Getting to learn math for free can seem too good to be true. But it's not. There are plenty of resources and sites that can help you learn or relearn maths from basics to advanced levels.
Your age doesn't matter. Your educational background is redundant. Whatever mathematical goals you have, you can accomplish them! Figuring how to relearn math is as simple as finding the right resources.
Choosing the Right Sites
When figuring out how to learn maths from the beginning, you need the right sites for each mathematics level. For example, one site might be great at teaching calculus but horrible at teaching algebra. Another site might focus on higher-level math and completely overlook the basics. To learn a new skill from home, you must take it one step at a time.
The well-known Khan Academy is a gold bookmark, but there are other sites out there worthy of your attention. This list promises to compile the best sites to learn math for each level so that you can learn systematically, gain a better grasp of math one level at a time, and have fun!
Starting With Arithmetic
Arithmetic shouldn't be overlooked, as there is always a new and more efficient way of looking at numbers. Math homework can be useful for everyone, regardless of their age.
The best site to learn arithmetic should include easy-to-follow instructions showing more images rather than text and letting the user practice with numbers. We've skipped any site that focuses a lot on theory and history, as it is more important to practice with numbers rather than reading about numbers.
MathABC is the best site to practice arithmetic. The site has colorful graphics, is fun and informative, but doesn't lean heavily on explanations. No matter what age or level you're at, you should give MathABC a try!
Other suggested sites include Math.com and Arithmetic Game, which provides an online speed drill.
On to Pre-Algebra
Next up is pre-algebra, a necessary math level for anyone in high school or getting ready to take the GED. Again, no matter what level or how old you are, learning math is always great practice for your brain!
Learning pre-algebra should also be fun and informative, but theory and information should start to appear at this level. Though, it is also necessary to get plenty of practice.
Math Goodies is the best site to learn pre-algebra. The site focuses on theory and information and provides educational exercises immediately following the lesson.
Other sites include Cool Math and Math Tutor DVD, which includes a nice set of online quizzes.
Up Next, Algebra 1 and 2
Algebra is a serious subject, and it is often referred to as the "gatekeeper" for all of the other levels and a prerequisite to comprehending other levels.
At this stage, it is important to get a firm grip on theory, while at the same time practicing as much as possible. You can throw graphics and pictures out the window as they might be intrusive. Clean and straight-to-the-point text is what matters.
Math Planet does a great job at presenting example math problems. It provides an instructional YouTube video at the end of every lesson for further explanation. Additionally, you can take your knowledge and put it to practice on the SAT and ACT section of the site.
You will need to download the SAT and ACT files to see if you answered correctly! IXL Learning is another great site to review and practice algebra. Check out the Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 sections.
Go With Geometry
After algebra, the next step in the right direction towards learning math can be geometry. Some say geometry, which is the study of shapes, should be taken before algebra 2, but the order is entirely up to you.
What matters at this stage is plenty of practice and a good grasp of theory. You can get both with a few sites, but the site that really stands out from the others is Math Warehouse.
The site does a great job of bringing together explanations, graphics, and explanation videos. You can even use their online calculator for better practice.
The geometry page from IXL is great. You can learn even more with MathHelp, a site that offers resources and tips to improve your test-taking skills.
Turning to Trigonometry
Generally, trigonometry follows geometry, since it deals with measuring the angles and sides of triangles. However, when you add 3-dimensional figures, it becomes more interesting. Physicists, engineers, and chemists all use it.
The best way to learn anything in math is to know how to get to an answer. The best way of doing that is to practice, and while this site has only a few examples, Dave's Short Trig Course, hosted by Clark University, does an excellent job at presenting trigonometry in easy-to-follow explanations and graphics.
Varsity Tutor provides fine practice tests for any aged learner, and Brilliant is also laid out nicely for easy clarification. Practice to your heart's content!
Concentrating on Calculus
Calculus, which is the study of change through mathematics, is best learned through a thorough understanding of theory. A great way to get this type of understanding is to see what you're learning clearly, and then to be able to put your theory to practice.
And although calculus should be broken up, between derivation and linear, for example, Free Math Help does a great job of presenting each lesson as its own.
The site offers a lot of useful information (theory, examples, and three calculus calculators), as well as an interactive problem-solver, which is useful for some problems. Everything is clearly shown and laid out on the free site. Check it out!
edX is another excellent site where you can take free classes in college-level calculus. Learnerator also provides a great number of practice questions for you to review.
Striding Toward Statistics
Statistics is a useful level of math, as it involves gathering and analyzing numbers and data. Statistics is mentioned last in this math guide because seniors usually take it in college as a final math course. Though this isn't always true, it is often the case.
Setia Budi's YouTube channel has a playlist that really does a great job at explaining stats. You don't even need to have a great mathematical background to understand what is being taught.
The videos are an average of around 25 minutes long and use graphics and examples to explain statistics. You can also learn more about statistics with Stat Trek. This comprehensive site includes a practice test and online tools such as a probability calculator.
The Best Thing About Math
Let's end with the twentieth site that goes back to the History of Math. It won't teach you any level of math, but a look at its evolution helps place everything in context.
By now your interest should have peaked. Social places like Mathematics Stack Exchange and Reddit also have strong math communities.
No matter what people tell you, math can be used in many situations in your everyday life, no matter what your level or age. You can use geometry with your DIY carpentry projects, statistics to help you understand scientific studies, algebra to help you make better tax decisions, and a culmination of all of it to just have fun with numbers!