MWL-101: Mastering the Foundations of Secondary School Math

The Topics You Must Completely Understand
in Order to Ensure Success

A Two-Hour Seminar by Larry Zafran of MathWithLarry.com

OBJECTIVE: In my years of tutoring, I have observed that most students get "stuck" on the exact same topics. I've also observed that when students have difficultly with algebra or other topics on later math, the problem is really that the earlier, prerequisite material was never fully mastered, and was never gone back to and reviewed. This seminar aims to remedy that situation by reviewing the most important basic material, thereby filling in gaps, and allowing students to discover and observe where their week spots are.

TARGET AUDIENCE: This seminar is appropriate for students in or above the 7th grade, as well as for adults who are struggling with math, but feel comfortable with basic math concepts such as the multiplication table. Adult and non-adult classes are scheduled separately. It is suggested that you only skip this seminar if you know all of the topics so well (see below) that you are capable of teaching them to someone else.

SEMINAR TOPICS: This fast-paced, multimedia-enhanced seminar will cover the following essential topics:

Whole number and decimal place value; Comparing Signed numbers (Integers); Exponents; Order of Operations (PEMDAS); Distributive Property; Shortcuts for Powers of 10; Translating basic word problems into symbols; Variables, expressions, equations; Solving one-step algebraic equations involving signed numbers; Prime numbers, prime factorization; Mean, median, mode, and range; Basic operations (+, -, ×, ÷) with signed numbers; Symbols to represent multiplication; Checking solutions to equations; Overview of fractions; Basic operations with fractions; Reducing (simplifying) fractions; Least Common Multiples (LCM/LCD); Greatest Common Factor (GCF); Mixed numbers, improper fractions; Comparing and ordering fractions; Understanding negative fractions; Converting to/from fractions and decimals; Terminating and repeating decimals; Overview of percents; Converting between fractions, decimals and percents; Ratios and rates; Cross multiplying to solve proportions; Three models of percent problems; Common fractions and their decimal/percent equivalents; Comparing decimals/fractions by size; Solving algebraic equations that involve multiplying by a fraction; Review; Q&A; Distribution of handouts.

SCHEDULE/LOCATION: This is a two-hour seminar at my home in central Cary. Students may schedule this seminar as a private session at a time of their convenience, or may schedule it as a group session with up to three of their classmates or colleagues.

COST / CANCELATIONS: The seminar costs $40 for a single student, $30 per student for two students, $25 per student for three students, and $20 per student for four students. The seminar will run about 2.5 hours for two or three students, and about 3 hours for four students, since material has to be presented slower. Prepayment or payment at the start of the seminar is required. I accept cash, checks, and credit cards via PayPal. Registration must be cancelled with 12 hours notice or payment will be expected, baring a very legitimate last-minute emergency.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS: The foundational material taught in this seminar will be continued in MWL-102, currently in development. That seminar will focus on geometry, graphing, probability, and more advanced algebra. Please check back soon for details and for information about additional seminars.

POLICIES/REGISTRATION/QUESTIONS: Please read my detailed seminar policy document prior to registering. It should answer all or most of the questions that you may have about the seminar. Please
contact me if you have questions, or if you are interested in scheduling the seminar. I will do my best to accommodate your schedule. Thank you for your interest in MathWithLarry seminars and private tutoring!

MWL-101: Mastering the Foundations of Secondary School Math

The Topics You Must Completely Understand in Order to Ensure Success

The Topics You Must Completely Understand
in Order to Ensure Success