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The Math Whisperer - Mathematics and Related Topics
Robert L.

4.8 (53 ratings)

163 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $85
Contact Robert
Robert L.'s Photo

The Math Whisperer - Mathematics and Related Topics
The Math Whisperer - Mathematics and Related Topics
Robert L.

4.8 (53 ratings)

163 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
4.8 (53 ratings)

163 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Robert

Bio

I am a semi-retired actuary having worked in the business field for nearly 45 years. Over the last 15 years I have successfully tutored students in mathematics and other fields related to mathematics such as Physics. The key to being a successful tutor is understanding the special needs of the student. Actuarial Science is a very complex field and I excel in taking difficult to understand topics and reducing them to concepts that a layman can relate to. I use this skill when working with...

I am a semi-retired actuary having worked in the business field for nearly 45 years. Over the last 15 years I have successfully tutored students in mathematics and other fields related to mathematics such as Physics. The key to being a successful tutor is understanding the special needs of the student. Actuarial Science is a very complex field and I excel in taking difficult to understand topics and reducing them to concepts that a layman can relate to. I use this skill when working with students.

Another important distinction between me and many other tutors is that I help the student to the solution. Many tutors simply give the student the answer and this is not an effective use of tutoring money. The student does not learn how to solve a problem on their own.

Many students that come to me have trouble with math because either a concept is not well explained by their teacher or they don't have a good technique for solving a problem. Sometimes they don't see the connection between two problems that might have different variables and numbers but are solved in exactly the same way. My job is to explain that concept or help them see the similarity in problems thereby making them more confident math students.

I invite you to try my services.

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Education

Michigan State University
undergrad

Policies

  • Tutor’s lessons: In-person
  • Hourly Rate: $85
  • Travel policy: Within 5 miles of Glencoe, IL 60022
  • Lesson cancellation: 4 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 3/11/2015

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Approved Subjects

Business

GRE,

GRE

The GRE is mostly calculus and algebra. In addition there are questions about sequences and series. A sequence is a list of numbers and a series is the terms of a sequence added together. An arithmetic sequence is when the each term is obtained from the preceding one by adding a certain amount and a geometric sequence is when each term is obtained from the preceding one by multiplying by a certain amount. For instance, 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 + 1/16 + .....is a geometric series with the multiplier being 1/2.
Finance, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word

Computer

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word

Corporate Training

Statistics,

Statistics

Statistics has to do with hypothesis testing, trying to determine whether data from an observation is real or a fluke of nature. However, the concepts and terminology are often not well described by the teacher and have to be put into everyday common perspective. That is my role as a tutor.
Finance, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word

Elementary Education

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I am qualified in math by virtue of passing the Elementary Math test with 100%. I certain am qualified to assist in all aspects of elementary subjects although my only real interest would be in the math part.
Elementary Math

Elementary Math

What is covered is very basic such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The key to good performance here is memorizing the multiplication table.

English

ACT English

ACT English

ACT English is about understanding grammar, proper sentence structure, and mechanics. If the student does not have a good foundation in this material and starts sentences with, "Me and Billy went to see a show," I will get that corrected.

Homeschool

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

At the heart of Algebra 1 is the ability to solve linear equations. Equations of the form ax + b = c. There are two steps needed to solve such an equation. First you subtract b from both sides and then you divide both sides by a. It is necessary to understand these two steps before proceeding in algebra.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

In Algebra 2 you learn how to solve 2 linear equations with 2 variables. A popular method is to multiply both sides of one equation by a number so that the coefficient on one of the variables is the same in both equations. Then you subtract one equation from the other to eliminate that variable. The problem has then been reduced to a problem from Algebra 1.
Calculus,

Calculus

Calculus is all about derivatives and integrals. Derivatives are instantaneous rates of change and integrals are areas under curves. It turns out that derivatives and integrals are inverses of each other. That is, the area under the curve of a derivative function is the function itself. Fascinating.
Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I am qualified in math by virtue of passing the Elementary Math test with 100%. I certain am qualified to assist in all aspects of elementary subjects although my only real interest would be in the math part.
Geometry,

Geometry

How would you prove the area of a circle is Pi*r^2. Well, you could inscribe the circle inside an octagon and form 8 triangles within that octagon. The area of each of those 8 triangles is 1/2*r*s where s is the length of each side of the octagon. So we have an area within the octagon of 8s*1/2*r. This is an approximation of the area of the circle that improves if the polygon (in this case, an octagon) has more sides. In particular, a polygon with many sides will have a perimeter very close to the perimeter of the circle which is 2*Pi*r.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

Perhaps the most difficult hurdle in pre-algebra is how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions. Adding and subtracting fractions requires a common denominator. Multiplying fractions does not, and dividing by a fraction is just multiplying by the reciprocal.
Precalculus,

Precalculus

One topic covered in pre-calculus is the polar coordinate system. Using the definition of sine and cosine you can express the rectangular coordinates x and y as rcos(theta) and rsin(theta). Then, using the tangent and Pythagorean theorem, you can write polar coordinates in terms of rectangular.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

One topic on the SAT includes finding the length of an arc using the Pythagorean Theorem. If the arc is a quarter circle and there is a rectangle inscribed in that quarter circle with the length and width known, then the Pythagorean Theorem will calculate the radius of the quarter circle and from that we use the fact that the arc length is the radius times the angle which in this case is 90 degrees or pi/2 radians.
Statistics,

Statistics

Statistics has to do with hypothesis testing, trying to determine whether data from an observation is real or a fluke of nature. However, the concepts and terminology are often not well described by the teacher and have to be put into everyday common perspective. That is my role as a tutor.
Physics

Math

ACT Math,

ACT Math

Besides Pre Algebra, the most covered topic on the ACT is Plane Geometry. Parallel lines are lines with the same slope and perpendicular lines are lines whose slopes are negative reciprocals. The area of a circle is Pi*r^2, the area of a triangle is 1/2*b*h, and the area of a rectangle is l*w. All these formulas constitute Plane Geometry.
Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

At the heart of Algebra 1 is the ability to solve linear equations. Equations of the form ax + b = c. There are two steps needed to solve such an equation. First you subtract b from both sides and then you divide both sides by a. It is necessary to understand these two steps before proceeding in algebra.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

In Algebra 2 you learn how to solve 2 linear equations with 2 variables. A popular method is to multiply both sides of one equation by a number so that the coefficient on one of the variables is the same in both equations. Then you subtract one equation from the other to eliminate that variable. The problem has then been reduced to a problem from Algebra 1.
Calculus,

Calculus

Calculus is all about derivatives and integrals. Derivatives are instantaneous rates of change and integrals are areas under curves. It turns out that derivatives and integrals are inverses of each other. That is, the area under the curve of a derivative function is the function itself. Fascinating.
Differential Equations,

Differential Equations

A differential equation is one that contains one or more derivatives of a function. To solve any differential equation involves taking antiderivatives of that function. Taking antiderivaties is one of the foundations of calculus.
Discrete Math,

Discrete Math

Discrete Mathematics has grown in stature over the years to be used in computer science, cryptology, information theory, logic, set theory, combinatory mathematics, graph theory, and doing proofs by induction. This subject is quite complex and can sometimes be quite difficult to learn. However, it is a fascinating and interesting field in the mathematics space.
Geometry,

Geometry

How would you prove the area of a circle is Pi*r^2. Well, you could inscribe the circle inside an octagon and form 8 triangles within that octagon. The area of each of those 8 triangles is 1/2*r*s where s is the length of each side of the octagon. So we have an area within the octagon of 8s*1/2*r. This is an approximation of the area of the circle that improves if the polygon (in this case, an octagon) has more sides. In particular, a polygon with many sides will have a perimeter very close to the perimeter of the circle which is 2*Pi*r.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

Perhaps the most difficult hurdle in pre-algebra is how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions. Adding and subtracting fractions requires a common denominator. Multiplying fractions does not, and dividing by a fraction is just multiplying by the reciprocal.
Precalculus,

Precalculus

One topic covered in pre-calculus is the polar coordinate system. Using the definition of sine and cosine you can express the rectangular coordinates x and y as rcos(theta) and rsin(theta). Then, using the tangent and Pythagorean theorem, you can write polar coordinates in terms of rectangular.
Probability,

Probability

If you draw 5 cards from a 52 card deck there are 52 ways to draw the first card, 51 ways to draw the second card, 50 to draw the third, 49 to draw the fourth, and 48 to draw the fifth. But if we look at the hand 2,3,4,5,6 there are 5 places we could have put the 2 and for each of those 4 places we could have put the 3 and for each of those 3 places we could have put the 4, etc. That means there are 120 repeats. Therefore there are 52*51*50*49*48/120=2598960 possible poker hands
SAT Math,

SAT Math

One topic on the SAT includes finding the length of an arc using the Pythagorean Theorem. If the arc is a quarter circle and there is a rectangle inscribed in that quarter circle with the length and width known, then the Pythagorean Theorem will calculate the radius of the quarter circle and from that we use the fact that the arc length is the radius times the angle which in this case is 90 degrees or pi/2 radians.
Statistics,

Statistics

Statistics has to do with hypothesis testing, trying to determine whether data from an observation is real or a fluke of nature. However, the concepts and terminology are often not well described by the teacher and have to be put into everyday common perspective. That is my role as a tutor.
Trigonometry,

Trigonometry

Trigonometry begins with a right triangle and the Pythagorean theorem. After that we label one of the angles not equal to 90 degrees with the Greek letter theta and we call the sides the opposite, adjacent, and hypotenuse. From that we can define the sine, cosine, and tangent of an angle.
Physics

Most Popular

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

At the heart of Algebra 1 is the ability to solve linear equations. Equations of the form ax + b = c. There are two steps needed to solve such an equation. First you subtract b from both sides and then you divide both sides by a. It is necessary to understand these two steps before proceeding in algebra.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

In Algebra 2 you learn how to solve 2 linear equations with 2 variables. A popular method is to multiply both sides of one equation by a number so that the coefficient on one of the variables is the same in both equations. Then you subtract one equation from the other to eliminate that variable. The problem has then been reduced to a problem from Algebra 1.
Calculus,

Calculus

Calculus is all about derivatives and integrals. Derivatives are instantaneous rates of change and integrals are areas under curves. It turns out that derivatives and integrals are inverses of each other. That is, the area under the curve of a derivative function is the function itself. Fascinating.
Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I am qualified in math by virtue of passing the Elementary Math test with 100%. I certain am qualified to assist in all aspects of elementary subjects although my only real interest would be in the math part.
Geometry,

Geometry

How would you prove the area of a circle is Pi*r^2. Well, you could inscribe the circle inside an octagon and form 8 triangles within that octagon. The area of each of those 8 triangles is 1/2*r*s where s is the length of each side of the octagon. So we have an area within the octagon of 8s*1/2*r. This is an approximation of the area of the circle that improves if the polygon (in this case, an octagon) has more sides. In particular, a polygon with many sides will have a perimeter very close to the perimeter of the circle which is 2*Pi*r.
Prealgebra,

Prealgebra

Perhaps the most difficult hurdle in pre-algebra is how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions. Adding and subtracting fractions requires a common denominator. Multiplying fractions does not, and dividing by a fraction is just multiplying by the reciprocal.
Precalculus,

Precalculus

One topic covered in pre-calculus is the polar coordinate system. Using the definition of sine and cosine you can express the rectangular coordinates x and y as rcos(theta) and rsin(theta). Then, using the tangent and Pythagorean theorem, you can write polar coordinates in terms of rectangular.
Statistics,

Statistics

Statistics has to do with hypothesis testing, trying to determine whether data from an observation is real or a fluke of nature. However, the concepts and terminology are often not well described by the teacher and have to be put into everyday common perspective. That is my role as a tutor.
Physics

Other

Finance

Science

ACT Science,

ACT Science

You really don't need a strong foundation in science to do well in the Science section. The ACT Science section is really about reading and understanding graphs and charts that pertain to science topics. I will teach the student how to quickly size up a graph and interpret the results.
Physics

Summer

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

At the heart of Algebra 1 is the ability to solve linear equations. Equations of the form ax + b = c. There are two steps needed to solve such an equation. First you subtract b from both sides and then you divide both sides by a. It is necessary to understand these two steps before proceeding in algebra.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

In Algebra 2 you learn how to solve 2 linear equations with 2 variables. A popular method is to multiply both sides of one equation by a number so that the coefficient on one of the variables is the same in both equations. Then you subtract one equation from the other to eliminate that variable. The problem has then been reduced to a problem from Algebra 1.
Calculus,

Calculus

Calculus is all about derivatives and integrals. Derivatives are instantaneous rates of change and integrals are areas under curves. It turns out that derivatives and integrals are inverses of each other. That is, the area under the curve of a derivative function is the function itself. Fascinating.
Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I am qualified in math by virtue of passing the Elementary Math test with 100%. I certain am qualified to assist in all aspects of elementary subjects although my only real interest would be in the math part.
Geometry,

Geometry

How would you prove the area of a circle is Pi*r^2. Well, you could inscribe the circle inside an octagon and form 8 triangles within that octagon. The area of each of those 8 triangles is 1/2*r*s where s is the length of each side of the octagon. So we have an area within the octagon of 8s*1/2*r. This is an approximation of the area of the circle that improves if the polygon (in this case, an octagon) has more sides. In particular, a polygon with many sides will have a perimeter very close to the perimeter of the circle which is 2*Pi*r.
SAT Math,

SAT Math

One topic on the SAT includes finding the length of an arc using the Pythagorean Theorem. If the arc is a quarter circle and there is a rectangle inscribed in that quarter circle with the length and width known, then the Pythagorean Theorem will calculate the radius of the quarter circle and from that we use the fact that the arc length is the radius times the angle which in this case is 90 degrees or pi/2 radians.
Statistics,

Statistics

Statistics has to do with hypothesis testing, trying to determine whether data from an observation is real or a fluke of nature. However, the concepts and terminology are often not well described by the teacher and have to be put into everyday common perspective. That is my role as a tutor.
Physics

Test Preparation

ACT English,

ACT English

ACT English is about understanding grammar, proper sentence structure, and mechanics. If the student does not have a good foundation in this material and starts sentences with, "Me and Billy went to see a show," I will get that corrected.
ACT Math,

ACT Math

Besides Pre Algebra, the most covered topic on the ACT is Plane Geometry. Parallel lines are lines with the same slope and perpendicular lines are lines whose slopes are negative reciprocals. The area of a circle is Pi*r^2, the area of a triangle is 1/2*b*h, and the area of a rectangle is l*w. All these formulas constitute Plane Geometry.
ACT Science,

ACT Science

You really don't need a strong foundation in science to do well in the Science section. The ACT Science section is really about reading and understanding graphs and charts that pertain to science topics. I will teach the student how to quickly size up a graph and interpret the results.
GRE,

GRE

The GRE is mostly calculus and algebra. In addition there are questions about sequences and series. A sequence is a list of numbers and a series is the terms of a sequence added together. An arithmetic sequence is when the each term is obtained from the preceding one by adding a certain amount and a geometric sequence is when each term is obtained from the preceding one by multiplying by a certain amount. For instance, 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 + 1/16 + .....is a geometric series with the multiplier being 1/2.
SAT Math

SAT Math

One topic on the SAT includes finding the length of an arc using the Pythagorean Theorem. If the arc is a quarter circle and there is a rectangle inscribed in that quarter circle with the length and width known, then the Pythagorean Theorem will calculate the radius of the quarter circle and from that we use the fact that the arc length is the radius times the angle which in this case is 90 degrees or pi/2 radians.

Examples of Expertise

Robert has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 115 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Robert ’s answers ›

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.8 (53 ratings)
5 star
(46)
4 star
(4)
3 star
(2)
2 star
(1)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Knowable and well organized

Robert is extremely knowledgeable and well organized. His experience with the ACT has been very helpful for prep for my next exam. He is highly recommended if you need a person with broad knowledge who can help you prepare effectively.

Dean, 7 lessons with Robert

Good tutor!

My son got a lot out of it. We will be scheduling more sessions. Probably weekly for at least a few weeks if not entire semester.

Daniel, 4 lessons with Robert

Great Math and Physics Tutor, make difficulty questions easy to understand and solve

Robert is great, helped me with MAths and Physics Challenges. Thank you Robert! Im in junior year I recommend Robert to anyone struggling with Math and Physics, Cath

Luiz, 5 lessons with Robert

Pre- Algebra

Robert has really made a difference in my son’s confidence in a very short time. He has been a very flexible and capable tutor. We look forward to working again with him next year. I highly recommend him!!

Tina, 3 lessons with Robert

Fantastic

Mr L went above and beyond. He met with me at 9:00 at night and we worked together for 2 hours. He gave up 2 hours of his night to work with me. He is fantastic and I'm very pleased with him.

Keri, 1 lesson with Robert

Flexible about meeting place and time

Bob has helped my son complete his homework and prepare for quizzes and tests and is willing to meet at different places and different days and times which really helps with my son's schedule.

Debra, 6 lessons with Robert

Excellent experience

Bob is knowledgeable, patient, and thorough. He was able to help me understand TVM and NPV for my Corporate Finance midterm. He was also flexible with my work schedule. I definitely recommend him for any of your math needs.

Alison, 1 lesson with Robert
Hourly Rate: $85
Contact Robert