Frequently Asked Questions
From Students
Scientific calculators are helpful beginning in upper-level arithmetic, but you want to avoid calculator dependence.
Teachers typically determine how much emphasis to put on calculators. It’s important that students are strong in a technique (such as multiplication, or graphing a linear inequality) before they are allowed calculators that do the technique for them.
In general, calculators should be used only to save time, after the relevant concepts are learned thoroughly. Basic formulas should be memorized.
With the above guideline in mind, seek scientific and graphing calculators with functions that are appropriate for the course or grade level. Keep in mind that AP tests, ACT and SAT, and other standardized exams have “prohibited models” of calculators and very specific rules concerning calculator use.
First, math content is the same either way. Every kid needs to learn the same concepts, no matter where they go to school or who their teacher is. What makes a difference – getting through difficulty on to success – is the teacher’s style of delivery and the kind of help students get when they’re stuck.
You can get a feel for Cool Math Guy’s teaching style by looking at the free sample videos. Preferences will of course be subjective, but you can hear how Dana’s delivery is clear and conversational no matter the topic.
When students get stuck on a problem, they get help by asking questions in class; asking classmates, parents, or tutors; or by finding other examples in their study materials. All of these options are available to students who learn by video – with the added option of replaying their video teacher’s explanation.
From Teachers
Divide the student score by the total score, then turn the decimal into a percent.
Suppose a student scores 75 out of 82 on the test. Think of it first as a fraction expressed as 75/82. 75 divided by 82 is 0.9146… which is 91%. The grading scale at most schools for 90%-100% is an A.
Actually, yes. We know a math teacher in Georgia who started the same way. She had an engineering degree, so she understood how to do the math, but she had no experience teaching and, therefore, not much confidence. She used the Cool Math Guy videos in her class, and by watching the videos herself, became a very accomplished and confident teacher. She now teaches AP Calculus AB at her small private school.
General FAQ
You can easily cancel your monthly subscription at any time. Simply go to the MY ACCOUNT section. In the Left column click “Subscriptions.” You may manage and cancel your active subscriptions here.
We do not offer any supplemental material at this time. However, the instructor does cover several example problems in each video segment and we do have a list of corresponding textbooks and solutions manuals that you may optionally purchase on your own.
Yes. Just call the phone number on the website and we will set you up. You may also purchase group packages for your students using the “Educators” products on the site. You might be interested to know that some schools use the video to train their teachers and many teachers use video to brush up on topics or to learn new ways to present them. Some schools even use the video as their primary teacher. Upon purchasing one Educators Package, the teacher gets unlimited access to our entire Math library.
The Department of Education in each state produces a list of standards that students are expected to achieve in each course. Those standards are remarkably similar from state to state and the major textbook publishers produce books that address those standards. Therefore, the scope and sequence of math topics are remarkably similar from textbook to textbook and the video elements on this site address those standards as well.
There is no guarantee, but experience indicates a one letter-grade improvement or better for almost every student that uses the videos, even those with special needs. That performance expectation is not unreasonable when you consider some of the differences between classroom instruction and video instruction:
- Video instruction can be repeated
- Video instruction has no distractions
- Video instruction is available at any time of day
- Video instruction is available when the student is ill or on vacation
Video instruction is just as likely as a tutor to make a difference for students and it is much less expensive. When watching the video, try to create a setting with few distractions. Complete quiet is not necessary, but try to avoid any loud outbursts from other sources. Apart from watching video, encourage the completion of homework in your classes.
Ask your children to watch one or two free sample sections with you. Watch them as they watch the video. You should know within moments if the video instruction is engaging them. Ask if they follow the conversation and enjoy the presentation style. [You are way ahead if they are onboard with the video instruction idea.]
With their help, find where they are in their book. Click on “Courses, Lessons, Prices and Checkout” and navigate to a course and table of contents. Select the corresponding topic in the table of contents and follow the simple instructions for checkout. Encourage your children to watch the video more than once for reinforcement.
Although most students will seek help only when confused or behind, the most effective way to utilize the video instruction is to become proactive. That is, watch video corresponding with classroom topics before the topics are presented in class. Doing so will make math seem very easy and will enhance long-term memory of topics.
For many students, yes, but a good tutor, like a good teacher, is invaluable for some students. It depends on the needs of the student so it might be wise to experiment a bit. That is, try the video without a tutor at first and if you are not getting where you want to be, bring on a tutor. If a tutor is needed for your child, you will find the videos will reinforce the tutor’s instruction, making both more effective. By the way, some tutors already recommend our videos and use them to help their students.
Homeschool course materials are in the separate Homeschool Course Materials Portal at https://homeschool.coolmathguy.com, not necessarily with the video lessons. Log in with the same email address used for the Cool Math Guy account or purchase. If this is your first time using that portal, use the password reset option to create a portal password, then look for the materials for your enrolled course.
First confirm which access area you need: video course access and homeschool course materials may be on separate platforms. For homeschool materials, go to https://homeschool.coolmathguy.com and log in with the same email address used for the Cool Math Guy account or purchase. If this is your first time using that portal, use password reset to create a portal password. If access still fails, contact support with the purchase email and the portal or course you are trying to access.
Educator or group pricing is intended for teachers, schools, co-ops, or organizations purchasing for multiple students. Requirements and minimum student counts can vary, so contact Cool Math Guy support with the number of students and courses needed before purchasing.
Use the contact form or support contact listed on the Cool Math Guy website. Include the course name, purchase email if relevant, and a concise description of the issue so support can route the request correctly.
Yes. Printable homeschool course materials are available in the separate Homeschool Course Materials Portal at https://homeschool.coolmathguy.com. Log in with the same email address used for the Cool Math Guy account or purchase. If this is your first time using that portal, use the password reset option to create a portal password, then download or print the available materials for your course.
Current Cool Math Guy courses are primarily online, with pre-recorded video lessons and digital access. Homeschool course materials may be accessed separately at https://homeschool.coolmathguy.com using the purchase email. Older Chalk Dust DVD materials may differ, so legacy DVD questions should be sent to support with the course name and materials owned.
Cool Math Guy courses are best chosen by math level rather than strict grade level. Arithmetic/Basic Math is often used by upper-elementary or middle-school students who need a foundation, while Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, and Calculus fit students ready for those subjects. Advanced or struggling students may be outside typical grade ranges.
Cool Math Guy does not generally provide a formal placement test through the website. To choose a level, review the student’s recent coursework, grades, and comfort with prerequisite skills, then compare that to the course descriptions. Support can help recommend a starting course when given the student’s background.
Share the full problem, course or lesson if known, and the steps already tried. A complete problem statement makes it possible to explain the concept, identify the mistake, and guide the student through the next step without guessing.
Choose Arithmetic / Basic Math based on the student’s current math readiness, not grade alone. Review the prerequisites and description on the current course page, compare them with the student’s recent coursework, and contact Cool Math Guy support with the student’s background if you are unsure.
Choose Prealgebra based on the student’s current math readiness, not grade alone. Review the prerequisites and description on the current course page, compare them with the student’s recent coursework, and contact Cool Math Guy support with the student’s background if you are unsure.
For educator or group purchases, student access codes or setup instructions are provided by Cool Math Guy support after the purchase is reviewed. If codes have not arrived, contact support with the purchase email and number of students so the correct access can be issued.
Cool Math Guy is the current online home for related math instruction, while older Chalk Dust DVD or textbook materials may not match the current website exactly. Prior customers should contact support with the course names and materials they own to find the best current equivalent or support option.
A typical sequence is Arithmetic/Basic Math, Prealgebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus, and then Calculus. Some students take Geometry and Algebra 2 in a different order or overlap them depending on readiness. Choose based on the student’s current mastery rather than grade alone.
Trigonometry is typically studied after Algebra 2 and is often included as part of Precalculus. If you are looking for a standalone Trigonometry option, check the current course list or contact support to confirm what is available.
Pricing can vary by course type, but many homeschool/full-course options provide 12 months of access for a fixed annual price, while some tutoring-style options may offer monthly or annual billing. Check the current course page at checkout for the exact price, term, and included materials.
Students can ask for help through the support method provided with their course or on the website. For the best help, include the course, lesson, problem number, what the student tried, and where they got stuck. Account or billing issues should go to support rather than the math-help channel.
Yes. Courses are generally self-paced, so students can work through video lessons and assigned materials on a schedule that fits their family. Parents using homeschool courses can download and administer available materials from the separate Homeschool Course Materials Portal as needed.
Geometry and Algebra 2 can often be taken in either order, and some students overlap them. The main requirement is a strong Algebra 1 foundation. If a student is struggling, slow the pace and prioritize mastery before adding another course.
The ACT/SAT Math Review course is designed to review math topics covered on the tests. Check the current course page for whether a book is recommended. If no required book is listed, use the provided course videos and practice materials, and contact support if you need a specific study plan.
Availability of ESA, ClassWallet, or other funding-program payments can depend on the program and current vendor setup. If you want to use a funding program, contact Cool Math Guy support before purchasing so they can confirm the correct payment process.
Cool Math Guy does not generally sell an all-courses pass for individual families through the standard website checkout. Teachers, schools, or groups may qualify for different educator arrangements, so contact support if you need access for multiple students or courses.
When available, sample videos, previews, or trial access may be linked from the Cool Math Guy website or YouTube. Availability can change while the site is being updated, so check the current course page or contact support if you want to preview the teaching style.
Daily time varies by course and student. A common homeschool rhythm is to watch part or all of a lesson, complete related practice, and review mistakes before moving on. Many families plan about 30 to 60 minutes per school day, then adjust based on mastery and workload.
Cool Math Guy courses provide math instruction and curriculum support, but they are not automatically labeled honors, accredited, or A-G approved unless specifically stated on the course page. Families should confirm transcript, honors, or accreditation requirements with their school, umbrella program, or evaluator.
Start with the student’s most recently completed math course, current strengths, and areas of struggle. Basic Math/Arithmetic is usually for foundational arithmetic, Prealgebra bridges arithmetic to Algebra 1, and later courses follow the standard high-school sequence. If unsure, contact support with the student’s background.
Choose Algebra 1 based on the student’s current math readiness, not grade alone. Review the prerequisites and description on the current course page, compare them with the student’s recent coursework, and contact Cool Math Guy support with the student’s background if you are unsure.
Choose Precalculus based on the student’s current math readiness, not grade alone. Review the prerequisites and description on the current course page, compare them with the student’s recent coursework, and contact Cool Math Guy support with the student’s background if you are unsure.
Choose Statistics based on the student’s current math readiness, not grade alone. Review the prerequisites and description on the current course page, compare them with the student’s recent coursework, and contact Cool Math Guy support with the student’s background if you are unsure.
Cool Math Guy reflects the move from older DVD-style delivery toward a more current online course model. Some legacy Chalk Dust materials still exist, but current customers should use the Cool Math Guy website and support channels for up-to-date course access and recommendations.
The product rule says that if a function is the product of two functions, then (fg)’ = f’g + fg’. Differentiate the first function times the second, then add the first function times the derivative of the second.
Standard course pricing is generally per course and per student. Buying one course does not automatically provide access to every course unless the checkout page or a support-approved educator/group arrangement specifically says so.
Course access normally begins when the purchase is completed and the account is created. The access term is counted from the purchase/start date shown at checkout or in the account. If the course does not appear after purchase, contact support with the purchase email.
Students who have completed Singapore Math 6A/6B are often ready for Prealgebra, but course choice should be based on mastery rather than age alone. Review the current Prealgebra course description and prerequisites, then contact Cool Math Guy support with the student’s background if you are unsure.
Homeschool course tests and assignments are generally parent-graded using the provided answer keys or solutions. Downloadable worksheets, tests, and solutions are available through the course materials area when included with the course.
When available, Algebra 2 and Geometry may be offered as video-only options without the full homeschool course materials. Check the current course pages for the exact format, price, access term, and what is included before purchasing.
Requirements can vary by course. Many current Cool Math Guy homeschool courses include downloadable worksheets, assignments, tests, and solutions in the course materials area, while some courses may list an optional or recommended textbook. Always check the current course page for what is included before purchasing.
