If you hate math, it’s not because the subject is hard. It’s just the reputation the subject has had for many years. The good news is that you can study math like a pro even if you don’t know anything.
In this article, I’m going to teach you practical study techniques, to help you understand math.
Even though it’s one of the dreaded subjects by students all over the world, math is one of the important subjects in both your academic and personal life.
Understanding math can make your life easier than you can imagine.
Here are useful tips to help you study math like an expert.
Practice More
Math is a subject you can understand by doing. Unlike other subjects you understand by reading, you have to practice a lot to get better at math. As a rule, you should start practicing math from the first day. This will help you to stay ready for any exams that come during the semester.
When your teacher gives you certain math problems to solve for homework, try to find a few extra problems from your textbook or online and try to solve them until you get them correct. Don’t limit yourself to what your teacher has given you for homework.
The more you practice solving problems, the better you become at math. The good thing is that you can get math practice questions online.
Seek Extra Help
The professor is there to help you understand math. You can seek help in case you don’t understand something. Don’t be afraid to ask questions because that’s how you understand concepts taught in class.
Some math concepts are difficult to understand alone. One of the math concepts I found hard during my time in school is graphing, inequalities, and others. You can find a system of inequalities solver. The internet is full of math experts you can reach out to for help.
Your classmates can help you understand math as well. Create study groups to discuss concepts you don’t understand with other students.
Solve Examples By Yourself
Math is a hands-on subject. You understand concepts by solving problems.
Now, when starting, avoid solving complex problems. When you solve complex math problems, you might not get the correct answer and this can discourage you. It’s one of the problems why many students hate math.
Start with simple math problems. You can use the examples in your textbook. Hide the answer then solve it to see whether you will get the same answer as in the textbook.
Don’t focus on the answer but try to check whether you have followed all the steps to get the answer. Once you master simple problems, you can then take complex ones.
Understand What You’re Reading
In math, if you don’t understand what you’re reading, the chances of getting the answer wrong are high. When you read the sections carefully, you will be able to understand what you’re required to do.
Ensure you understand all the definitions and examples in all the topics you cover in your textbook and pay attention to the learning goals highlighted at the beginning of every chapter.
Note that reading your math textbook is not fun, but that’s how you will understand a difficult concept.
Review Previous Skills as You Learn New Ones
Math concepts are built on the previous ones. The skills you learned in college are built on those you learned in high school. Ensure you review previous skills as you learn new ones so that you don’t struggle as you progress to advanced math.