Hello. I’m in 10th grade and I’m taking algebra 2. I took Geometry over the summer and thought it was a pretty good decision, especially when I ended with an A average in it. I’m struggling in algebra. I have a 67 average so far.
How much did you have to study (on your free time) for an A in math?
I must say, not even AP comp sci principals (which is a math and science class) needs as much attention as math and I have a 93 in that class.
And why on earth do we have to learn how to solve quadratics by factoring, completing the square, AND quadratic formula, when the quadratic formula can solve ANY quadratic??
This information won’t actually be useful to you, because nobody here is you. Focusing on time also probably won’t help much – you can’t be like, “It’s been an hour so I’m done,” you just have to study until you understand the material. Talk to your teacher about strategies to catch up. You might need a tutor or to supplement your textbook with online lessons and practice problems.
They’re all important skills that may be better or faster for different situations.
Algebra is vital for precalc and calculus. You need to build that foundation now.
If you are struggling in Alg2, talk to your teacher ASAP. Alg2 provides the foundation for Calc/PreCalc and even science classes. Try Khan Academy–their videos and practice can be very helpful. Try studying for 20 minutes a night, and write down questions you have about the material to look up or ask your teacher. Start creating good study habits now. The first half of Algebra II is basically a review of Algebra 1 skills (but more advanced), and then the second semester goes into newer stuff like logarithms, trigonometric functions, complex numbers, etc.
And to answer your question, the quadratic formula is quite tedious. Personally, I hate having to use it. Those other methods may be easier and quicker than using the quadratic formula.
I’m with you on this one. However, these skills can give you extra dexterity when dealing with polynomials. Also this is only a small part of the course. If you lack understanding, you need to seek help or other resources, just studying more won’t help.
And it’s a skill that comes in handy down the road, like when you’re trying to solve a higher degree polynomial function-- there is no “cubic” or "quartic formula, so those are easiest to solve if you can factor them.
And when you get to the trig equations and identities down the road, you’ll be very happy to be able to factor instead of using quadratic formula.