How Can I Improve My Math Test Preparation and Learn to Love Math?

[Pathos_Verdes]

Hi guys,
I know this is probably asked frequently but how can I make math fun? I'm in grade 12 in high school and I find math completely unbearable. More importantly how can I study for math? I can apply the formulas with numbers during tests, but when it comes to problem solving questions I draw a blank. Do you guys have any tips on how I can improve on my test preparation, and perhaps even give some advice on how I can grow to like math?

P.S. I do love physics though.

 

[I like Serena]

Hi guys,
I know this is probably asked frequently but how can I make math fun? I'm in grade 12 in high school and I find math completely unbearable. More importantly how can I study for math? I can apply the formulas with numbers during tests, but when it comes to problem solving questions I draw a blank. Do you guys have any tips on how I can improve on my test preparation, and perhaps even give some advice on how I can grow to like math?

P.S. I do love physics though.

Get a tutor if you can.
The enthusiasm of a tutor usually rubs off.
And he or she can draw the attention to the things that are fun.

 

[symbolipoint]

Hi guys,
I know this is probably asked frequently but how can I make math fun? I'm in grade 12 in high school and I find math completely unbearable. More importantly how can I study for math? I can apply the formulas with numbers during tests, but when it comes to problem solving questions I draw a blank. Do you guys have any tips on how I can improve on my test preparation, and perhaps even give some advice on how I can grow to like math?

P.S. I do love physics though.

Your high school Mathematics education needs to include "Algebra 1" as early as possible, BEFORE grade 12. The way you describe your difficulties, you have not yet learned properties of Real Numbers; such properties are taught (usually very clearly) in a good Algebra 1 course.

 

[AC130Nav]

Hi guys,
I know this is probably asked frequently but how can I make math fun? I'm in grade 12 in high school and I find math completely unbearable. More importantly how can I study for math? I can apply the formulas with numbers during tests, but when it comes to problem solving questions I draw a blank. Do you guys have any tips on how I can improve on my test preparation, and perhaps even give some advice on how I can grow to like math?

P.S. I do love physics though.

Which types of math are you having problems with? Word problems? Calculus?

 

[Pathos_Verdes]

Some word problems, and just making stupid mistakes. Which I have a lot of trouble avoiding for some reason.
Edit: Mistakes such as putting a positive in front of a number instead of a negative.

 

[Mentallic]

Some word problems, and just making stupid mistakes. Which I have a lot of trouble avoiding for some reason.
Edit: Mistakes such as putting a positive in front of a number instead of a negative.

Silly mistakes were something I learned to avoid. After doing an exam and getting my results back, seeing what silly mistakes I did were burnt into my head so that I remembered to never do that again. After enough exams during 2 years of school or so, by the end I was very sufficient at avoiding most stupid mistakes.

 

[gb7nash]

Get a tutor if you can.
The enthusiasm of a tutor usually rubs off.
And he or she can draw the attention to the things that are fun.

I second this. I used to be a tutor and some kids really enjoyed getting help from me.

 

[xiaoB]

I think u should do more tutorials n try to find out where you have mistaken or misunderstood in the same time also can improve your math.

 

[Stephen Tashi]

If you want to like math and don't like the presentation in your courses, I suggest you try to find a subject that will deeply interest you and involves math as a tool. For example, if you are interested in Philosophy or Religion, you might look into "mathematical logic" or "symbolic logic". Logic plays a minor role in such studies, but its good to understand the distinction between something that logical and something that true. Or maybe you like gambling. Study probability theory. It may be easier to begin liking math if you start with some part of it that isn't in your classes.

 

[I like Serena]

Edit: Mistakes such as putting a positive in front of a number instead of a negative.

This is the most common mistake that even the very best struggle with sometimes.
It takes practice and "tricks" to get it under control.

 

[Words]

Get a tutor if you can.
The enthusiasm of a tutor usually rubs off.
And he or she can draw the attention to the things that are fun.

If you have the access, try that. It works really well if you likes discussion and debate; you can turn math into a philosophical question of life or something.

If not, then try discussing the subject among friends. Again, this works only if you love discussions.

If not, then try using visuals in studying math.

 

[AC130Nav]

Some word problems, and just making stupid mistakes. Which I have a lot of trouble avoiding for some reason.
Edit: Mistakes such as putting a positive in front of a number instead of a negative.

A tutor might be helpful. My daughter had a terrible time with Algebra, but she did quite well in Calculus (which I hate).

Best wishes.

 

[atrus_ovis]

Here, this will make it fun.I guarantee you.
www.khanacademy.org

 

[asdofindia]

Add to that betterexplained.com and you can see the beauty of mathematics.

Putting the right signs need insights (or damn sharp concentration)

Connecting the real physics with math helps. like, if you have to add two areas above and below the x-axis, maths will give you the difference unless you add the modulus. But physics and common sense can make you add the areas properly..

Insights are what makes math interesting.
I feel nice to know things like, in y=mx+c, the m is the slope, if you increase it, the line'll be steeper. So, Everest will have a high m, but the Gangetic plains will have it 0. And the 'c' means something too.

Similarly, there's a story behind every term, in every equation. Learn them.