Mathematics

Every student has to study Mathematics some time in their academic career. Why is it feared by most students? It is most certainly a subject that garners respectful apprehension and holds a place of prominence in the academic roster of subjects. Most university courses include some level of maths while almost every profession uses maths in some form or the other daily. The problem faced by many students is that they are not aware of how to pursue maths to get good results.

Maths is one subject where a lot of practice is essential. What and how to practice is a trial and error situation though. There are some techniques for studying maths that you can be used by all students of Math regardless of the level they are at. When one knows the hows and whats to do about any topic, fear takes a back seat and one gets better at it each day with the proper practice.

Few Tips for Solving Maths Problems

1. Practice, Practice, Practice, Practice, and more Practice
To study maths you have to take up the toil and actually solve the problems, the more the better. The more you practice, the more easier you are with problem-solving. Every problem has its own characteristics and it’s essential to have solved it in the numerous ways of all its applications. There is no escaping this labour. If you want to score well in a Maths exam, you need to have practiced solving a lot of problems before that.

2. Revise When Done
While practising these problems, it’s important to work through the process for each solution. If there are any mistakes, they should be reviewed. Come to a proper understanding of your problem-solving skills. Understand how you approached the problem and where you made mistakes is a great way of revising them and avoiding them in the future.

3. Master Key Concepts
Mathematical solutions cannot be memorised. It is much better to focus on understanding the process and logic that is involved. This will bring an understanding of how to approach such problems.

Maths is a sequential subject. It’s essential to have a good understanding of the basic concepts of any mathematical topic before moving on to work on the next. The more complex solutions are based on understanding the basics of the subject.

4. Understand and Acknowledge Your Doubts
Avoid skipping a difficult question and continuing on to the next without solving all the previous ones. Take a break and come back to it later. Take help from the resources that you may have. Once you have understood of the problem, you can go on and you will find that this habit will stand you in good stead throughout. It would be a good idea to study with a friend if both aim to get similar work done. Maths requires time and patience to master.

5. Create a Focused Study Environment
Studying Mathematics requires focus and concentration. A proper study environment and an areafree from distractions is very helpful when solving complex equations or problems in geometry, algebra or trigonometry.
Studying with music can help create a relaxing atmosphere. It may not work for everyone though. The key is to be focused on study using means that work for you to keep you relaxed in the interim.

6. Create a Mathematical Dictionary
Mathematics has a vocabulary of specific terminology. Be clear with all the concepts, terminology and definitions, and learn their meanings. Some reminders can be made and kept ready at hand like all such information on small cards to be used when needed.

7. Apply the Maths in Your Daily Life
Maths can be a very abstract subject sometimes. Look for practical applications wherever you can to help change your perspective and to understand the ideas differently.

Probability can be used in everyday life to predict the outcome of something happening and then decide whether you want to go for it or not. Eg, buying a lottery ticket.

It’s important to have confidence in yourself first and foremost, and that you will garner as you go along with regular study and practice.