PluralSight Skill Challenge
Mathematics

10 Tips for Math Success

10 Tips for Math Success

Most people feel that you cannot be good at the subject if you do not have the inborn skill.

However, that cannot be further from the truth. To improve at math, all you need is practice and the right strategy.

The following are some recommendations from math experts to help you become successful. Even if I needed to do my math assignment these ways also helped to make my assignment more effective and productive within improvement of the skills in math.

1. Do not miss class

Math has a broad syllabus. A different concept is taught in each class. Each of these concepts builds a foundation for more complex calculations later. The point is, mathematics is not kind to absenteeism.

If you cannot avoid skipping class, make time to learn what you missed. Otherwise, you might never catch up and find later concepts strange, yet other students find them familiar.

2. Do all your homework

Homework, especially math homework for people who struggle with the subject, is not optional. It allows you the opportunity to practice what was taught in class. More importantly, it helps you measure your level of understanding.

3. Find a study partner

A study partner motivates you to learn and complete your homework. Additionally, a study partner who takes good notes will help you catch up if you miss class.

You should also consider a study group later on for advanced classes to help revise and practice for exams.

4. Build a good relationship with your math teacher

True, high school math teachers have a lot of students. But all it takes to start building a good relationship with your teacher is introducing yourself within the first week. That shows you are interested in the class.

During class, try and answer questions, even if you are not sure you have the right answer. See, teachers tend to respond well to students who pay attention in class.

5. Learn from your mistakes

You failed certain questions in the test or homework. That should not be the end. Go over the questions you failed and understand why you did not get them right. Ask your teacher or your study partner what you did wrong. Additionally, figure out why you thought the problem should be solved the way you did.

If you do not fix your mistakes, you are likely going to repeat them.

6. Ask questions

We learn by asking questions. Besides, there is a high probability that there are other students with the same question. So, by asking, you are helping yourself and others like you.

Most good teachers welcome questions, no matter how obvious they may seem.

7. Seek help as soon as possible

As soon as you realize you did not understand something, seek help. Otherwise, your pain points will pile up, and you will have a hard time figuring out where to start.

8. Master the multiplication table

Multiplication is one of the most critical basic skills in math. It builds a foundation for most math problems.

You should not be struggling with five times nine. You should be able to answer it without thinking.

Mastering the multiplication table is an issue of practice. Use flashcards to memorize it, or even a computer program.

9. Understand how a calculator functions

A calculator helps solve math problems fast. But the wrong input gives the wrong answer.

Let’s say the teacher has asked “the square of negative two.†If you input -2^2, you will get -4, which is a wrong answer. You are supposed to input (-2) ^2 to get the correct answer, which is 4.

The point is, a calculator will not help you if you do not take the time to understand how it works.