I'm going to just come out and say it. I'm 20 and can't do maths.

Two years ago I passed the end-of-high-school mathematics exam (but not at school), and did pretty well. Since then, I haven't done a scrap of mathematics.

I wondered just how bad I had gotten, so I was looking at some simple algebra problems. You know, the kind you learn halfway through highschool.

5(-3x - 2) - (x - 3) = -4(4x + 5) + 13

Couldn't do them.

I've got half a year left until I start a Computer Science undergraduate degree. I love designing and creating programs, and I remember I loved mathematics back when I did it.

Basically, I've had a pretty bad education, but I want to be knowledgable in these areas.

I was thinking of buying some high school textbooks and reading them, but I'm not sure this is the right way to go.

I need to start off at some basic level and work towards a greater understanding.

My question is: What should I study, how should I study, and what books can you recommend?

Thanks!