Math LabChap Success Center

Whether you're reviewing the basics or advanced problems, our Mathematics Learning Specialists (Tutors) are here to help you succeed. We provide tutoring for every mathematics course offered at Midland College, including GED Math, Developmental Math, College Algebra, Business Math, Statistics, Calculus I, II, and III, as well as many other math-related courses.

Preparing for exams is one of the most common reasons students visit the Math Lab. Our tutors can help you review course material, work through practice problems, identify areas for improvement, and develop effective problem-solving techniques. We also share proven test-taking strategies and study methods designed specifically for mathematics, helping you build confidence before your exam. 

The Math Lab provides a welcoming, comfortable, and academically focused environment where students can study, complete coursework, and collaborate with classmates. 

Students also have access to a variety of academic resources, including mathematics textbooks, computers, whiteboards, graphing and scientific calculators, and other course materials available for in-house checkout during their visit. These resources ensure you have the tools you need to complete assignments, prepare for exams, and strengthen your understanding of course concepts.

Need help outside of the Math Lab’s hours? Tutor.com provides free, 24/7 live, one-on-one online tutoring for all Midland College students. Connect with a qualified tutor anytime—day or night—for help with homework, reviewing concepts, preparing for exams, or getting unstuck on challenging problems.

Tutor.com is available directly through Canvas. Simply open your math course in Canvas and select the Tutor.com link to begin a tutoring session. In addition to mathematics, Tutor.com offers support for many other Midland College courses, making it a convenient resource whenever you need academic assistance outside of regular campus hours.

Tutor.com

Desmos is a free, web-based graphing calculator that helps students visualize mathematical concepts and solve a wide variety of problems. Many Midland College math courses incorporate graphing, and Desmos is an excellent resource for exploring functions, equations, tables, regressions, geometry, and more.

In addition to graphing, Desmos offers tools for solving equations, analyzing data, and exploring mathematical relationships, making it a valuable companion throughout your math coursework. If you’re new to Desmos or need help using it for a specific assignment, our Math Lab tutors are happy to show you how to make the most of its features.

Best of all, it’s completely free—and it can do much more than just graphing if your heart is filled with whimsy.

Desmos Graphing Calculator

Wolfram|Alpha is a powerful online computational engine that can help with much more than basic calculations. It can solve equations, perform unit conversions, create graphs, analyze data, evaluate functions, and provide step-by-step solutions for many mathematics problems.

Depending on the type of problem, WolframAlpha may also offer detailed, step-by-step explanations to help you understand how a solution was reached. While many features are available for free, some advanced tools and explanations require a paid subscription.

WolframAlpha is an excellent supplement to your coursework, but remember, it's most effective when used as a learning tool rather than simply an answer generator. If you're unsure how to interpret a solution or apply it to your coursework, our Math Lab tutors are happy to help you work through it.

WolframAlpha

Khan Academy is a free online learning platform that offers high-quality instructional videos, practice exercises, and lessons across a wide range of subjects, including mathematics. While it isn't a replacement for your Midland College course or your instructor, Khan Academy is an excellent supplement to your learning. It offers additional examples, practice problems, and alternative explanations that can help reinforce concepts or present a topic from a different perspective when you're struggling to understand it in class. Many students find it especially helpful when preparing for quizzes and exams or reviewing material outside of class.

Khan Academy

Math anxiety can make it difficult to concentrate, remember information, or solve problems, even when you know the material. It often develops from past negative experiences with mathematics and can create a cycle of frustration and avoidance. The important thing to remember is that math anxiety is not a measure of your ability, it is something that can be overcome with practice, patience, and support.

Success in higher-level math begins with mastering the basics. Reviewing topics like multiplication, fractions, decimals, and introductory algebra can make advanced concepts much easier to understand. If you need additional practice, the Math Lab, developmental math courses, and free resources such as Khan Academy can help strengthen your foundation and build confidence.

Preparing for exams becomes much easier when you study consistently rather than cramming at the last minute. Practice problems under conditions similar to your test, review concepts regularly, and ask for additional examples whenever possible. Combining repetition with effective study habits allows you to recognize patterns, improve problem-solving skills, and feel more confident on exam day.

Don't wait until you're overwhelmed to seek assistance. The Midland College Math Lab offers one-on-one tutoring, homework support, exam preparation, and study guidance throughout the semester. If anxiety or study habits are affecting your success beyond mathematics, Academic Success Coaching can also help you develop personalized strategies for time management, motivation, and confidence.

The way you think about math directly affects your performance. Replacing negative thoughts such as "I'm just not a math person" with "I'm still learning this concept" encourages a growth mindset and builds confidence over time. Positive self-talk, understanding mathematical vocabulary, and recognizing your personal anxiety triggers can all help reduce stress and improve your learning experience.

Simple relaxation techniques can help calm your mind before or during an exam. Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, and the palming method are all proven strategies for reducing physical symptoms of anxiety and improving concentration. While these methods work best when practiced regularly, they can also provide immediate relief during stressful situations.

Your preparation doesn't end when you finish studying. Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced meal, staying hydrated, and arriving early for your exam all contribute to better focus and performance. Trust the work you've put in, avoid comparing yourself to others, and remember that confidence grows through preparation—not perfection.