How can I do better in math? I have a state-wide test I have to pass.?

Question

I am a sophmore with A/B grades. Math is definatley my downfall. I have been working with my teacher and other kids, but I can't remember any of the information. Soon I have a state-wide test that I have to pass or I will not graduate. I am smart, but I can't remember anything in math from one day to the next

Is there anyway I can remember all this info and pass the math test? It's bringing my 4.0 down to 3.6 and I'm always stressed. It just doesn't make sense.

Answer 1

First of all, try not to stress over it.

Secondly, don't fall into the trap of thinking that math is too hard to understand.

What you probably need is just to see HOW all the little steps and principles in mathematics combine to get you to a real-world result. Beyond that, simply parctice a lot (as I am sure you already know and do) so that selecting the right operations comes a second nature.

Most young people have trouble with word problems -- this is because they are being asked to TRANSLATE the problem from one language (English) to another (Algebra) before they can actually begin doing the operations needed, and sometimes this fact is not made really clear to them. But these are actually the most real-world problems there are even though the specifics of the question are often rather silly (who CARES if two planes leave different cities at the same time yada-yada-yada... but the ability to translate a spoken problem into mathematical equations is extremely useful in solving the problems for certain).

If you have specific areas of math that are causing you more trouble than others, add them as details to theis question (or add some sample problems of the type that you have trouble with) and I'll see if I can help explain them more clearly for you.

Answer 2

Wow, I totally understand your situation. And it's a tough one, seeing that you're an exceptional student in the other areas.

First, how much sleep are you getting? Trust me, I go to prep school, and whenever I get less than 8 hours of sleep, my memory's just gone. Studies have shown that you actually lose memory once you lack sleep. And studies have also shown that, if you reduce your sleep by just two hours, your mental performance will be reduced by a third. So remember to sleep!

Second, try proving concepts yourself. This might take a bit of your time up, but it's worth it if you want to see results in math. I don't know whether you're taking Geometry, Algebra II, or Precal right now, but in all three of these subjects, we are to memorize formulas and rules. Read your textbook, look at the rules, and try to understand the rules so well that you can PROVE them. (Have you done proofs yet?) Once you prove a concept, you own it, and chances are you'll never forget it.

Third, practice. Once you own a concept and will never forget it, practice problems will be a piece of cake. In your textbook, go to the very last problems (the most difficult ones) in a problem set and do them all. And explain the steps TO YOURSELF on the way. If you can't do that, get a teddy bear and explain all the math to him.

Fourth, if you're really committed, do some logic and math problems. You can try mensa, which is really just logic and problem-solving, you can do SAT math questions. Get comfortable!

Also--ALWAYS remember that math is all about being lazy. Find the easiest, shortest way to solve a problem and it's guaranteed the best way (as long as you're playing by the rules)

Best of luck!

Answer 3

First of all you must think that mathematics is your favourate subject and its is very easy.if you think it is very hard for you,sure it will be hard for you.this is a phsyocology method.you have to do the exercises everyday before you sleep(2hours) early in the morning(2hours).do the same question again and again.write the formulas in the paper again and again.keep the formulas in your pocket all the time.so that you can bring it every where.if you have time you can take it and can have look on that formulas.this will help you to remember the formulas.meditation also very important to make up your mind.it will help you to concentrate at a time to one thing only.this will help to forget all your problems when you sit for doing the exercises.exercises is very important for the mahematics.so do more exercises.anyway all the best for your state-wide test.

Answer 4

Maths is about understanding and application. First, you have to understand how the formula works, and what is going on. Then you must practice to fully get the hang of it. Applying what you've learnt is the difficult part, but once you get the hang of it, it'll be easy.

Believe me; practice is the only way to go for Maths. Get an assessment book. Revise everyday. Once you learn something new, practice it within 24 hours. That's what my teacher says. ^_^; Practice and you will remember it.

All the best for your test!

Answer 5

Try to sit down for 30 minutes each day and review all the math from the start; you need to understand before you memorize, then you will be able to learn new information more easily.

Answer 6

Get drunk the night before, lay the text book and study material under you pillow and the subject matter will automatically be absorbed into the few live brain cells making them extra powerful come test time!!

Answer 7

I have the exact same problem