Experiences on personal learning curve?

[Marlen]

I have reviewed math for more than two weeks now and also completed all the free prep software questions. Now I was trying to go through the OG diagnostic test and am worried because I don't seem to be able to successfully solve any of the problems. Is that normal at this stage or does it mean I'll just need to do a little more than others? I would greatly appreciate any comments on your personal experience or how many you got right in the first month of studying.

I understand about 70% of the answers after checking with the solutions and have a hard time working through the other solutions.

Thanks.

[Bill@VeritasPrep]

It's certainly not uncommon, especially if you haven't done the types of math required in many years (a couple of years ago, I had a student who hadn't done algebra in 20+ years!). If you're understanding most of the explanations, that means that you have at least a decent foundation on which to build. For the ones you don't understand, feel free to post threads and we'll be happy to help.

[Marlen]

Thanks for the response. I do have two quick questions that might be too simple to ask but I am doing it anyway.

When I have a simple calculation like 10,000*(1.01)^2 what is the fastest way to calculate that? Right now I am multiplying each of the digits every time and it takes so much time.

Also, maybe you have a trick for simple calculations like 0.04:150 ? I get the solution but there must be a faster way than mine.


Thanks so much!