For many students, Math does not just mean Mathematics; its an acronym for “Mental Abused Towards Humans.” Math problems have been known to make even the brightest students struggle. Thankfully, GoConqr and College Atlas share some fool-proof techniques to help you pass the difficult trials of math questions.

Practice makes perfect
Solving mathematical problems is a skill, and like any other skills, you need practice. Reviewing your past problems and learning the step-by-step process on how to solve them is integral in understanding the lesson.  You will be able to understand how to apply the certain mathematical concepts and see common mistakes that you can prevent in the future.

It is important to remember that you will never master solving mathematical problems if you only read and listen. While you may understand the lesson right now, you might be stumped on how to solve the problems during the test.

Master all key concepts and formulas 
When we recreate the solutions to the practice problems, we often try to memorize them. That’s counterproductive. It is better to understand how the concepts apply to your formulas; so, when a complex problem comes up, you can definitely answer it.

Other than key concepts, mastering formulas are important, too. But unlike key concepts, formulas must be memorized. Your teachers or professors certainly won’t give out the formulas in the exam (unless they’re super nice). So, memorize those formulas by heart to not only use them in exams but also in the real world.

One tip that works for almost everyone is writing the formulas on an index card. This will help you remember the formulas without shuffling through your textbooks or notes.

Study in an environment that works for you 
Reviewing your notes won’t matter if you will get distracted with every turn of the page. In studying mathematics, concentration is extremely important. So, always try to study in an environment free of distractions. That can be in libraries, quiet cafes, or in the comfort of your room.

If you are struggling to study on your own, there is no shame in calling for help. Try studying with a tutor or a member of the same class. Not only will this help you be focused, but you can also ask questions about the other concepts.

Give yourself the time to rest
Although it is a popular belief that cramming is the way to go, studies have shown otherwise. It is revealed that students who got eight hours of sleep then to perform better in exams than those who didn’t. So, in preparation for your mathematics exam, give yourself an eight-hour sleep.

Be confident about yourself 
Telling that “You are not good at math,” is often a show of humility to some students. But, according to studies, it might not help you do well on your upcoming exam.

Recent studies have shown that confidence levels correlate with a student’s performance on their exams. A study with eighth-grade students revealed that those who practiced great non-cognitive skills, e.g., confidence, performed better than those who didn’t. This shows that non-cognitive skills also play a vital role in a person’s success.

Contributed by: Allison Julianne Macasaet
Allison is a freelance writer on the side, a student of international relations on the other. Interests include fantasy books, international relations, and lifestyle..