How to ace math exams simple tips and tricks


In this article, you will learn simple tips and tricks to ace math exams on the fly. Although there are no shortcuts to success, focused study, regular practice of solving examples and worksheets, mastering the concepts are some of the best practices.

"If I were again beginning my studies, I would follow the advice of Plato and start with mathematics." Galileo Galilei

Stay Focused and Never Give-up

When you study math, find a quiet place, get rid of the distractions, and focus on your work. You can easily make a mistake or miss a number otherwise.

Understand and Master the Concepts

Whichever topic you are working on in math, make sure you understand the basic concepts, go through examples and learn the related formulas and methods of solving problems.

Start by Studying from Basic Resources

  • Make it a habit to read your text book and notes to learn about math concepts and solved problems. Doing math homework reinforces the skills you learned. Begin every assignment by studying the textbook or worksheet examples. Redo the examples before beginning the homework and make sure you understand the lesson.

  • Read a word problem several times to understand it clearly. Also, draw a picture or diagram to describe it. Make it easier to understand the steps in a problem by substituting smaller numbers for larger ones.

  • If you have a test or a quiz coming up, it is absolutely necessary that you practice your concepts and problems thoroughly.

  • Solve Sudoku and other math puzzles, practice story problems and math quizzes from math sites. Some sites have some great quantitative games to help with your concepts and problem-solving skills.

How Regular Practice Helps

As they say “practice makes a man perfect”, we cannot overstate the importance of practicing regularly without fail.

Going from Easy to Difficulty Levels

  • Start with really easy problems and make sure you can do them quickly; then you can slowly work yourself up on difficult ones.

Relating to Real World

  • Try to relate the math concept you are learning to your everyday life, if you can. This will help make the subject more interesting to you.
  • Use flash cards, models, examples to figure out basic concepts. Analyze real world situations and apply math concepts to solve them.

Visualization as a Tool

Visualize what you are doing. Whether you count objects or solve advanced problems, visualizing the scenario makes problem-solving easier.

Try to do Math in your Head

  • One of the major ways to solve problems is by using mental math. You should use this method frequently instead of using pencil and paper or a calculator.

Seek help Immediately When you Need it

Math is one subject in which everything builds upon what has been previously learned. For example, a failure to understand the concept of percentages may lead to problems with decimals.

Clear your Doubts by Asking the Right Questions

Never be afraid or shy to ask your teacher or a friend or a brighter classmate for help with problems. Your parents can also help you out in this regard.

Marking the Tough Problems

If you are stuck on a question, put a little “mark” next to it so that you can come back to it later. After you do the rest of the problems, maybe you can understand the concept good enough to solve it later on.

Challenge Your Strengths

Once you can do the basics quickly and easily challenge yourself and stretch your abilities and aim to solve harder problems too, as quickly and accurately as possible.

Cross Check and Validate your Work

Always double-check your work when you solve problems. Even if you think it is an easy question and you are sure you have the correct solution, it is better to double-check. Any mistakes, if found, can be set right.

Never, ever get discouraged. Math takes time, patience, persistence and hard work. You do not have to be a genius to be good at math.

Samual Sam
Samual Sam

Learning faster. Every day.

Updated on: 13-May-2022

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