What is intermediate algebra?

How do I get quicker at algebra?

• I'm finishing my second year as an undergraduate right now, and I've taken most of the undergraduate curriculum: mechanics, e&m, waves, quantum (three semesters), intermediate mech, intermediate e&m, special relativity (+semi-quantitative GR), and stat mech. I've noticed that I'm a lot slower at algebra than many of my peers (and certainly my professors), and what's more, slower than I used to be. (By algebra I mean the type of math you learn in high school--I'm taking abstract algebra next semester). Particularly simplifying expressions with many powers of different things in various places, and using logarithms. The same goes for calculus, for that matter. I can't differentiate or integrate like I used to, and I think it's holding me back to a degree. What's the best way to practice these skills? Is it better to come up with my own problems or to search for problems online to work through. And how do I make myself go fast but still make sure I haven't made any mistakes?

• Answer:

  Do A LOT OF QUESTIONS/EXERCISES. Both easy and hard. Algebra/Calculus can be as hard as you can. Be a step ahead.