Have your friends gotten good grades on math tests and you want to get good grades like theirs? Then this is the right place to improve your math skills and to get some tips on how to pass a math test or test with a good grade the next time you take one.
Steps
Step 1. Go to class
It will be tempting to skip a class from time to time especially if you are in college. You can get away with some courses, but math is like a ladder. If a rung is missing, or if you don't hold on well, you will have trouble reaching the next rung. If there are too many rungs missing, it will be impossible to climb higher. Also (no pun intended), teachers often emphasize the most important topics in class, so when it's time for the test you'll know exactly what to study.
Step 2. Sit in the front row and participate in class
By sitting in the front row, distractions will be minimized and your performance will increase. Asking questions or giving answers helps the student get involved in the learning process, improving their attention and retention of the topics learned.
Step 3. Do your homework
Homework may seem like torture, but it is really designed to help you learn. The key to learning math is in repetition: solve enough problems with the quadratic formula and eventually you will be able to recite it in your dreams. Also, while doing your homework, you will be able to identify concepts that you do not understand. Exam questions are often task based.
Step 4. Ask questions
Okay, so you did your homework, but you still haven't figured out how to factor a polynomial. So ask your teacher, assistant professor, lecturer, or even other students who can help you. There is no such thing as a silly question and if you think it is embarrassing to ask a question, imagine how you will feel when you get a failing grade on the exam. Everyone has questions about math; successful students ask yours.
Step 5. Review before the test Good job
You went to class, did your homework, and you have the answers to your questions. Now, the test is tomorrow. What would you do? a) Give a sigh of relief and go to sleep ?; b) Turn on the TV and watch the Simpsons? or c) Review what you have learned? Exactly, it's time to review. This is not the time to saturate yourself with information, since you are all well prepared to do that. Go over your notes, take practice tests, and make sure you've memorized important formulas. Of course, you can just watch The Simpsons, but don't be surprised if your grades come to resemble Bart's more than Lisa's!
Step 6. Relax
Make sure you get a good night's rest the night before the test. You will feel better and think more clearly if you have rested well. Go over the important formulas one last time just before your test, but otherwise you're set. Remember, you are ready for this and whatever happens is not the end of the world.
Step 7. Control yourself
Once you have your exam in front of you, take a look at it to see how many questions it has and what kind of questions they are. This will give you an idea of how much time you could spend on each problem. If you get stuck on one question, move on to the next one and come back to that question later. Sometimes a question that is ahead refreshes your memory so that you can answer the one that you have skipped. More importantly, don't rush.
Step 8. Pay attention to neatness
Any math teacher will tell you that sloppy work is a test-taker's worst enemy. Even if you know the subject blindly, a smeared digit or forgetting a forgotten negative sign can ruin an entire problem. If you make a mistake, use your eraser because that's what it's there for.
Step 9. Verify your exam
Great, you finished the test with time to spare. However, don't turn it in just yet! Good students make mistakes all the time, but they find and correct them before handing in their tests. This cannot be emphasized enough, you will always find some mistake somewhere. Regardless, depending on what kind of problems you solve, your teacher will probably give you some advice on how to check your exam. However, in general, read each question carefully and ask yourself if your answers make sense. You may not correct every problem correctly, but you will incredibly increase your chances of success.