I really want to do better at the math section of the GMAT, but all the test prep companies offer is quick fixes that are supposed to help you guess better as well as tricks. I know all the basic concepts, so I can review how to find an area of a circle all day and it doesn't help me.
I want to learn how to actually get better at understanding and solving complex math problems so that I can do better on the test. Is this possible?
2006-06-14 15:29:52 · 13 answers · asked by Tommy 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
As a math teacher, I would have to say there is no doubt that you can understand and even enjoy math. A few tips that I think would really help if people would use them are:
1. Practice, Practice, Practice!
---It's true, the more you practice the better you get, at anything. Eventually the processes become easier and easier. Kinda like learning multiplication tables.
2. Show EVERY step!
---Skipping "easy" steps when working a problem is the quickest way to make a mistake. Show every step, and be organized and detailed in this approach, I promise it will help.
3. If you are really stuck on a problem, skip it and save it for later. If you are working practice problems and can't get the right answer, sometimes it is best to start over without looking at what you have already tried. Many times we won't catch our own mistakes, because in our mind we "know" what we meant to put down, even though the mistake may be right in front of us.
4. Work in study groups. Discussion is a great tool. I didn't really pick up on this until graduate school, and cannot believe what a difference it makes. Seeing/hearing how others think of problems and explaining a problem to someone works wonders.
5. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!
---Confidence takes you a good way. :^)
Good luck with your test!
Angel, university mathematics instructor
2006-06-18 20:17:48 · answer #1 · answered by Angel_eyes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just because you understand how something works, doesn't mean that when you come to something you can actually solve it. Start with the basics and then work your way up to the complex problems. The complex problems are just applications of a few of the basic ones at the same time. You just need to practice. I'm sure there is a website, book, practice book that you can buy or borrow from somebody that will have problems that are similar to ones on that section that you can work out. Sometimes, some test companies will issue out old tests. That would give you really good practice as it will be problems closely related to the real test problems since they are test problems.
Another issue is to also give yourself a time limit when you're solving a certain # of problems to help you get used to thinking critically for math under pressure. If you were able to find that practice stuff I mentioned earlier, take out a section and put a time limit on yourself while you do it.
Another solution would be to get together with somebody you know that has taken the test and did well, or somebody that will be taking it that is comfortable with the math. That way, they can help you, and you can also help them out with their weak spots.
Last but not least, is to get a tutor who is one that is good with helping to prepare people for these types of tests.
2006-06-25 17:03:09 · answer #2 · answered by basketballbug 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is possible. It depends on your level of patience. First you need to determine the levels/types of math will be on the test. From that group determine your weak areas. Since math concepts build upon each other, you should find out which is hardest for you and practice those concepts. You can even find tutorials on line by googling a specific type of problem or a math concept. I hope this helps. Good luck!
2006-06-14 15:54:42 · answer #3 · answered by Glynis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a buddy and teach them how to do every problem in the test, then do another. As a former math tutor, I can confirm that nothing hammers the concepts home better than having to explain them to someone else.
2006-06-28 05:49:03 · answer #4 · answered by Cara B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you can better your math abilities. The only sad part of this is that you need to first understand the complex problems and then practice them over and over so you can then memorized the procedure that you took to solving the problem.
2006-06-14 15:38:13 · answer #5 · answered by jonathang79 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Do the types of math problems on the test, over and over and over. That will make you better at doing them.
2006-06-14 15:32:11 · answer #6 · answered by Amarkov 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ofcourse.1st assume math as an easy subject,then try to observe the ways in solving the math problem.repeat the ways(steps)more than ones.at last make ur own math problem and try to solve it.I am sure u get used to it.
2006-06-28 13:22:23 · answer #7 · answered by Hanna Y 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
practice more
do trickier problems
get real ppl 2 teach u, not books
and u have 2 actually like math, other wise its really boring and u only work for a little while so it doesn't really help
2006-06-27 10:27:28 · answer #8 · answered by CaliBeachBabe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i was horrible at math
my math teacher would always tell me
to practice. practice what you want to learn better and a lot. soon you ll be able to do them like counting.
2006-06-14 15:34:03 · answer #9 · answered by ♥ Stephanie Louise♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try teaching some of the problems to someone else.
That always helps.
2006-06-14 16:24:19 · answer #10 · answered by scotsgirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋