These are crucial parts of math, and having a firm grasp on them will help you out in more advanced fields of math, including algebra and trigonometry.
If you must miss a class (e. g. , if you’re sick), email your teacher and ask what information you missed. Politely ask them if you can make up in-class assignments you missed.
If you typically sit with a group of friends who whisper or text during class and distract you from what the teacher is saying, move away from them and sit alone near the front of the room.
You can take notes either on paper or in a word-processing document on your computer. However, if you have a tendency to get distracted on the internet while you’re taking notes with a computer, stick to taking notes on paper.
For example, you could say something like, “I’m really struggling with understanding imaginary numbers, and I’ve read the textbook chapter a few times. Could you explain them to me again?”
If it helps, you could set a timer (say, for 1 hour) and aim to concentrate on the work before you in the time you’ve set aside for it. There will plenty of time for the other things later.
If you’re confused by your notes or can’t read your own handwriting, try re-reading the chapter of your math textbook that you’re currently working through. Doing this will help you to understand the mathematical topics you’re currently working on.
If you’d rather not ask the teacher, you could also ask one of your peers or friends how to solve a tricky problem.
Let’s say you’re studying geometry and are having a hard time rotating and reflecting shapes around axes. Work a few problems that deal with this issue. Start with easy problems and work your way to more difficult ones to help yourself master the issue.
For example, say you’re working on a complicated algebra problem that involves dividing 1 variable-filled equation by another. First solve each of the equations above and below the division line, and only then move on to tackling the division.
For example, maybe you followed the order of operations incorrectly and forgot to solve equations within parentheses first. Do this with your homework, too! Review each assignment after it’s passed back to you and figure out where you went wrong on the problems that you missed.
Say that a friend from your math class is struggling to understand how to use the quadratic equation. Explain it to them as best you can, and solve a couple of problems with them to make sure you both get it.
As another example, think of negative numbers. While they may seem irrelevant when you’re first learning about them, negative numbers are useful in thinking through ideas like financial debt, which is a concept you should understand. The mathematical constant “e” also has real-life tie-ins and it can help you understand mathematical growing processes. Ask your teacher to help you come up with some additional ways that you can apply math to real-world issues.
A lot of colleges and private high schools offer free math tutoring on the campus. Talk with the admin assistant in the math department or with your teacher or to get connected with a tutor.
If you find that you’ve forgotten some of the math lessons or are still struggling with a tricky concept, ask for help! The teacher will appreciate your earnestness and won’t mind answering your questions.
Keep focused during group study time! If it turns into a social hour, your math skills won’t get any stronger. If people start joking around or lose focus, say something like, “Hey guys, I’m glad we’re having a good time, but let’s keep focused on the math we came here to study. ”
Also make sure you get a good night’s sleep and eat a full, healthy meal before going in for a math test.
