Should I take the straighterline college algebra course?

[insaniak]

It said intro to algebra isn't needed, but should I still take the college algebra course? To save time and money? I've been out of algebra for awhile and I'd hate to waste time on intro algebra if it's not really needed. I need college algebra for school. Will I be able to complete college algebra course from SL without intro to algebra?

[davewill]

It depends on how math phobic you are. In general, someone who mastered a high school algebra sequence should be able to start at college algebra.

[insaniak]

It depends on how math phobic you are. In general, someone who mastered a high school algebra sequence should be able to start at college algebra.

I'm very math phobic and am constantly putting it off.

[lismith]

I'm very math phobic too. I started College Algebra at SL to try to get it over with quick & easy, and pretty much immediately regretted that decision. The textbook and lessons just didn't help me at all (Granted, I haven't take advantage of the included tutoring.) I've finished 3 other SL courses, then suspended my subscription for a month before finishing Algebra and 1 other course. In the meantime I've been going through ALEKS (free through ASU at edx.org.) I plan to resubscribe to SL to finish up Algebra and the other course in 1 month as soon as I feel ready. It's too bad ALEKS doesn't qualify for ACE Credit anymore, I'm learning more from it.

[docmarvin]

Youtube videos and this book (I got the previous edition) help me out a lot when I took the CLEP exam.

https://www.amazon.com/Schaums-Outline-C...0071821813

Do a lot of practice quiz. Sometimes I will make my own trinomial equations and solve it using all different methods just for fun. I do love math. Nothing to be scared of. ALEKS actually let you master this course. I like it's format. The thing is, I just took the initial exam and pass it right away.

[jsd]

Khan Academy is free and people seem to enjoy them (for learning only, no credit available through them)

[insaniak]

I'm very math phobic too. I started College Algebra at SL to try to get it over with quick & easy, and pretty much immediately regretted that decision. The textbook and lessons just didn't help me at all (Granted, I haven't take advantage of the included tutoring.) I've finished 3 other SL courses, then suspended my subscription for a month before finishing Algebra and 1 other course. In the meantime I've been going through ALEKS (free through ASU at edx.org.) I plan to resubscribe to SL to finish up Algebra and the other course in 1 month as soon as I feel ready. It's too bad ALEKS doesn't qualify for ACE Credit anymore, I'm learning more from it.

Is the course at edx everything that is needed to know for college algebra on SL? I may just do that then run through SL course

[bjcheung77]

I wouldn't waste time using other resources on the SL course, it's straightforward for most SL courses. You just need over 70%.
Just plow through it and only use the recommended resources if you are "stuck" and don't know the steps to do the calculations.

[lismith]

Is the course at edx everything that is needed to know for college algebra on SL? I may just do that then run through SL course

I think ALEKS covers more than SL. https://www.aleks.com/about_aleks/course...colalgebra

I like ALEKS timeline and pie charts that show progress, and I'm not so overwhelming because it goes through one concept at a time and won't let you get in over your head. The first thing you do is take an assessment exam. I like this too because you don't have to go through things you already know.

If you go through the ALEKS site you have to pay a subscription fee ($20 a month I think?) If you sign up for ASU College Algebra at http://www.edx.org it links to ALEKS and it's free.  I was happy to stumble across a way to get this free.   

I've used Khan too and it's good, but I get bored with watching the videos.

[insaniak]

Aright so based of what is said here I should just do the SL course for college algebra? Even if I don't have a good background in intermediate background? I did the aleks knowledge placement exam and it basically said I better review concepts I should know before I start college algebra.