For many school students, math is a course they dread. For years, this subject has been loathed and regarded as one of the hardest in the history of academics. Topics like trigonometry, algebra, calculus, quadratic equations, and others have always been complained about. Unfortunately, students cannot escape this coursework when they get into college.
In higher institutions, these topics just become more advanced, and they’re left clueless on the next steps to take. It shouldn’t be this way, especially not in this age of modern technology and the internet. There is no limit to what we can achieve, and it’s better we take advantage of this library of information to improve our knowledge on this core subject.
If you are a student struggling with this subject, you’re in the right place. This article will extensively discuss math life hacks that will help you better grasp the basic concepts of these topics. Let’s get into the main idea:
Useful Tips to Study Mathematics More Effectively
Get as Much Help as Possible
This might sound like an obvious tip, but many college students are unwilling or skeptical to take this step. Getting help should not make you feel ashamed; instead, you should be proud of yourself for taking such a bold step to ensure you have a better grade.
These days, assistance comes in a variety of forms. Taking a tutor is a great option, but there are now several online platforms where you can simply post difficult math questions and get an instant math solution. These popular educational platforms can provide algebra 2 problems and answers, instant calculus and trigonometric assistance, etc. If you need any form of help with math, be it Laplace, quadratic, or algebra help, academic sites like these are a good option.
Getting help has been made easy with educational platforms like this, so if you feel uncomfortable hiring a private tutor, you can always post your difficult questions online and get solutions immediately.
Employ Realistic Concepts
It is easy to lose concentration and fall asleep during a math class because of how abstract each concept is. You can try as much as possible to be imaginative and creative, but a mathematical equation cannot be compared to a book where you can easily dream up the characters and relate with them. Or can it? The answer is yes.
Research has shown that mathematical formulas and concepts are easier to remember when applying such problems to your everyday life. For instance, when dealing with probability during a lesson, it is easy to get lost in all the formulas and processes. However, it can make much more sense when you compare all this to your reality.
Imagine calculating the probability of you studying abroad by identifying the total number of outcomes of the same events. Divide the number of events with the possible outcomes, and voila. It just gets interesting from there.
Employ Technological Advancements
We have the technology, so why not use it? Gone are those days when education was purely manual, and students had to count using their fingers or sticks. Now, math for students has gotten way easier with advanced calculators, smartphones, iPads, computers, etc. We can write a long essay on the benefits of these devices in the learning process, but you already know that.
Some of these devices have inbuilt formulas and concepts, so university scholars are less burdened with cramming all this stuff. Also, with these devices, you can watch video and audio tutorials, review IB past papers, save online materials for offline study, post math questions and get instant solutions; the advantages are numerous.
Learn to Memorize Fast
For those looking to further their career in mathematics, it is important that you learn how to memorize formulas and concepts quickly. There are probably thousands of formulas, and you can’t possibly cram them all, but know that basic concepts form the idea of most of the topics we know.
For instance: sine, cos, tan are mathematical functions we see every day. While preparing for an exam, you probably have a lot to read; it might be difficult to keep the correct formulas to these functions in mind. You can use mnemonics instead.
To learn sine, cos, and tan, why not use SOH CAH TOA. This is popular because it is easy to pronounce and remember.
SOH represents the function of sine as opposite divided by Hypotenuse.
CAH represents Adjacent divided by Hypotenuse.
TOA represents Opposite divided by Adjacent.
There you have it. Mnemonics are a good way to remember difficult ideas, and the best part is, it is entirely up to you to form this yourself. Have fun doing that.
Always Revise
Getting a degree can be stressful; everyone knows that. With faculty events, term presentations, and other important activities that require preparation, it might be hard to always revise your class lessons. However, you have to revise to get a better grasp of math.
As soon as you get home, go over all the notes and formulas you spent hours writing in class; it will prove beneficial in the long run. While you might remember every scene from a novel written two years ago by your favorite writer, it might be difficult to recall how your professor arrived at that algebra solution in the next two days!
Math and English are so different, and while we appreciate the differences, we must treat them as such. You don’t have to spend hours revising, just go over the math concepts and make sure you understand the formulas and processes you have been taught.
Practice
Practice makes perfect is just not a cliche phrase. It is real and works. When you practice, you get the best out of your time.
Before going into practice mode, keep distractions out of your space, make sure all your learning items are handy and read as slowly as you can. Go over the same set of questions for days at a time, and learn to understand the processes that led you to the solution instead of only striving to get the correct answer.
Conclusion
All you need to solve math effectively is confidence, effort, and time. As long as you put effort into learning, it is only a matter of time. Treat mathematics as a foreign language, and study the symbol-like words. Soon enough, you’d be a pro.