Who doesn't consider math exams to be a scourge? These fears are more likely to arise if math isn't the subject you're most proficient with. In fact, armed with the right strategy and preparation, doing well on a math exam is not as difficult as moving mountains, you know! Although paying installments over the course of a few days or a few weeks will give the best results, actually learning the material overnight is also not impossible. If you have limited time, focus on what you already know, and use specific strategies to maximize your test scores. Come on, read this article to find out the complete tips!
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Method 1 of 3: Studying the Exam Material
Step 1. Do the assignments given by the teacher
Chances are, your math teacher will give you assignments periodically to help prepare students for exams. If that's the case, make sure you always do the assignments given, even if they are optional or of very low value. Using this method can help you prepare and do better for the exam.
- Do more practice questions if there are still concepts that are difficult for you to understand. For example, if the teacher asks you to do an even numbered problem at the end of the chapter, do the odd numbered question as well.
- Some theory books provide a special chapter with the answer key on the last page. If your book is the same, try to check whether your answer matches the answer key.
- Write down the formula needed to solve each problem. Trust me, this method will make it easier for you to remember the formula while taking the exam.
Step 2. Reread your notes and focus on the material that is likely to come out on the exam
If you enjoy taking notes in class, use them to maximize your performance on exams. The trick, try to reread the things you wrote down after school to make sure the information taught that day has really stuck in your mind.
For example, you can steal time to read a notebook after class, before doing an assignment, or while studying
Step 3. Read the required chapter to understand the concept
Even though almost no student likes to read math theory books, force yourself to do it to make sure all concepts and terms taught by the teacher are well understood. Take the time to read each chapter carefully, and ask questions if any material isn't clear to you.
- Mark or underline important sentences so that they can be easily referenced whenever needed.
- Mark important pages with sticky notes so they can be found easily whenever needed.
Step 4. Create information cards to remember important terms and formulas
In general, an information card or flash card is a kind of index card that contains important information on both sides. You can use these information cards to remember math formulas, key terms, and important concepts. How to use it, you only need to write down the formula, term, or concept you want to remember on one side of the card, then include an explanation and example on the other side of the card.
For example, if you want to remember the formula for a quadratic equation, try writing the formula on one side of the card, and include an explanation of how to apply the formula along with an example on the other side of the card
Step 5. Ask your tutor or class teacher if there is a concept you don't understand
If there is a formula or mathematical concept that you do not understand, immediately ask the teacher in your class or your tutor. Trust me, they are able to provide information that can improve your understanding of the concept.
Tips: If you prefer to study with others, feel free to join the study groups available!
Method 2 of 3: Preparing for the Day Before the Exam
Step 1. Reread all the important information and formulas in your notebook
If you have been diligently taking notes in class, don't forget to re-read it to review the exam material within the next 24 hours. On that occasion, also identify all the formulas and information that your teacher always emphasizes in class. Since it's the formulas and information that's most likely to come out on the exam, you'll need to read your notebook more carefully to find them.
If your notebook isn't tidy or complete, try borrowing a classmate's notebook if you're allowed to. Chances are, your friend will always be willing to lend you his notebook or even allow you to copy it
Step 2. Do the practice questions if your teacher provides them
Some math teachers will provide some practice question sheets that can be used by students to practice before the exam. If your teacher is like that, take or download the problem, then read the information in it several times until you are fully able to understand all the concepts. Some practice questions will even come out in the exam! That is why, you must really understand the practice questions given in order to do the exam more optimally.
- If you want, you can also create your own practice questions using the material taught in class or summarized from books.
- Alternatively, you can also do online practice questions available on the internet.
Step 3. Summarize important information
First, try to identify the formulas, concepts, terms, and other information you need to know to improve your performance on the exam. Then, write down all the information on a special book or sheet of paper. Wherever you go, always carry the summary with you and don't forget to read it when you have free time.
For example, you can read the summary while waiting in line, on the bus, or before entering the exam room
Tips: Some math teachers allow students to bring summaries into the exam room. Generally, the summary should be packaged in the form of an index card or a sheet of paper measuring 22x28 cm. If your teacher is like that, don't forget to write down all the information that is considered important in the summary.
Step 4. Watch YouTube videos to find explanations of difficult concepts to understand
If there are some mathematical concepts that you still have trouble understanding, try looking up explanations on YouTube. The video should be easier to follow than the explanation in your notebook or theory.
For example, if you're having trouble understanding how to add and multiply fractions, try watching a video that explains this in an interesting and easy-to-understand way
Method 3 of 3: Maximizing Performance on Test Day
Step 1. Do the easy questions first
Instead, do the easiest and fastest questions you can do first. If you encounter a problem for which the answer is difficult to find, skip the question and return to work after all the easy questions have been completed.
Tips: Don't worry if you don't follow the order of the questions in the end. It's better than trying to do the questions in order and running out of time afterwards.
Step 2. Read the story questions carefully and find the relevant numbers
In particular, story problems are the type of problem that can be very confusing, especially since story problems generally contain a lot of additional information that is unrelated to the main problem. To do this, spend as much time as possible reading each story problem, then try to identify the relevant numbers in it. Then, plug that number into the appropriate formula to find the solution.
- For example, if a question reads: “Albert has 27 cars and wants to park all of them in the yard. Each car requires a parking area of 3x3 meters. Meanwhile, Albert's yard has an area of 30x55 meters. How many cars can Albert park in his yard?”
- The relevant figures in the problem are the number of cars, the parking area for each car: 3x3 meters, and Albert's yard area: 30x55 meters.
Step 3. Provide as detailed an answer as possible, and include any additional information that you think is necessary
Even if the final answer is wrong, some teachers are willing to give additional marks to appreciate your hard work for writing down very detailed information. Therefore, make sure you apply this method, especially if you are not sure about the answer.
For example, if you have to solve an equation problem using a special formula, write down the formula first. Then, work on the equation using the formula you wrote down, then include all the additional calculations you did to solve the problem
Step 4. Discard the options that you think are wrong
When you take an exam, you will likely have a hard time coming up with solutions to some problems. Want to increase your chances of getting maximum marks on such questions? Try to solve the problem first, then discard the options that you think are wrong.
For example, after working on the problem, you find the answer to 72. However, the available options are a) 56, b) 71, c) 77, and d) 112. If that's the case, try removing options that are too far from your answer. In other words, choose the option that is closest to your answer, i.e. option “b”
Step 5. Try guessing the answer if all methods fail
If the test question is multiple choice and you're having trouble deciding on the correct answer, try guessing it. In general, you can choose the option that seems closest to the correct answer. Some other ways to guess the answer are:
- Avoid the most different options.
- Choose the option “all answers are right” or “all answers are wrong” if any.
- Choose the longest option to answer the story questions.
