Before my beginner algebra class in college, I haven’t been in a math class for about 7 years. When taking beginner algebra, I’v been making hundreds in every assignment, test and quiz. Even though when the problem is first put on the board and I don’t understand, but after doing it once it just clicks very easy for me. Should I skip intermediate algebra and go straight to college algebra? Also for those who say I must take the placement test, I’m a veteran and am not required to take it.
If your college has an online practice placement test or any final exam study guides posted online, test yourself to make sure you have a grasp of all of the concepts in intermediate algebra. It is possible that only beginner algebra is too easy for you but intermediate algebra is your level. Also, I understand that you don’t want to take the placement test, but there’s no harm in taking it. It’s the most accurate way to measure how much you can do.
It’s hard to know without knowing what is covered in each class in your school, but I wouldn’t recommend skipping it if the normal sequence is beginner algebra --> intermediate algebra --> college algebra, unless you are willing and able to get the curriculum for intermediate algebra and go over the topics yourself to make sure you understand them.
Not knowing how to do the problem initially suggests to me that there are topics in beginner algebra that you do not know, and I would suspect that there are also topics in intermediate algebra that you do now know how to do. It’s great that you pick it up quickly, but if you skip to college algebra, then they would assume you are already comfortable with intermediate algebra and it’s possible you might not know or understand the topics in that subject. It can be hard to do well in a class when they are assuming you have knowledge that you do not actually have. Math is a subject that builds on previous classes, so it’s important to have a good foundation before moving onto the next class.
I agree with audreh–even if you aren’t required to take the placement test, it can be a good idea to take it to get an idea of what level you should be at. If you can, you can also try to get the syllabus and/or old final exams for the intermediate algebra class to see if it’s all stuff you already know or can pick up quickly with a little review.
Do you think something like khan academy algebra 2 during the winter break could set me up for success for college algebra?
Here are some “are you ready for [math course]?” web quizzes. You can try them to see how well you know the prerequisite material for each math course.
Here is another on-line math placement test:
I was actually going to suggest Khan Academy. It’s extremely helpful as long as you know what it is that you need covered. I started college after two years of no math and it was the perfect refresher. If you’re confident you can pull of the whole self study thing, go for it!