Does anyone else have this problem?

Question

I have absolutely no problem with calculus and its concepts. I'm in my second year of it and it's an easy A for me. 
But I just did a math competition recently, and all the competitors had to do was take a test. The highest level of math on it was algebra 2, and some trigonometry. But there was definitely no calculus, although I could have probably used it in some instances. What really got me was the algebra and crazy geometry. I never remembered having done insane questions like what I saw on the test.

I can't really just type every question on here, but it kind of made me realize that I should take a geometry class or something again. I severely need to relearn it, despite my "A"s in the classes years ago. I can figure the stuff out, but on a test... recalling that kind of information was ridiculous. 

Anyone else have trouble with the lower level math classes that have succeeded in calculus and beyond?

texman · Accepted Answer

I have actually been teaching math for almost 40 years and had my BS degree with a major in math. However, I also have seen some weird things asked in algebra 2 and geometry.  Occasionally I hear some new word that I had never heard in my entire life.  Some are terms that possibly came from some concept in statistics or who knows where.  What I believe to be the problem is the national education department that is trying to control local and state schools.   They make laws that give them control over everything in sight, including education, though they know zilch about academia.  It began with the so called "new math" in the 1970's and is progressing rapidly.

rationality · Answer

I never had a problem with math, up to and including calculus--except for geometry, which I just barely passed.  I still don't know why.  The teacher wasn't very good, but that was nothing new.  I'd taught myself algebra when my teacher for that couldn't, but with geometry, nothing worked.

Does anyone else have this problem?

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