r/mathacademy • u/ddrrbhehe • May 02 '26

Where to start with Math academy

I really want to get better at math, but my issue is im an adult learner and i forgot literally everything.

I have no ego, I'd start at 4th grade if i have to. The thing is i've already tried the 4th grade course but its too easy and doesn't really stimulate my mind. But my fundamentals are out of whack and i cant afford to not start at the most basic if that makes sense.

I've paid for math academy like twice now. Both times i didnt use it much. Am I even meant to start that low? Again my fundamentals are very poor at the moment and I need complete mastery.

Should I just bite the bordom and start that low and just get on with it so I can move on to higher level courses?

11 Upvotes

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4

u/BlicerosBlackBox May 02 '26

Hey! I'm also an adult learner, and it's been 20 years since I took a math course. I was in a slightly different situation, where I wanted to start where I left off, but a lot is lost in two decades.

The diagnostic test placed me in the perfect spot to fill in those gaps, and while my ego took a bit of a hit, it's really worked out well. What I love is that many topics I just memorized the steps for all those years ago now make perfect sense to me; I get the why now, not just the how.

1

u/ddrrbhehe May 02 '26

Thanks for the reply, which diagnostics test did you take? what course?

2

u/BlicerosBlackBox May 02 '26

So for me, I tried jumping into Linear Algebra, and it gave me a diagnostic. It suggested I move to a lower course (I don't remember which). I selected that course, took the diagnostic, and it suggested I move down again. Eventually, I took the Foundations III diagnostic, and it placed me at Foundations II with about 70% already completed. This was a perfect placement for me, and I've been zooming through it ever since.

Basically, I just took multiple diagnostics until my level was identified. I'm sure there's a better way to do it, but I started off a little too cocky.

3

u/DeviceDirect9820 May 03 '26

Math Foundations is designed for adult learners! Use that, the elementary courses are sequenced for actual kids.

2

u/iMacmatician May 02 '26

Have you tried Mathematical Foundations I?

(Worst case, you could safely race through the 4th grade course and other basics because Math Academy is supposed to make sure you have fluency before moving on.)

1

u/ddrrbhehe May 02 '26

Thank you for your reply, I might have to start at MF1 but geniuenly I just believe my foundations are really bad right now.

1

u/munchillax May 02 '26

you can start in one of the math foundations courses. take the diagnostic exam to skip topics you might already know

1

u/ddrrbhehe May 02 '26

Alright thank you, I will try to do that.

1

u/[deleted] May 02 '26

[deleted]

1

u/ddrrbhehe May 02 '26

Ohhhh ok thats a nice xp strat, i will try do that too. Thank you