, others have to work much harder.

Generally speaking, you will be expected to know arithmetic, beginning and perhaps intermediate algebra, basic geometry, basic trigonometry, and simple statistics. In addition you should also be able to understand standard charts and graphs and analyze their meaning.

You may find it useful to gain an overview of mathematics by reading entries in any good encyclopedia. Look under the following headings:

• Mathematics, History of
• Mathematics, Foundations of
• Mathematical Models
• Arithmetic
• Algebra (including the History of Algebra)
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Probablity and Statistics
• Calculus

Almost everyone reaches a point that they don't understand in these encyclopedia entries. That is natural and should not lead to panic. However, after you have worked through some of the sites listed below, you should be able to go back to the encyclopedia with much greater understanding.

(Take one or two planning sessions and examine the three review sites below. Print out the first page or two for future reference of the subjects that interest you as they are like a table of contents for the subject. Then set up a calendar for study sessions. Remember to make entries in your journal at the end of each study session.)

A great place to start is Math League Help Topics As it is aimed at 4th through 8th graders you should be able to breeze through this site. You should know these concepts cold. Topics include:

• Whole numbers and their basic properties
• Decimals, whole numbers, and exponents
• Using data and statistics
• Fractions
• Geometry
• Ratio and proportion
• Percent and probability
• Integers
• Metric units and measurement
• Introduction to algebra
• Positive and negative numbers

Another good initial site is Math for Morons Like Us. This is a teacher-coordinated student project that includes sections on Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus/Calculus. Each section is broken down into structured units. (For example, Algebra contains units on: Exponents, Single Variable Equations, Multi-Variable Equations, Word Problems, Factoring, Fractions, Ratios, Graphing on Number Lines, Graphing on Coordinate Plane, Square Roots, and Scientific Notation.)

Following the above another review, that also includes short quizzes, each with three levels of difficulty, can be found at Excercises in Math Readiness University of Saskatchewan.

Some additional initial review sites include:

• The Most Common Errors in Undergraduate Mathematics Schechter - Vanderbilt University
• Basic Math Concepts and Fundamentals Logan -- Dallas County Community College District. Meant for his chemistry students but a good review for all.
• Webmath Worked examples of many different math problems -- from General Math to Calculus. Good section on Word Problems.
• MATH-abundance from Belgium. A substantial number of Tutorials, plus extensive links.
• Math On Line from Mercer County Community College. Click on quiz yourself and FAST FACTS

Algebra

• Here is what one professor expects you to know as a Prerequisite to College Algebra. James -- Richland Community College.
• Another approach comes from the University of Vienna and includes numerous Java applets maths online

Statistics

• Statistics Every Writer Should Know Robert Niles. Aimed at journalism students but useful for all.

Other Resources

• How do numbers affect everyday decisions? That is the question partially answered by Math in Daily Life one of the exhibits as part of the Annenberg/CPB Projects Collection.
• From the Mathematics Archives of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is this MSDOS Software Collection for K-12 including freeware and shareware (you can also run them from Windows).

Reference

From an extensive list of Favorite Math Constants make sure you are familiar with: Pythagoras' constant, Golden Mean, Natural Logarithmic Base, and Archimedes' constant.

General Links

• Math Archives U. Tennesse, Knoxville
• Cornell Theory Center

Commercial Software Any store with a large selection of educational software will carry inexpensive packages for drill and practice.

---

Good Luck!

Your questions and comments are always welcome.

Following are links to the Free University Project:

Homepage | Administration | Library | Lecture Hall | Student Support Center |

|Computer Center | Student Union | Outside Resources |

---

Free University Project
e-mail to: jaystar@ix.netcom.com
500 Kentucky Ave.
Savannah, GA 31404
tel: (912) 233-4288 fax: (912) 233-4815
Copyright © 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002 Free University Project
Home Page URL = www.freeuniv.com
Created: May 19, 1999
Last Update: Aug. 25, 2002