How To-11: How to Solve Math Problems

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Math is a difficult subject for many people, but with basic knowledge of mathematics, as well as understanding the math question, it can become relatively easy.

Steps

1. There are many different math problems, here are some tips to help you out.
   
2. Pay attention in class, sit away from people that distract and put away stuff that distracts you.
   
3. When the teacher is talking don't hold a pencil, that way you are not tempted to draw on your page.
   
• If you really have to be distracted, do so after you thoroughly understand the basics of the topic your teacher is currently teaching.
  
4. After each math lesson, try to write down the key points somewhere on a piece of paper, and file it somewhere. Also try to write down the different sample problems from that topic, as well as the different solutions needed to solve it. If a problem can have more than 1 way of being solved, write down all the ways. This is because most math problems have an easy way and a hard way to solve, and the easy way may be a different method each time. Your own notes are much more effective than school notes or reference books, since you have written them yourself and understand them.
   
5. If you really have no idea how to do a question, get the solution somehow, either from a teacher or a friend, and jot down notes at the side of each step of working, explaining to yourself why it is done. You may then even look through it and see if there is a shorter way.
   
6. Spend a lot of time practicing, as not doing a topic for 1-2 weeks will make you forget the principles of it. This may not be true with elementary math, but with further math, applications of math (such as statistics and mechanics), lack of practice will really ruin your chances at solving a math problem.
   
7. It helps if you have a firm foundation in algebra and know how to manipulate equations, as these are the corner stones of math in school and are really the basic basics.
   
8. Try to understand and not just memorize. This is essential as questions can be easily modified to make a standard working invalid.
   
9. If stuck, try to approach the problem from different points of view. For example, if you get stuck on a proving question (ie, for LHS = RHS), try working on the LHS, then RHS, and see if the two meet anywhere in the middle. Or if you need to show an expression is positive or negative, and cannot do it algebraically, a graphical method might help. Basically, be creative in math problems and the answer will be there.

Tips

• If you need more help stay after school.
  
• Get a smart friend to help you.
  
• Use your school's library, or a public library to check out mathematical reference books. Some of these have a lot of examples and clear explanations, which may be better than what your teacher is doing.
  
• Get your parents to help or hire a tutor.
  
• Math teachers will love to help you after school or before school or in one of your free blocks. Make sure you thank them!
  
• Instead of asking for a solution, try asking for a hint and try solving the problem again. You always learn more by solving the problem yourself than reading someone else's solution.

Warnings

• Remember to have fun and not over stress yourself.
  
• Don't take advantage of your smart friend. If you need a lot of help don't always ask them.
  
• Putting yourself down and saying you're stupid is a bad way to learn.
  
• Don't do math homework really late.
  
• Graphic calculators nowadays can solve a lot of math questions easily without any thought. Do not abuse them, but rather use them as aids to solving the question.

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