How can i understand basic algebra even though i'm not good in math

I am in college after 21 years of being out of High School. I never learned much Math in high school and now I have to learn basic algebra. How do I begin to understand the art of basic algebra to pass an exam?

I was never any good at math in school either. In fact geometry was the only thing I could get, because it didn't have much to do with conventional numbers.

But - algebra isn't so 'number-y' either. I mean, who cares about finding out what x or why is? (I never did) The point is that you don't need to use regular arithmetic so much as logic.

If I had to go back to school, I'd NEVER take arithmetic again - but maybe algebra. It has its own system, and if your textbook is any good, that should help. Just don't panic whenever any numbers turn up!