Mathematics is a subject that does not leave any student indifferent. Some love it and others hate it; being this second group much more numerous than first in most of the occasions. However, many of the students who hate mathematics do so because they do not know how to study mathematics to get good results.
Mathematics is one of those subjects in which the hours of study do not have a direct relationship with the note. No matter how much you have studied, if you are not able to solve the problem of the exam, you are lost. However, there are some techniques to learn mathematics that can make you, regardless of your level, get more out of your study time and increase your chances of success. It is even possible that you end up joining the group of mathematics lovers!
How to study Mathematics
1. Practice, Practice and More Practice
It is impossible to learn math by reading and listening. To learn math you have to put on your overalls work and jump into mathematical exercises. The more you practice, the better. Each exercise has its particularities and it is important to have done the maximum number of possible exercises before facing the exam. This point is the most important of all and the basis of the rest of the techniques to study mathematics from this list.
2. Check the Errors
When you are practicing with exercises, it is very important that you check the results and, more importantly, stop in the part that you have failed and examine the process in detail until assimilating it. It is useless to compare results if you do not know what you have done wrong. That is why it is convenient that you have some good notes with solved problems. In this way, you will avoid making the same mistakes in the future. It is also advisable to record all your mistakes and review them repeatedly before the exam.
3. Master the Key Concepts
Do not try to learn the problems! Mathematical problems can have thousands of variants and particularities, so it is useless to learn problems without understanding them. It is change; it is much more effective to master the important concepts and the problem solving process.
Remember that Mathematics is a sequential subject, so it is important to establish a firm foundation to dominate the key concepts and having clear the essential mathematical formulas.
4. Check your doubts
You may often get stuck in one part of a problem or you just do not understand the process. The common thing in these cases is simply to move from that problem and move on to the next one. However, it is advisable to clear all the doubts you have in the resolution of a problem.
Therefore, it can be a good idea to study together with a partner with whom to consult doubts and work together on more complex problems. Or, better yet; why do not you join a study group in which you can raise your doubts and work collaboratively?
Also, remember to ask the teacher the doubts you have, either in classroom or in a tutoring.
5. Create a Study Environment without Distractions
Mathematics is a subject that requires more concentration than any other. An adequate study environment free of distractions can be the determining factor to solve complex equations or problems of geometry, algebra or trigonometry.
If you like to study with music, it can be a good idea to listen to it in the background to relax and favor an atmosphere of maximum concentration. Of course, leaves aside Pitbull and Eminem, instrumental music is the most recommended in these occasions.
6. Create a Mathematical Dictionary
The mathematics subject has a specific jargon with many vocabulary of its own. We suggest you create some study cards with all the concepts that you are learning and their meaning, so that you can consult them at any time and do not feel lost among so much verbiage.
7. Apply Problems to the Real World
As much as possible, try to apply the exercises to the real world. Mathematics can be a very abstract subject at times, so looking at its practical application can help you change your perspective on it and assimilate it in a different way.
If you apply all these tips on how to study mathematics, you will have a good chance of improving your access notes or final grades. Oh, and do not forget that it is important to also have confidence in yourself to enjoy math and face the test knowing that you have prepared properly.
