There are many who think they can study for a math exam in the same way they would prepare for a history exam: simply by memorizing formulas and equations as you do with facts and dates. While knowing formulas and equations is important, the best way to learn them is to use them. This is the genius part of math: you can do it. While it is impossible to "make history".
Steps
Step 1. Go to class every day
Listen and pay attention to the material. Mathematics is more visual than other subjects, due to the equations and problems to be solved.
- Take note of the examples covered in class. When you then look at the notes, it will be easier to learn what has been explained, instead of just studying with the textbook.
- Ask your teacher anything that is not clear to you before the day of the exam. Your teacher will not specifically tell you what will be in the test, but he can give you some tips on what you do not understand. Not only will he tell you how to solve the problem, but a teacher who knows you will be more willing to help you in the future (he'll even be a little more tolerant if your grades aren't top).
Step 2. Read the text
Read the whole text, not just the examples. The books often contain proofs of the formulas you should know; it is useful to understand the material well and how it works.
Step 3. Solve the problems assigned as homework
In many lessons, problems are assigned, or suggested, that may be helpful. Many of the problems during the exam are similar to those given as homework. Sometimes they might even be the same.
- Try to find other exercises similar to those assigned to you. Complete the page that was only partially assigned to you as an assignment (for example, if the assignment asked you to do the odd-numbered exercises, you do the even-numbered exercises).
- Do as many exercises as you can so that you know the various types of exercises. Try the different ways you can deal with a certain problem. For example, systems of equations can be solved by the method of substitution, elimination or with a graphical representation. Drawing a graph is the best method when you can use a calculator, as you will almost certainly get the correct result. If you are not allowed to use a calculator, then use substitution or elimination, depending on the equation; or decide which method is easiest for you. It is best to get used to not always using only one method, especially during the exam.
Step 4. Join a study group
Different people look at concepts in different ways. Something that may be difficult for you to understand may be a trivial matter for your fellow student. Having her perspective on a certain concept may help you understand it better.
Step 5. Ask someone to come up with exercises to solve
Ask them to create examples similar to those in textbooks or on online sites and only give you the result when you are done or when you just can't go on. Don't try to come up with the exercises yourself, as you won't be doing them hard enough.
Step 6. Know that teachers go back to the past
Even if you are studying a chapter or two, they may sharpen your knowledge and introduce you to exercises from some time ago or that you learned at the beginning of the semester.
Step 7. Finished
Advice
- Remember to drink a lot and eat something before you start studying. This will stimulate the brain and help you learn and work on math concepts.
- When you don't fully understand a problem, don't try to fix it anyway. You have to understand the problems well and if you have any doubts, ask your teacher.
- Get between 7-9 hours of sleep so your mind is rested and you can do the math mentally.
- If you don't like math, find ways to encourage yourself to finish the exercises. For example, promise to enjoy some sweets, or watch your favorite show for half an hour, once you've done 20 additions. You could also have a contest with your fellow students to see who finishes first.
- Try to have fun. Be happy and satisfied when you manage to finish one exercise and then move on to the next addition.
- Troubleshoot. This way, you will understand the formulas and how to derive them. You can solve the problems assigned to you. Also solve problems that you don't have the answer to and ask someone to check them for you.
- It is often helpful to understand where a formula comes from, rather than memorizing it. Everything will make more sense and it is often easier to remember the simplest formulas and derive the most complex formulas from them.
- Have fun! Don't be afraid of the brace, etc. At the end of the preparation period he studies even more. But don't stress yourself on the day of the exam or you won't pass it.
- In math tests, usually the most difficult exercises are the ones you will find on the exam: prepare yourself by reviewing guides, other similar tests, homework and other work related to the subject of the exam.
- Stay calm and positive, believing that you will pass the exam.
- Study every day before the exam.
- Ask your teacher if there is an online version of the textbook. Sometimes the online versions have quizzes and extra study material.
- Start studying when you still have enough time to go to the professor or teacher to ask for explanations. If you start too late, you will have no other chance to learn.
- Form a creative study group, which is also a way to socialize.
- Don't rely on your teacher alone to help you understand a concept or problem. You will never learn and you may blame the teacher for not being able to explain that particular topic to you. Instead, try to understand for yourself, from start to finish. Some questions are complicated and need to be memorized. Write them down and review them several times before the exam.
- Start studying two months before the exam and don't cut back at the last minute. The day before the exam, relax. Try to clear your mind when you go to sleep and for sure you will take a good exam.
- If you need help, talk to your teacher or classmates.
Warnings
- Don't study everything at once. Take breaks and let what you've studied really come into your head.
- Don't give in to the temptation to use a calculator when solving the exercises. Instead, you have to practice the basics: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Practice as much as possible, using random numbers. As the exercises get more complex, however, using the calculator may be helpful.
- Don't try to find just examples similar to homework exercises. Try to understand the various steps. If the teacher wants to make things a little more difficult (and many do), knowing the examples won't help you much, while having understood the material will be helpful. In the exercises, indications are given and you have to answer the questions with the material given.
- Don't look at the result when you can't solve the problem. Looking for the answer a little longer could be an advantage, because you may find a new way to understand the problem. Although in the end you will have to look at the result anyway.
