Question

How can I become better at math?

I am having trouble this semester, particularly remembering the different ways to solve equations. I am still achieving an A in my algebra class, but I can tell that I am struggling. I want to stay on top of the information so that I am not falling behind. What are some math/study/memorization/ANY tips that you think would help me? Anything is welcome!

Answer 1

Do assigned and extra practice problems very thoroughly, and practice deriving necessary equations.

Explanation:

In my experience, doing practice problems for math and science classes is the best way to find out where your understanding of a concept can be improved. Not only will doing practice problems reinforce your understanding of a topic, but it will also increase your speed in solving problems that may be similar to the problems you encounter on math/science tests.

While memorization is usually the worst way to approach concepts in math and science, one thing that does help when dealing with equations and formulas is practice deriving them from scratch. This is a great way to fully understand the underlying concepts behind a certain formula, rather than just knowing the steps of how to use the formula to answer questions.

Answer 2

Practice

Explanation:

I know it sounds old and everyone says that but it's so true. You can make as many flash cards and notes as you want but if you don't practice questions you won't get anywhere. Also look at the specification for the exam if you can to see what you need to learn.
And watch videos! I'm quite a visual learner and videos really help when I've been looking at paper for ages. I also stick things on my wall that I need to memorise.

But most importantly, when you don't understand it ask a teacher or a friend or anyone really. Don't put it off or feel embarrassed, it's YOUR grade and it isn't your friend that's gonna feel it if you fail.

But also remember to enjoy yourself, maths doesn't have to be boring but it can be fun, look at puzzles and theories and get confused but still satisfied that you don't need to know everything.

Answer 3

Put bluntly; there is no quick answer. Practice is the main thing.
Important questions: What are the key points. What is the initial condition. How do I change what I have got to get to my target.

Explanation:

Put plainly it is a matter of practice and trying to mentally take things apart with the question, why did they do that and what is everything actually representing.

Richard Feynman stated that the best way to understand something is to explain it to others as simply as you can.

Coupled with all this is memory. However, memory is assisted by several things. One of which is what I call 'playing with an idea'.
That good old standby: what happens if I do....

Numbers and there relationships are often there to model some form of physical relationship between conditions/objects or some form of behaviour.

A lot of it is based on our dear friend the equals sign, or a variant on it.

Over time you build up a tool box of techniques that you can combine either in part or totally.

One issue is that there is a tenancy to be taught using shortcut methods. Often this builds up a reliance on the principle of 'the golden rule' syndrome. The concept being that unless you know 'the rule' you can not do it. This is wrong. If you start to build up understanding about relationships and manipulation you can often work round something new. But to do this you have to build the appropriate background. You must understand that shortcut methods are basically just remembering the outcome of first principle methods. Shortcuts (once understood)are a lot faster so they do have their place.

One example of shortcut that is taught: To divide by a fraction turn the divisor upside down and then multiply. The automatic question should be: why? What is it actually representing?

Whilst it is good to postulate about why things work, time spent doing this has to weighed against the demand of available time to cover every thing needed. It is always a matter of a 'trade off'.