Varsity Tutors can help you find finite math tutors to help you reach for your academic potential. Finite math is a bit of a catch-all term that encompasses a variety of mathematical concepts. It is defined not by what it includes, but rather what it excludes: calculus. You will not see any calculus in a finite math course. Finite math is also considered an offshoot of discrete math, which entails all mathematical concepts where numbers have a discrete (as opposed to continuous) value. Discrete math covers discrete concepts that are both finite and infinite, while finite math exclusively focuses on the finite.
The upshot of this is that finite math is rife with real-world applications, especially in the business world, that may make it easier for students to understand. That said, many of the concepts studied can still feel overwhelming to students, especially if math was never their best subject in school. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of working with a private finite math tutor if you feel as though you could use a little extra help.
What subjects can finite math tutors work with me on?
Some of the most commonly studied topics in finite math include mathematical model building, combinatorics, probability, linear programming, and matrix algebra. Here is a closer look at how a private instructor can help you develop a more comprehensive understanding of each of these subjects:
1. Mathematical Model Building
Mathematical model building is the art of expressing a real-world problem in mathematical terms to make it easier to work with academically. For example, if a company wants to know whether a new product they are developing is worth the resources going into it, they can write an equation exploring the break-even point for various variables. There are very complex and abstract uses for mathematical models, but most finite math courses stick with the basics of a business setting. This is a good thing, as your instructor can draw on practical examples to help illustrate this concept for you.
2. Combinatorics
Combinatorics is basically advanced counting and answer questions that you probably never thought of. For example, the classroom has 30 desks but only 18 students. How many different ways can the students configure themselves such that each student occupies one desk? How does the answer change if we decide that we care who sits where? Combinatorics have practical uses in nearly every branch of mathematics, so your instructor should have no problem coming up with an example that piques your curiosity.
3. Probability
You have probably been working with probability in some capacity since grammar school, so it needs no definition. Your finite math class will probably take it further than you've ever seen before, but that's okay. You can still study probability through fun concepts such as card and dice games, making this one of the most entertaining math concepts you could possibly study.
4. Linear Programming
Linear programming is a means of calculating the best course of action when multiple constraints are in place. For example, a business with multiple product lines probably has contracts that mandate producing a certain amount of each one. They are also likely to be constrained by the capital and labor available to them. Considering all of these factors, what should they do to optimize their profit potential? Again, your instructor can use real-world use cases to make a seemingly abstract concept seem more relatable.
5. Matrix Algebra
A "matrix" is a rectangular array of numbers that can represent anything from an abstract academic exercise to business data. Most finite math courses don't delve too deeply into this concept, instead providing an introduction that later math courses can build on. This concept has several applications in computer programming, so your instructor may discuss it through that lens if you have an interest in technology.
Some of the other topics that you might touch on in your finite mathematics class include logic, statistics, linear inequalities, Markov chains, and finding reciprocals.
How can finite math tutors help me build a better understanding of these concepts?
Your classroom environment is limited in the number of hours it meets each week, and your professor is forced to divide their attention between every student in the class. As such, you get very little if any personalized attention. Finite mathematics tutoring allows you to review concepts at your preferred pace. If you understand matrix algebra as soon as your professor introduces it, you can skip it in your private study sessions to keep them more engaging for you. If you're having a harder time with linear programming, your instructor can slow things down and provide additional examples and explanations until you're comfortable with moving onto something else.
Similarly, your instructor can design finite math tutoring sessions around your unique learning style to optimize their efficiency. If you're an auditory learner, your instructor might record a step-by-step tutorial on how to approach a particular problem so that you may listen to it whenever you like. A comparable approach wouldn't do too much to help a visual learner, so their instructor might use info-graphics instead to help them picture important concepts in their head. If you're a kinesthetic learner who learns best by doing something, your instructor can come up with activities to make nearly any concept feel more tangible. There is no wrong way to study as long as it's working for you, so why not do things your way?
A private finite mathematics tutor can also provide a one-on-one learning environment where you are always the center of attention. Any questions you ask can be answered promptly, allowing you to seek assistance before a misunderstanding snowballs out of control. The personal rapport you establish with your instructor may also make it easier to ask for help as needed. Likewise, all of your assignments can be returned to you quickly, allowing you to make any necessary corrections while the material remains fresh in your mind.
A private instructor is also better able to backtrack to any older concepts serving as learning obstacles to newer material. For instance, students need to understand elementary algebra before moving onto matrix algebra. While your professor does not have time to review the fundamentals of elementary algebra with you, your private instructor can. They may even provide practice problems for you to work on until you get the basics down.
What are the benefits of studying finite mathematics?
Finite math is a requirement for a lot of college majors, including computer programming, education, mathematics, business, and journalism. If you plan to have a career in any of these fields, you might have to pass finite math. Similarly, finite math sometimes appears on standardized exams that you may need to take to pursue your educational goals. If you have a big test coming up, a finite math tutor may be able to show you test-taking strategies to help you do your best on the exam.
Perhaps more importantly, finite math can help you build analytical thinking skills that you can use for the rest of your life. Since many concepts in finite math are placed in a business context, you may also come away with a better understanding of how the world economy works, helping you make solid financial decisions in the future. Finally, the study of finite mathematics may make you a better problem-solver moving forward.
What makes Varsity Tutors such a powerful educational resource?
If you were to try to find your own private instructor, you would need to somehow independently verify that each candidate actually had the knowledge of finite mathematics that they claim to. You would also need to look for some indication that they have the communication skills required of any great teacher. Finally, you would need to double-check to make sure that your schedules are compatible. Who has time for all of this hassle?
If the answer is "not you," let us take the effort out of the equation for you. Not only can we find you a great communicator with the academic skills you need in as little as 24 hours, but we can also help you set up digital study sessions on our exclusive Live Learning Platform for added convenience. Our Platform offers video chat functionality and a virtual whiteboard, making online sessions just as effective as meeting up in person would be. You also don't need to worry about commuting anywhere just to meet your instructor, as our Platform is mobile-friendly.
You are also in control of when every finite math tutoring session takes place, so you don't need to worry about falling behind in your other classes, losing hours at your job, or even giving up the activities you enjoy outside of academia. Simply tell us when you're available and we'll do our best to make it happen.
If you have any further questions or are ready to get started, please reach out to a knowledgeable educational consultant for more information on the services we provide. Varsity Tutors has helped countless students find finite math tutors, and we look forward to working with you as well!
