Chapter 9
Study Guide
Math 104
1. Make time in your schedule to learn; you cannot take shortcuts.
2. Read each section in your textbook and answer the questions in the study
guide before you go to class.
3. Take notes in class, trying to understand as the teacher presents
examples and explains concepts.
4. Do your homework (It should be easier after the previous two steps).
Make sure to understand what you are doing and be able to solve each
problem completely and correctly by yourself.
5. Carry on a conversation with yourself as you work, asking as you start
each problem, “What is this? What is my goal? What should my answer look
like when I am done?” Then, as you work a problem ask, “What property
allows me to take this step?” And at the end, “ Does my answer make sense?
How can I check it?”
6. Maintain a great attitude about learning Algebra; people who have a good
attitude find it easier to learn, and those who learn algebra well usually
enjoy it.
7. Go to the lab or your instructor’s office and get help when you need it.
