Math Is Fun Forum

Hi Everybody,

I'm the new kid on the block. I am trying to become more proficient in the subject of math. In what order do you suggest I go about doing this? For example, start with algebra, then on to calculus then on to Statistics, etc...Like, you couldn't just jump into statistics without learning a lower level math course, do you get the picture? I am a returning student to college and right now I have the following math classes coming up:

1. MAT104 - Emphasizes representations and operations of polynomials and rational expressions, functions, and the graphing of linear functions. Methods of solving linear and quadratic equations are discussed. Introduces complex numbers, exponents, and radical expressions.

2.MAT200 - Precalculus - Reviews algebraic techniques. Includes selected advanced topics such as matrices and determinants as techniques for solving linear systems in three or more variables, elementary concepts of analytic geometry, and logarithms. Emphasizes business-related word problems.

3. MAT300 - Statistics -  This course examines the principles of probability and of descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include probability concepts, measures of central tendency, normal distributions, and sampling techniques. The application of these principles to simple hypothesis testing methods and to confidence intervals is also covered.  The application of these topics in solving problems encountered in personal and professional settings is also discussed.

Since I have been out of school so long, I feel that I should go back to the very basics and get comfortable with them before moving on to advanced subjects, but I am unsure of what order to learn it in order to get the skill set required to successfully pass these subjects. Please help me. Thanks!:)