TITLE: How can I read numbers and mathematical symbols comfortably, at a university level?
QUESTION [42 upvotes]: When I look at math, it's like my mind goes fuzzy. The only way to describe it is to relate to how when you read, you see the letters and words, but your brain picks up on the meaning?
When I see numbers, mathematical symbols and equations, I find understanding them incredibly difficult to. It's like trying to read Kanji (without knowing Japanese). 
Something simple like $4+24$ is easy, but as soon as I see $\frac{\sqrt{a 2.7 + b 8.6}}{34}$ my brain freaks out. I struggle to read it in my head in a way that makes sense. I literally read it as "a line of numbers".
I am now doing a Bachelor of Computer Science degree part-time, and scoring 75% or ABOVE for every subject, except math, which I failed this semester with a current average of 32%. I had quite a poor schooling experience (yes, I am in a third-world country). I don't even know the difference between Calculus and Trigonometry. I completed an access course to get University admission, but the fractions and simple math in the access course were nothing compared to Linear Algebra and Set Theory.
I have about 3-4 months until I retake my uni math courses. My idea is to try and get through the entire math high school syllabus on a site like Khan Academy, and hope that it gives me the grounding and background I need to succeed at a university level. 
I'm not sure what to do. I'm desperate for a degree, and more than willing to earn it. It just seems like a huge mountain to climb and I don't know where to start.
The way I see it, I have very limited options if I can't "get math". I'm open to suggestions, but I'm hoping there is a definitive answer. My question is: in light of the above information, where should I start learning if I want to achieve a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science?

REPLY [6 votes]: There are many excellent suggestions above, many of which stress the face-to-face element which might be the most help to you at present.
Once you feel you are ready to read textbooks, I recommend the following:

Maths: A Student’s Survival Guide by Jenny Olive, second edition, Cambridge University Press, 2003.

This is a gentle review of high school mathematics that prepares you for university courses. It has self-test portions that let you know where you stand, highlighted boxes to emphasize major points, clearly identified pitfalls, plenty of examples and exercises, etc.

How to Think Like a Mathematician: A Companion to Undergraduate Mathematics by Kevin Houston, Cambridge University Press, 2009.

Once you have worked through the previous book, and are ready for university level mathematics, this book should help. There is less "hand-holding" and more of traditional mathematical pedagogy, but all concepts are clearly and concisely defined. Interestingly, Chapter 2 is entitled "Reading Mathematics" which seems rather appropriate to your original question.

Guide to Essential Math: A Review for Physics, Chemistry and Engineering Students by S M Blinder, Academic Press, 2008.

This book covers material similar to Houston at a brisk pace and with applications in view.
All three books seem to me to be written by excellent teachers who have the ability to communicate mathematics clearly and comfortably, and that might be what you are ultimately seeking.