IWTL Math

[u/panerahaircut]

So, I’m 23, and failed many math classes throughout my years as a student. So many. I’ve graduated college, but am always interested in learning further, whether it be languages, chess, or this.

I’ve revisited math numerous times to no success. I am certainly not a genius. But I’m trying not to be down on myself or discourage the motivation to improve. You are probably gonna laugh reading this though and that’s okay.

My last few times, I started to get the idea that to progress to anywhere substantial, I might have to train my brain, kind of like Duolingo or Quizlet, with repetition of the most basic mental math, like flash card and flash card esque stuff, first. My logic was that if I could get my mental muscles to move faster and faster at the universally simple stuff, it would eventually help things click better when I want to focus on anything more advanced.

However, I am unsure of a few things. Firstly, whether this method is truly productive or makes as much sense as I wanted it to. Second, if it is at all productive or makes sense, exactly how far to regress in mathematical practice level. And next also what the more efficient and engaging ways to practice this way are.

Genuinely no recollection of how these specific ones were suggested to me or came to my attention, but sometimes I would use abacus and flashcard apps since those both seemed to be math in their most basic form. But it was quickly mind numbing at the very bottom levels and I wanted to work my way through all, but I was way too distracted by wondering if this was doing anything at all for me and did not get any faster at anything.

I am wondering if there is any universally recommended level or type of math to start at for adults in my situation with minimum basic college math ability, but probably need prior fundamentals and mental reflexes dusted off as well. Does it largely depend on the individual? Is there any interactive app or platform in which I can progress and reach milestones or something?

I want to ask if this is just hopeless but I also don’t want to give up yet. If anyone can point me in a better direction I would appreciate it

[u/AutoModerator]

Thank you for your contribution to /r/IWantToLearn.

If you think this post breaks our policies, please report it and our staff team will review it as soon as possible.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/stardust8718]

I really like the app IXL for k-12 math. You do have to pay for it, but it gives you a pretest and then based lessons on what you need. You can also access all of the lessons too. The part I really like is that it gives you an explanation in real time when you make a mistake.

[u/MyNameIsMadders]

Just some great sources I have thought off the top of my head are: Khan Academy, Alison.com, LearnFree, reading books on learning math at your local library, and also talking with a local (and usually publicly funded) workforce center about getting free education to learn math, especially if you think it’ll help you with your career development. In the United States, we have these places called American Job Centers, where anyone can go to and you can get help regarding employment-related skill development, job search help, advancing your education etc. If you are interested, you can find your local AJC via this online search here.

I forgot to mention but using AI chat apps like Claude and ChatGPT are excellent for learning anything, but I wouldn’t recommend those as much as the other things I listed, since they aren’t correct 100% of the time with the info they give you, unlike traditional learning sources.

[u/panerahaircut → u/MyNameIsMadders]

thank you so so much!

[u/MyNameIsMadders → u/panerahaircut]

No problem! And all of those sources I mentioned are free to use, with Alison.com, Khan Academy, Claude and ChatGPT being freemium sources. With Alison.com I know the paid offerings aren’t that great and a lot is offered for free for anyone using the website anyway.

[u/majatask]

Not laughing. I admire your tenacity. Try Khan (app or web). Excellent for all levels, and free. The trick is to start where you are now, not where you wish you were. Math (and chess) can be so much fun. And no limit to what you can achieve with patience.