Learning Success Guide: Strategies for Thinking, Learning, and Writing
Introduction
Mathematics is a fascinating and great subject to learn about. Even if you don't believe you are a "math person," if you can learn to look for rules and patterns, you can begin to grasp math.
At their core, subjects like algebra and calculus are really the study of how to create lines and shapes in space, which is essential for everything from how to design a building to drawing maps and charting flight patterns, to say nothing about engineering. Statistics is the means by which we explore probability and distribution, and can tell us a lot about what a population looks like demographically, or how likely our favorite baseball or basketball player is to score a certain number of runs or points. When people discuss "big data" in free agent signings or educational planning and programming, they're really talking about statistics. As you can see, these subjects are really important for a lot of fields, even in business and education.
In this guide, you'll find 1-2 page explanations for foundational concepts, additional practice problems, and videos and visuals to show you how to use tools and technologies or to learn fundamental concepts. Explore and investigate on your own, with friends, or with your Learning Consultant online or on campus in the Learning Success Center! Have questions? Email lsc@mwcc.mass.edu.
Are you getting started using MyMathLab, having trouble understanding it, or just need additional support? Start with this link: https://mlm.pearson.com/northamerica/students/get-registered/index.html. These steps work if your instructor is NOT linking MyLab to blackboard. If your course is linked to Blackboard, you do not need a course id and one is not available. Click the link in the upper right corner (of the link above) for directions. For more instructions, please see the "MyMathLab..." PDF below!
- MyMathLab- Brytewave IntructionsDid you buy your access code but having trouble setting it up? View this PDF which will show you step-by-step instructions on how!
- Mathematical English Synonyms ListIf you want to see terms that might be used in math reading problems, take a look at this list of synonyms for arithmetic operations (+, -, *, and /) from Carter and Quinnell's article "Jabberwocky: The Complexities of Mathematical English".
09 - Level Courses
In this section, we share key MAT 092 Foundations concepts in a way that our consultants might explain or show them to you. But first, let's explore a key tool in the STEMs--your calculator. Click this link for a 16 minute video, where one of our professional learning consultants helps you get a handle on the order of operations issues on your TI-30x scientific calculator. If you require closed captioning, click the CC button.
- Multiplication TableBasic Multiplication table!
- Rectangular Graph PaperGraph paper for you to practice graphing your math problems.
Now, look at the concepts below that you would like to review or study further. Try reviewing the definitions and concepts with a classmate, or create a physical number line or grid that you can use to clarify your understanding. There are activities for you to try as well. You may use these materials both in consultation with us or on your own, but they do not supersede your classroom instruction or professor's guidance. Most links lead to printable PDF forms.
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What is a Whole Number, and how do we work with them? More practice with Whole Numbers |
What is PEMDAS and why is it important in Mathematics More practice thinking about the Order of Operations |
What is a prime number and how do we find them? More practice thinking about the Order of Operations |
What are fractions and how do we find them? What are decimals? How are they used? How is percent related to fractions and decimals? More practice thinking about Fractions, Decimals, & Percentages |
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How do you express and work with rates, ratios, and proportions? More practice thinking about Rates, Ratios, & Proportions |
How do we work with positive and negative numbers? More practice thinking about Signed Numbers |
What words clue us in that we are looking at a math word problem dealing with an algebraic expression? How do we translate the words into a problem and then work the problem? More practice thinking about Algebraic Expressions |
How do we solve equations? What's the difference between a single-step and a multi-step equation? More practice thinking about Formulas & Equations |
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What terms do we need to understand to speak correctly about graphing equations? How do we graph a linear equation? How do we find a parallel line from a linear equation? What is the formula for finding a perpendicular line based on a linear equation? How is the line found? |
What are the rules for exponents and scientific notation? How do they work? More practice thinking about Exponents & Scientific Notation |
What is a polynomial and how do we simplify and evaluate them? What is the FOIL method and how does it help us simplify and evaluate them? More practice thinking about Polynomials
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Here are some everyday challenges that use the concepts in this section. Give them a look. Have you encountered any of these, or something similar? How did you think your way through the challenge? |
- Translating MathNot sure what "Less than" or "At least" means in math? This diagram will help with that!
In this section, we share key MAT 093 Statway Statistics concepts in a way that our consultants might explain or show them to you. Try reviewing the definitions and concepts with a classmate, or create a physical number line or grid that you can use to clarify your understanding. There are activities for you to try as well. You may use these materials both in consultation with us or on your own, but they do not supersede your classroom instruction or professor's guidance. Most links lead to printable PDF forms.
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What are the differences between points and intervals on a number line? |
How do we measure the distance between points on a number line? |
What's the difference between a base and an exponent, and how do they work? |
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What is a square root, and how does it work? |
What does the symbol sigma mean in math, and how is it used? |
What is a set and how do we show it? |
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How does a Venn Diagram help us see sets? |
What is the difference between a union of sets and an intersection of them? How are they notated? |
What is the complement of a set? |
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How do we plot points and lines on a graph? |
How do we calculate the slope and the equation of a line, and how do we graph it? |
How do we find the vertical distance between a point and a line on a graph? |
- Z-Table DistributionJust in case you needed it, here is a Z-table distribution!
- Binomial Distribution TableAnother Stats-related table!
For more information on how to use a Z-Table, or anything related to statistics material, please see the MAT 143 section below!
In this section, we share key MAT 097 STEMway Statistics concepts in a way that our consultants might explain or show them to you. Try reviewing the definitions and concepts and working through the problems with a classmate. You may use these materials both in consultation with us or on your own, but they do not supersede your classroom instruction or professor's guidance. Most links lead to printable PDF forms.
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What are polynomials? What are classification and degree? How do we simplify and evaluate them? |
What's the difference between a factor and a multiple? How do we factor polynomials? what are the GCF and the Commutative Property? |
What is a Rational Expression? How do we find the least common denominator? What is an equivalent rational expression? |
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What are radical expressions? What are the terms and rules for working with them? |
What is a quadratic equation and how are they solved? |
What are functions and relations? How are they related to domain and range? |
100 - Level Courses
This course explores a number of important ideas and practical applications in contemporary mathematics.
- Perimeter, Area, Volume Formulas 1The perimeter of a shape is the total length of its figure, also known as the sum of the length of all its sides.
The area of a shape is the amount of space that is inside its sides or edges (i.e., the size of the flat, closed surface that the shape covers).
The volume of a shape is the amount of 3D space that the shape occupies.
- Real NumbersA real number is a number that can be used to measure a continuous one-dimensional quantity such as a distance, duration, or temperature.
- Set Theory SymbolsSet theory symbols are used for various set operations such as intersection symbols, union symbols, subset symbols, etc.
- Set Venn DiagramsVenn diagrams consist of a series of overlapping circles, each circle representing a category.
This course presents students with an understanding of elementary statistics by familiarizing them with basic concepts of measures of central tendency and variability, regression and correlation, probability, discrete and continuous random variables, the Central Limit Theorem, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. Below are a series of videos related to MAT 143. Marc, our dedicated Math consultant here at the Mount, will demonstrate step-by-step instructions for materials you will encounter in the course.
Below is a playlist of videos for MAT 143 (Statistics) from our very own Professor Thompson.
Link: https://youtu.be/hYcrPkoyQkY?si=IAnsI4SzplWuDcKE
Another video playlist for Stats from Professor Thompson.
Link: https://youtu.be/MVfJDDDp8aY?si=441Il8Rci5KcTGTE
In this 20:15 video, one of our professional learning consultants helps you get a handle on how Excel works for some statistical problems. If you require closed captioning, click the CC button.
In this 14:20 video, you can learn how to use a Z distribution table, including what it means and how it works. This table is a valuable tool for statistical analysis. If you require closed captioning, click the CC button.
In this video, Marc will touch base on Hypothesis Testing for Proportions, Variance, & Standard Deviation.
- ES14 Supplements | TriolaStatsThis guide will give you additional resources for your stats class.
This course is a preparation for MAT 211 Calculus I.
- Trigometric IdentitiesTrigonometric identities are equalities that involve trigonometric functions and are true for every value of the occurring variables for which both sides of the equality are defined.
- Unit Circle for TrigA unit circle is a circle on the Cartesian Plane that has a radius of 1 unit and is centered at the origin (0, 0).
Staff: Note that Professor Thompson's instructions for "MAT163 Pedagogy of Data Fitting Without Technology and the use of the Natural Base" is available at the Following location:
- Platform: Blackboard
- Course: Learning Consultant Professional Development
- Level 2 > Basics > Tutoring in MAT 163
200 - Level Courses
This course is an introduction to the concepts and methods of differentiation and their application in the areas of engineering, economics, and life sciences.
- Table of IntergalsIntegration is the basic operation in integral calculus. A table of integrals follows various forms, including rational functions, trigonometric integrals, and exponential forms.
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Below is a playlist of videos for MAT 211(Calc I) from our very own Professor Thompson. Link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaqfP17TNxPQkXMDOYLNmb4BodN2icS-p&si=1_l5wQth7dZ0NE39
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This course is a continuation of MAT 211 Calculus I, emphasizing the methods of integration and their applications.
Below is a playlist of videos for MAT 211 (Calc II) from our very own Professor Thompson.
Link: https://youtu.be/4lH_lRJa3Ek?si=QXh6rxPi4c8FKMhS
A continuation of MAT 213 with emphasis on parametric equations, polar coordinates, vector functions, analytic geometry in space, and multivariable calculus.
More information coming soon!
More information coming soon!
More information coming soon!
Please CONTACT US if you have questions.