How to Ace a Math Test

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Many people have trouble with math, and naturally they worry about doing well on math tests. Fortunately, there are tons of techniques you can use to make these tests much easier. Reading all directions, writing down all your formulas, working through every question carefully, and showing all your work neatly are all effective tricks for nailing every question. If you get stuck on a question, skip it and come back to it later. Finally, keep yourself prepared for tests by participating in class, doing all your homework, and reviewing your work regularly. It takes practice and work although with the right strategies, you can ace any math test.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Taking the Test Effectively

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  1. On some tests you just need a pen or pencil, but for math tests you may need more tools. Remember your calculator, protractor, ruler, compass, and anything else that you need to take the test. You’ll be at a big disadvantage if you’re allowed to use these tools and you don’t have them. [1]
  2. Understand exactly what you have to do on this test. The teacher may have written specific instructions that you have to follow. Read and follow all the directions given to avoid losing points. [2]
    • Don’t lose silly points for not following directions. For example, your teacher may have instructed you to circle all your final answers in pen. If you skipped reading the instructions, you wouldn’t see this, and you’d lose points that you otherwise would’ve gotten.
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  3. Most math tests involve remembering numerous formulas to solve different problems. Even if you studied and know them well, you could forget some if you get nervous during the test. Prevent this by doing a “brain dump” and writing down all the necessary formulas at the beginning of the test. Then refer back to this list if you forget any formulas.
    • Also briefly write down the situation you would use the formula in. Instead of just writing “Pythagorean Theorem: a2 + b2 = c2,” add “Find the sides of a right triangle” so you know what the formula is for.
    • If there isn’t room for extra writing on the test, ask your teacher if you can use a blank piece of scrap paper. Show the teacher that there is nothing on the paper. Then write all your formulas on this paper and use it as a reference.
  4. Word problems are especially tricky because it isn’t always clear what the question is asking, or you may be confused by how the question is worded. Take extra time on word problems to identify the point of the question. Read through it slowly and underline important words that guide you to the calculations you have to make. [3]
    • Put the word problem into mathematical form to make it clearer. If a problem says, “Johnny has 5 apples and Sarah has 3 times more. How many apples does Sarah have?” Write out 5 x 3 to put the problem in mathematical form. It probably makes a lot more sense that way.
    • If you get stuck, break the question down to its components. Cross out words that aren’t important. Then translate words into math terms. For instance, the word “of” usually means you have to multiply, and "per" usually means division. Keep an eye out for words like these that you can turn into math terms. [4]
  5. Some teachers allow partial credit if you set up an equation correctly and are on the right track to working it out. Get as much credit as possible by writing all your work neatly. Even if you can’t get the right answer, you can get a few valuable points.
    • For example, you might know that a problem requires the Pythagorean Theorem, a2 + b2 = c2. First write that equation out without plugging any numbers in. Then plug the numbers you know into the correct place. This demonstrates to the teacher that even if you get the wrong answer, you know which processes you're supposed to do. You could earn partial credit from that.
    • Showing your work also helps you even if there is no partial credit. With a neat rundown of your work process, it’s easier to spot any mistakes.
    • If you are stuck on a problem, go back through your work. See if you made a mistake somewhere or if you set up the equation incorrectly.
  6. It’s probably inevitable that you’ll hit a question that stumps you. If you come to one of these questions, skip it for now. There are probably other questions on the test that you can get quickly. You could spend too much time solving this one and run out of time for the rest of the test. Come back to these harder questions after completing the rest of the exam. [5]
    • If there are 20 questions and you have 40 minutes for the test, that means you have 2 minutes to spend on each question. If a minute has gone by and you don’t know where to start with a question, skip it. You risk running out of time if you keep mulling it over.
    • As a reverse strategy, you could go through the test and do all of the ones you know right away first. Then you have plenty of time to work out harder problems.
  7. Some math tests say that your answers have to be in the correct value like miles per hour, kilograms, and the like. If a problem uses any units like these, put them in your final answer. [6]
    • Also be careful with positive and negative numbers. If a number should be negative but you forget the negative sign, the answer is wrong.
  8. If you finish early, make the most of the extra time and look over your test. Read the directions again to make sure that you’ve followed all the rules. Make sure you’ve shown your work and all your answers are in the correct units. Try reworking some of the questions you thought were hard and confirming your answer. [7]
    • Remember that math works in two ways. Check your answers by doing the reverse operation. For example, if you find in 8x = 40 that X = 5, try multiplying 8 by 5. If you get 40, the answer is correct. If in the same equation you get X = 6, multiplying 8 by 6 would produce 48, so you'd know the answer was wrong.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Working Through Hard Problems

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  1. Getting stuck on a question is definitely stressful, but don’t let that ruin the rest of the test. Stress can stop your mind from working properly. Take a minute to relax yourself if you feel anxious. Then return to the question with a clear mind. You may realize that you know the answer after all. [8]
    • Do some deep breathing to relax your heart rate and release your anxiety.
    • Close your eyes and focus on relaxing each muscle group if you’re feeling tense.
    • Stretch your arms a little to get your circulation flowing again.
  2. If you’re stuck on a problem, you’ll never solve it if you don’t understand what the problem is actually asking. Take a step back and look at the problem again. Think about what this problem is asking. Is it asking for speed? Is it a geometry question? If so, what shape is involved? All these questions will help you identify what you have to do. [9]
    • If it’s a numerical problem, think about what formula you might need. Go back to your list of formulas and see which one this problem corresponds with.
    • If it’s a word problem, break the question down to its components. Cross out words that aren’t important. Look for words that tip you off to which operation you have to use. For instance, the word “of” usually means you have to multiply.
  3. The process of elimination is a big help if you’re stuck on a multiple-choice question. Look at the answers and cross out ones that seem wrong. Then try to discern an answer from what’s left. [10]
    • There are a few ways to tell if an answer seems wrong. For example, if the result you’re getting is close to 3 answers but nowhere near the 4th, eliminate that one.
    • If you can narrow the answers down to 2, run your calculations again. If your result is closer to one of the 2 answers, pick that answer.
  4. Sometimes you’ll just be stuck and unable to solve a problem. This happens. Remember that this is only one question and if the rest of your test is good, you’ll do fine. Do your best to pick an answer. You might get lucky and choose the right answer. [11]
    • For a multiple-choice test, choose the answer that seems the best.
    • If this isn’t a multiple-choice test, write down the answer that you got. It may be the correct answer after all.
  5. If you’re completely lost and can’t even guess an answer, don’t erase your work. If the teacher gives partial credit, you might still get a few points for your work. [12]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Preparing for Tests

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  1. Pay attention during class. The work of preparing for a test begins long before the actual test. If you're attentive during class, you'll know the material much better for test day. Always get to class on time, take out your pen and notebook, and be ready to work. [13]
    • Participate in class discussions and ask questions if you need any clarification. [14]
    • Take effective notes so you have good material to study from. Review your notes regularly.
    • Eliminate distractions while you're in class. Don't browse on your phone or talk to your friends.
  2. Do your homework . While you may not like homework, the point of it is giving you more practice so you can do well on tests. This is especially important with math, because using different formulas and equations requires a lot of practice. Do all the homework that your teacher assigns so you're ready for the test. [15]
    • Get comfortable, but not too comfortable. Doing homework on your bed tempts you to take a nap.
    • Remove distractions, turn off the TV, and sit in a quiet room to do your work.
    • If you were stuck on a problem during homework, ask the teacher for an explanation the next day. This question just might be on the test.
  3. Study a few days before the test. Don't cram for a test. As soon as the date is announced, start preparing. Look over your notes and textbook to review the material each day for a few days before the test. This way, you avoid anxiety the night before the test by trying to learn everything in a few hours. [16]
    • Focus on questions you got wrong in your classwork or homework. Examine why you got this question wrong and how you can improve.
    • Use any review aids or prep material your teacher gave you. If your teacher told you something would be on the test, listen to them.
    • Look for practice tests online to help you study, too.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 354 wikiHow readers, and 67% of them agreed that the best way to prepare for a test is to take online practice tests . [Take Poll]
  4. [17] Even if you studied well and paid attention in class, there may still be things you're unsure of. In this case, don't hesitate to go to your teacher for more explanation. [18]
    • Have a specific list of problems you’d like to discuss with the teacher because they will probably ask “What don’t you understand?” Try to be more specific than “I don’t understand anything!”
    • Ask for help at least a day before the test. Don't ask the day of the test because you won't have enough time to study.
    EXPERT TIP

    Joseph Meyer

    Math Teacher
    Joseph Meyer is a High School Math Teacher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is an educator at City Charter High School, where he has been teaching for over 7 years. Joseph is also the founder of Sandbox Math, an online learning community dedicated to helping students succeed in Algebra. His site is set apart by its focus on fostering genuine comprehension through step-by-step understanding (instead of just getting the correct final answer), enabling learners to identify and overcome misunderstandings and confidently take on any test they face. He received his MA in Physics from Case Western Reserve University and his BA in Physics from Baldwin Wallace University.
    Joseph Meyer
    Math Teacher

    Review basic concepts before diving into advanced topics. Identifying the gaps in your knowledge helps you avoid difficulties later on. Take an assessment or get your teacher's advice on where you can improve. Practice targeted exercises to build a strong foundation so you can confidently tackle new lessons.

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  • Question
    How can I get extra help in math?
    Daron Cam
    Academic Tutor
    Daron Cam is an Academic Tutor and the Founder of Bay Area Tutors, Inc., a San Francisco Bay Area-based tutoring service that provides tutoring in mathematics, science, and overall academic confidence building. Daron has over eight years of teaching math in classrooms and over nine years of one-on-one tutoring experience. He teaches all levels of math including calculus, pre-algebra, algebra I, geometry, and SAT/ACT math prep. Daron holds a BA from the University of California, Berkeley and a math teaching credential from St. Mary's College.
    Daron Cam
    Academic Tutor
    Expert Answer
    Start by participating in class so you can ask questions when you need help. Additionally, talk to your teacher before or after class about getting tutoring.
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  • Question
    I failed a math test, what do I do?
    Community Answer
    Accept the grade and get motivated to never fail another math test again. The fact you're asking means you're already contemplating doing better. So, knuckle down and study, set aside time to reread the class materials, do plenty of practice questions and give yourself a change of becoming much better at math.
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  • Question
    What if there is a hard problem that I feel I can't tackle? What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Stay calm, first and foremost. Answer all the questions that you can answer, then return to this question. Underline any important words in the question. Think about what the question is trying to ask you and think logically. Then give it a go, as you may even get the marks for showing the correct working out even if you're unable to solve the whole.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • Write very neatly on your test. This is so both you and the teacher can read the writing.
        Thanks
        Helpful 27 Not Helpful 3
      • Start studying for the test as soon as you find out the test date, so you're prepared and don't have to cram.
        Thanks
        Helpful 25 Not Helpful 5
      • Study with a partner or a study group if you're feeling confused by the work.
        Thanks
        Helpful 16 Not Helpful 8

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Study by first going over topics you don't know. I find it easiest to start preparing by reading the textbook on sections I'm not super clear about.
      • Don't stress after a test, what's done is done and you can't change anything! It's over, so take a deep breath and relax.
      • When studying, chew a flavor of gum. Then, when you take the test, chew that same flavor to help jog your memory.
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      Warnings

      • Don't wait until the night before to study. It's hard to cram everything into one night of studying, and you'll feel pressured, and won't do as well.
        Thanks
        Helpful 68 Not Helpful 7
      • Don't talk to anyone during the test. A teacher may assume that you are cheating.
        Thanks
        Helpful 22 Not Helpful 2
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      References

      1. ↑ http://coe.jmu.edu/learningtoolbox/check.html
      2. ↑ https://math.osu.edu/undergrad/non-majors/resources/study-math-college
      3. ↑ Daron Cam. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 29 May 2020.
      4. ↑ https://www.purplemath.com/modules/translat.htm
      5. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/testing-tips.html
      6. ↑ https://www.kaptest.com/study/act/10-must-know-act-math-tips/
      7. ↑ https://centralmethodist.edu/academics/learning-teaching/test-taking-tips.html
      8. ↑ https://centralmethodist.edu/academics/learning-teaching/test-taking-tips.html
      9. ↑ Daron Cam. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 29 May 2020.
      1. ↑ https://www.saintleo.edu/about/stories/blog/multiple-choice-test-taking-strategies-how-to-ace-a-multiple-choice-test
      2. ↑ https://www.saintleo.edu/about/stories/blog/multiple-choice-test-taking-strategies-how-to-ace-a-multiple-choice-test
      3. ↑ https://www.educationcorner.com/quantitative-math-tests.html
      4. ↑ https://math.osu.edu/undergrad/non-majors/resources/study-math-college
      5. ↑ Daron Cam. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 29 May 2020.
      6. ↑ https://math.osu.edu/undergrad/non-majors/resources/study-math-college
      7. ↑ https://math.osu.edu/undergrad/non-majors/resources/study-math-college
      8. ↑ Daron Cam. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 29 May 2020.
      9. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/help-for-teenagers-young-adults-and-students/tips-on-preparing-for-exams/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to ace a math test, make flash cards of any vocabulary or formulas that you know will be on the test and go over them the night before the test so they’ll be fresh on your mind. Find some practice problems that you find online or in the back of your math book, and try solving them in different ways to check your work. It can be tempting to stay up all night to study, but you should make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep in order to be at your best during the test. For tips on staying calm during the test, keep reading!

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