Math Studying & Test Taking Tips

1.   Always read math problems completely before beginning any calculations.  If you "glance" too quickly at a problem, you may misunderstand what really needs to be done to complete the problem.

2.   Whenever possible, draw a diagram.  Even though you may be able to visualize the situation mentally, a hand drawn diagram will allow you to label the picture, to add auxiliary lines, and to view the situation from different perspectives.

3.   Know your calculator!  If you must borrow a calculator from your teacher, be sure that you have used that "brand" of calculator on previous occasions.  If you are not familiar with how a particular calculator works, your calculations may be incorrect.

4.   If you know that your answer to a question is incorrect, and you cannot find your mistake, start over on a clean piece of paper.  Oftentimes when you try to correct a problem, you continually overlook the mistake.  Starting over on a clean piece of paper will let you focus on the question, not on trying to find the error.

5.   Do not feel that you must use every number in a problem when doing your calculations. Some mathematics problems have "extra" information.  These questions are testing your ability to recognize the needed information, as well as your mathematical skills.

6.   Be sure that you are working in the same units of measure when performing calculations.  If a problem involves inches, feet AND yards, be sure to make the appropriate conversions so that all of your values are in the same unit of measure (for example, change all values to feet).

7.   Be sure that your answer "makes sense" (or is logical).  For example, if a question asks you to find the number of feet in a drawing and your answer comes out to be a negative number, know that this answer is incorrect.  (Distance is a positive concept - we cannot measure negative feet.)

8.   Remember, that it may be necessary to "solve" for additional information in a problem before being able to arrive at the final answer.  These questions are called "two-step" problems and are testing your ability to recognize what information is needed to arrive at an answer.

9.   If time permits, go back and resolve the more difficult problems on the test on a separate piece of paper.  If these "new" answers are the same as your previous answers, chances are good that your solution is correct.

10.   Remain confident!  Do not get flustered!  Focus on what you DO know, not on what you do not know.  You know a LOT of math!!

11.   When asked to "show work" or "justify your answer", don't be lazy.  Write down EVERYTHING about the problem, including the work you did on your calculator. Include diagrams, calculations, equations, and explanations written in complete sentences.  Now is the time to "show off" what you really can do with this problem.

12.   If you are "stuck" on a particular problem, go on with the rest of the test.  Oftentimes, while solving a new problem, you will get an idea as to how to attack that difficult problem.

13.   If you simply cannot determine the answer to a question, make a guess.  Think about the problem and the information you know to be true.  Make a guess that will be logical based upon the conditions of the problem.

14.   In certain problems, you may be able to "guess" at an approximate (or reasonable) answer.  After you perform your calculations, see if your final answer is close to your guess.

1. Complete ALL homework assignments ~ Homework helps reinforce our understanding of concepts and helps us develop as mathematical thinkers.  Follow the steps provided on the ‘Homework Guidelines’ page.
2. Take responsibility when absent ~ You are responsible for turning in all missing work on the day you return.  Find out what homework you missed on this website.
3. Access class notes from the website~This is especially important when you are absent.
4. Be an active learner~Participate and ask questions in class.  If you do poorly on a quiz, bring it in and go over it with your teacher/parent/tutor one-on-one.  Practice extra problems on the material you are struggling with.  Study with a buddy.
5. Show all work~Be sure to show all work for each problem, even if you are struggling.  If you have the right answer, but have not shown any woke, you may not receive full credit.
6. Go in for help~Don't be afraid to go in for help!  Your teacher will be available until you meet with your tutor.
7. Maintain a 'Positive Math Attitude'~Everyone struggles with math once and a while.  Identify right away when you are struggling and see your teacher/tutor for help.  Don't get discourages-keep doing what is listed above and you will see your bath abilities improve!
   

Maintain a ‘Positive Math Attitude’ ~ Everyone struggles with math once and a while.  Identify right away when you are struggling and see me for help.  Don’t get discouraged - keep doing what is listed above and you will see your math abilities improve!

   

Please follow the guidelines below when completing your homework.

*Use only pencil when completing your homework.

*In the upper right-hand corner, write your name, the date, and the period of your math class.

*On the top line, write down the assignment (section # and assigned problems)

*Copy down the original problem and sketch any given diagrams
       Please note - if it is a word problem with several sentences, you do not need to re-copy the entire problem word-for-word.  Please write down the main ideas of the problem (20 students in class, four wearing green shirts).




*If you are unsure of how to do a problem, write a complete sentence stating what you do not understand.  Ask about this problem the next day in class.





*Show ALL work! 





*Box your answer and label the units when necessary.





*Skip a line in between each homework problem for organization.





*Check all odd answers in the back of the textbook.  Correct the answers to the odd problems using a pen.

Yes, You Can Learn Math!Note that these tips were written by Kim Seward and revised by A.P. 'Sissy' Campbell, tutor coordinator and counselor for Student Support Services at WTAMU, and Kim Seward.   Get a “can do” attitude:
  If you can do it in sports, music, dance, etc., you can do it in math!  Try not to let fear or negative experiences turn you off to math.
  Practice a little math every day:
  It helps you build up your confidence and move your brain away from the panic button at test time.
  Take advantage of your math class:
  If you are a college or high school student, realize that most colleges and universities require at least college algebra for any bachelor's degree. An intermediate algebra course is a great way to learn the prerequisites to a college algebra course.  If you do not learn it in your intermediate algebra class, it will make it very hard on you when you go to your college algebra class.  Not to mention that math is used in other classes like chemistry, physics, nursing, etc.  So make sure that you embrace your math experience and make the most of it.

  Get help outside the classroom:
Go to your instructor’s office for extra help during office hours or by appointment.

• Use the WTAMU Virtual Math Lab (http://www.wtamu.edu/mathlab) as a reference as you go through your class.  Anytime you need to see some more examples, want to go through some practice problems or want to take a practice test on an algebra topic, it is just a click away.
  

 
  Attend class full time:
  Math is a sequential subject.  That means that what you are learning today builds on what you learned yesterday.  Even problems based on a new math concept will need some old skills to work them.  (Think: Can you work problems with fractions if you don’t know the multiplication tables?)
  Keep up with the homework:
  It sounds simple but your time is limited, you have a job to go to, etc..  Think of it this way: NO homework, no learning.  Homework helps you practice the applications of math concepts.  It’s like learning how to drive: the longer you practice, the better your driving skills become and the more confidence you will have on the road.  If you only read the driver’s manual, you’ll never learn to drive with confidence and skill.  We suggest you try some of the unassigned problems, too, for extra practice.
  Try to understand the math problems: 
  When you work homework problems, ask yourself what you are looking for and how you are going to get there.  Don’t just follow the example.  Work the problem step-by-step until you know why you are doing what you are and have arrived at the solution.  If you follow the what, how, and whys, you’ll know what to do when you see a similar problem later.
  Use index cards to study tests: 
  Here’s how you do that: When studying for a test, make sure you can understand the problems on each math concept as well as work them.  Then make the index cards with problems on them.  Mix the index cards (yes, shuffle the cards to mix them up) and set the timer.  Start working the problems in each card as it is dealt to you.  Oh, yeah, hide your textbook!  This will simulate a math test taking experience. 
  Ask questions in class:
  Don’t be ashamed to ask questions.  The instructor WILL NOT make fun of you.  In fact, at least one other person may have the same question.
  Ask questions outside of class: 
  OK, so like most people, you don’t want to ask questions in class, OR you think of a question too late.  Then go to the instructor’s office and ask away.
  Check homework assignments: 
  Make sure that when you get your graded homework back you look over what you got right as well as what you missed. 
  Pay attention in class: 
  Math snowballs.  If you don’t stay alert to the instructor’s presentation, you may miss important steps to learning concepts.  Remember, today’s information sets the foundation for tomorrow’s work.
  Don’t talk in class: 
  If you have questions, please ask the instructor.  The information you get from classmates may be mathematically wrong!  And if it isn’t related to math info for this class, save it for outside the classroom. 
  Read the math textbook and study guide: 
  Yes, there’s a reason why we ask you to spend all that money on them.  If you look carefully, you will see that your book contains pages with great examples, explanations and definitions of terms.  Take advantage of them.

Welcome to Math Tutoring on the Go!  I hope to start on our path to success in the near future.