That might just do the trick. I found that I had no problems completing my homework (often getting 100%), but by the time we got to a quiz on the material, I would mess it all up. I never got to spend enough time mastering the fundamentals. Since to really understand math, you have to be competent in the prior material, well...let's just say it's easy to fall behind in that scenario.
I bought an algebra textbook a couple of years ago, but I've been too sidetracked having babies to sit down and try to learn it. Mr. Ex could help me, easily...he's on par with my uncle, math-wise.
Just don't ask him to spell! LOL
You have to work problems. Start with the beginning problems even though they will be so simple you can work them in your head. Write down the solution step by step and get a method going as if teacher said 'show your work'. Some books start with a chapter on applications and laws, which may be skipped so as to get to the practice problems. Don't worry about associative and distributive and two trains problems in the beginning, but do work the cut and dried arithmetic problems. When you can factor quadratics like a pro, you are getting there.