Why Algebra 2 Feels Like a Big Jump

Does this sound familiar?  Your son or daughter has had an easy time in math their whole life and suddenly they hit a wall, feeling like nothing makes sense in their new class: Algebra 2. They feel discouraged and don’t understand why math now feels hard.

We’ve noticed at A+ Math Tutoring that Algebra 2 has been the most-requested class by new families seeking tutoring, so there must be a reason for this!  We have some pretty good ideas as to why this is.

What Changes for Students When Taking Alg 2?

Algebra 2 introduces new things that are based on past math knowledge, plus the requirement of working with a variety of topics at a deeper level than previously seen.  In other words, it’s not only learning new things, but combining old things together in ways that students may not have had to before.

In Algebra 2, students learn the following:

• Complete the Square
• Solve the Quadratic
• Conic Sections
• Irrational Numbers in the Denominator
• Logarithmic Functions and Exponents

Drawing on Knowledge from the Past

A common thing we see amongst students who struggle with Algebra 2 is that there are one or more concepts from past math courses that they never quite understood fully, particularly pertaining to graphing and factoring.  These concepts are introduced in Algebra 1, but some concepts go back as far as Pre-Algebra.

Why is it Hard to Remember?

In math, being able to understand concepts is important, but also knowing how to apply them to various problems is key in order to be able to do well in more advanced math classes such as Algebra 2 and PreCalculus.

If a student doesn’t fully understand a concept like dividing fractions, but manages to figure out the answers in the lower grades by memorizing or repetition, they can often feel lost when it needs to be used in a more difficult problem or equation. 

Math Is Incremental

Unlike other classes such as history, English, and science, math builds on itself. A student must often master certain concepts before understanding the next level of concepts. For example, if long division isn’t mastered in elementary school, a concept like synthetic division can feel very challenging when introduced in Algebra 2.  

One solution that works well for students struggling in Algebra 2 is to devote time to reviewing past key concepts that were seen in the past that relate to their current class.

How a Tutor Typically Guides a Student Struggling in Algebra 2

If you are like most parents, you can help your son or daughter up to a certain level, but then concepts start becoming fuzzy (or maybe they were never very clear to you either.)  Another issue we hear from many parents is that through the process of trying to help their child, more frustration is encountered and little progress is made.

The good news is that learning Algebra 2 is attainable.  Using the right approach and working towards feeling confident with past material can make the class quite enjoyable. 

Preparing Younger Students for Algebra 2

Are there ways to prepare younger children as early as when they’re in elementary and middle school for a seamless and successful transition to Algebra 2?  We believe there are!  The key is to avoid any holes in fundamental concepts each year.

Tips We Recommend:

• Apply Knowledge. Make sure your son/daughter can apply math concepts to demonstrate their full understanding.  Word problems are great practice.
• Review Packets.  At the end of each school year, work through an end-of-year math packet to see what might need attention.  An online resource such as on teacherspayteachers.com has great packets.
• Practice. Solidify learned math concepts by practicing or working with a tutor over the summer 
• Make it Fun.  Find math games to play online related to what they’re learning.  Make it fun!