Mathematics is not as hostile as it may seem, just follow the rules and practice, because only in this way is it possible to improve knowledge and increase one's confidence. You also need to pay attention in class and have an optimistic attitude, both while studying and during an exam.
Steps
Step 1. Listen to the teacher
If it is a crash course, it will likely jump from concept to concept quickly. What does it mean? If you don't pay attention, you will miss several topics and it will be difficult to catch up.
Step 2. Do your homework
This will help you understand the concepts more clearly. Exercises are important and necessary to practice before a test, so you need to make sure you do them regularly. If you miss class one day, contact your classmates right away to find out what you missed. If in doubt, talk to the professor.
Step 3. When you don't understand a topic, talk to the teacher
In the case of mathematics, it is not enough to think that you have the right answer.
Step 4. Learn the terminology
If you understand what is being asked of you, you will be halfway there. Mathematics has its own language (real numbers, subsets, one-to-one functions, etc.). Getting used to these terms will give you significant benefits. Highlight the keywords in the question to understand what you need to do. Try solving past exams to get an idea of what to expect; you can ask the teacher or download them from the internet.
Step 5. Buy a good calculator based on the course you are taking
If it is a basic algebra course, a scientific calculator should suffice. If it is a calculation course, you will need graphics instead. If you have any doubts, you should ask the teacher from the first lesson, so he will be able to advise you adequately.
Step 6. Learn to use the calculator
Sure, it may have all the fanciest features in the world, but they'll be a waste if you don't even know how to do an addition.
Step 7. Sit next to friendly companions and scholars
You should be able to reach out to them when you have questions or don't know how to solve a certain problem. Either way, they shouldn't do the exercises for you, just be independent.
Step 8. Find extra learning materials
Often you need different sources to understand a concept, because maybe a certain book doesn't explain it adequately. If you can use various texts and sources, you may understand math much better. Also get a book with all the answers to the questions in the workbook, but consult them only after you have done the exercises.
Step 9. Show all your work and how you think
In most cases, teachers don't care so much about your answer as about the effort you put into it and your ability to reason. Many will only give partial importance to the answers you give, the rest is to be gained by proving that you work correctly.
Step 10. Be organized
If you're not, doing all your homework won't help you either. Many times you think you are, but to have an objective point of view, you may want to ask someone you trust for help: they will give you an honest opinion.
Advice
- Never stop exercising.
- If someone you know has taken this course before you, try reaching out to them for suggestions and notes.
- Take notes in class if you can keep up with what the teacher is saying. This will help you remember concepts better and refresh your memory even after some time.
- Ask as many questions as you can, and sooner or later you will understand the steps to follow to solve a certain problem. Constantly working hard and doing more exercises than you are marked will not only improve your understanding of the concepts, it will also allow you to make a good impression on the teacher.
- Try not to forget the formulas. If you review them frequently, it will be easy to remember them smoothly, so keep your memory fresh by studying math often.
- Create flashcards with formulas. For example, on one side of the tile you will write the question, such as “How do you calculate the area of the triangle?”, While on the other side you should write down the answer, such as “Width x Height / 2”. Have a bunch of flashcards handy, and when you have some free time, go over; for example you can do it at the bus stop. If you have a lot of them, pierce them and join them with a ring.
- Don't be too shy and don't be ashamed to ask questions.
Warnings
- Don't sit near people who make you distracted or who don't study.
- Cheating can get you in serious trouble.
