Math and Quantitative Studies
Like MANY other Duke students, your first math exam might have been a real eye opener. The first exam is often the first clue that studying math in college requires more than learning facts, formulas, or how to solve a certain type of problem.
Knowing something about how to solve a problem is the first step; solutions, however, are generally the result of careful reasoning and a solid understanding of the concepts underlying a problem.
Now is a good time to take advantage of your academic resources. With time and effort-and the willingness to learn new skills and strategies, learning math will become an exciting challenge (again), and solving complex problems will become doable and satisfying.
To schedule an individual math consultation, call 684-5917 for an appointment.
- Steps to Mathematics Learning (PDF)
- General Problem Solving Strategies (PDF)
- Problem Manipulation (PDF)
- More Problem Manipulation (PDF)
- Your Professor, Teaching Assistant, or Lab Assistant
- Math Help Rooms
- Peer Tutoring Program
- Private Tutoring
Your math teachers can be among your best resources for assistance outside of class. Math 25L/26L/31L/32L instructors work in the help room where they are readily available to assist students on a regular basis. Instructors will also typically schedule appointments to meet with students individually as needed. Consult your syllabus or the Math Department Web site for information about your professor's contact information and policies. You can also find his or her office address, phone number, and e-mail address through the online Duke phone directory.
Math help rooms are provided by the Math Department and offer free drop-in assistance to students in introductory mathematics courses. Help rooms are staffed by teachers and lab assistants for Duke Math courses or by qualified tutors hired by the Math Department. For an hour-by-hour schedule of operation and staffing click here.
Tutoring is routinely offered in Math 25L, 26L, 31L, 32, 32L, 41L, and 103. For more information on requesting a tutor or the peer tutoring program, click here.
The Math Department maintains a list of graduate and undergraduate students who wish to serve as private tutors. Tutoring is available for most mathematics courses. By putting the name of an individual on the list, the Math Department is not endorsing or recommending that individual; they simply check to see that the person's transcript includes adequate math courses for the material in which he or she proposes to tutor students. Tutoring is available for most Duke Math courses. Note that if you hire a private tutor, the price must be negotiated by you and the prospective tutor. Note that if you hire a private tutor, the price must be negotiated by you and the prospective tutor.