10 Ways to Tackle Mathematics

10 Ways to Tackle Mathematics

Math can be either your best friend or your worst enemy. Those of us, who get it, fall in love with it. Those who don’t, establish a long-term rivalry with it. The unpleasant truth, however, is that moth of us need math to pursue our targeted careers. Law, Business, Engineering, you name it; a vast range of careers require a strong base in math, especially if you want to graduate from a well reputed University. Well, not to fear any longer. Here is a list of 10 ways which may assist you in tackling mathematics until it’s a piece of cake:

1.Polish up your basic concepts!

If your base is not strong, then you aren’t going anywhere with your progress in math. People, who never worked hard on getting the basics, struggle later on when the more difficult stuff piles up because most things in math are interconnected. Therefore, it’s a good thing to take time out and study the basic concepts until they are perfectly understood. Only then will it be easier to relate to new concepts building up from them.

2.Distinguish between the different categories of math

Math is a very vast subject dealing with a wide range of categories that it has been classified in. Vectors, Algebra, Functions, Geometry, Statistics, Trigonometry, etc are just a few examples. It’s very important to understand that there is an apparent difference and use of these classifications. For example, algebra and geometry are two different categories with different applications. This sort of difference needs to be understood because each category carries a different procedure to solving it. Some questions very clearly distinguish the category being dealt with, some may not, and some may require many categories to be used within the evaluation.

3.Understand the topic at hand

When a new topic is begun, it is important to get a good grasp of it by efficiently understanding it when it is being explained by a teacher or professor. One should not hesitate to ask questions when they are confused. Nothing seems easy the first time. But, it is important to clear away any misconceptions when you have the opportunity to do so. Engage your mind into an analytical discussion of the topic and whatever is unclear; get to the bottom of it. Study the topic and absorb it before you begin solving questions.

4.Refer to examples 

Do take advantage of any examples being provided by the book or your teacher. Assess the question and then do the same with the solution. Notice the procedure that is being used and try to understand why. Then, attempt to solve the same example with the answer provided to test how much you have grasped the topic and if your prepared to start solving on your own.

5.Practice until you’re perfect!

Math is one subject that cannot be done with adequate practice. Practice does make perfect when it comes to math because repetition of solving questions is the only way to understand the tactics and methods being applied until you get used to it and stop forgetting or confusing yourself. Hence, practice, practice, and practice! Dedicate yourself to it and ensure some time daily for solving math questions. Apply logic where it is needed and formulae where they are needed. Incorporate math into your practical life so as to motivate yourself as much as possible.

6.Ask a teacher or classmate for assistance

Remember, asking questions is a sign of an intelligent mind. Thus, do not hesitate to ask whenever need be! Remember the sole purpose of a teacher is to ensure maximum understanding of the subject at hand.  Don’t deprive them of an opportunity to do their job. Sometimes, explanations of a classmate with a similar understanding can help you far more. Ask friendly peers for help when you need it or are facing trouble. They may help you in a much better and comprehensible manner.

7.Test yourself 

An assessment of your understanding is essential. Try out practice tests to determine your grasp of the topic and your progress in it. You may be weak in one thing and not another or you may be messing up in your basics. Hence a test of what you have done is essential to analyze your lacking and work on them.

8.Analyze the mistakes you make

When you’re through with the test, refer back to the questions where you have lost marks and reflect on them. Obtain the answer and try to figure out how the answer came about and where you made the mistake. If you cannot do it on your own, obtain the solution from somewhere or ask someone who may be able to do it correctly, to explain it to you.  Notice the error you made and apply logical reasoning as to why it was wrong. Once your mind grasps it, you will not make such a mistake again.

9.Memorize important formulas 

Sometimes, the only things to screw us up are formulas. We think of them as hard and thus we don’t make much effort to memorize them because we assume we’ll forget them and so we don’t even try. This does inevitable lead to us forgetting them and solving questions incorrect. It is very important to memorize formulas, especially when they have extensive application. It is not that hard. Repetitive writing or saying of them is enough to make you remember. They will not be forgotten easily if they are memorized with good will.

10.Trust Yourself

The last and perhaps most important thing to do is to trust yourself. Be confident in your studying and practice. Assure yourself that you have done good practice. This should help your mind relax and release tension which can be a big hindrance in solving questions correctly. Because of a lack of confidence, students who know the answer, still solve it out wrong because they doubt themselves. Don’t be one of them. Apply logical reasoning and assure yourself that you are doing it right.  A relaxed and optimistic mind is much better able to evaluate questions correctly.