How to Cheat On a Math Test

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Learn how to find the answers you don't know in the middle of class
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Math can be hard. Sometimes you might feel overwhelmed and decide that you need to cheat on your next math test. Keep in mind, however, that there can be serious consequences to cheating if caught. Moreover, you're not actually learning anything by cheating. In fact, in the time it takes you to read about how to cheat, you could have probably studied for the same test! Nevertheless, there are several ways to cheat on a math test if you've decided that this is the way to go. Cheating has come a long way from simply looking over at another person's test!

Quick Guide to Cheating on a Math Test

If you have access to your phone, use it to look up answers or ask a knowledgeable friend. You can also communicate with your friends in class without a phone using tapping signals or by passing notes. Finally, take answers with you by writing them on your skin or clothes, or by hiding them in your school supplies.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Technology

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  1. Write a program the day before the test. Under the "program" function on your calculator, type in formulas or cheat notes.
    • Lots of teachers now check the programs on calculators. So you could also put your notes under the "Vars" (Variables) button in one of the 10 Strings listed. Putting your cheat notes in different sections of the calculator will make it harder for your teacher to locate them if they search. [1]
  2. Send a quick text with the question to a friend you trust - and who is good at math! It's probably best to try someone not currently in the test with you, who could send you formulas and answers as needed.
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  3. Try "Text a Tutor", a service that gives you access to a real math tutor via your smartphone. You can send in your questions via a text message or email in pictures of the questions. [2]
    • Response times are usually within 10 minutes. If you think you'll need a quicker turnaround time, get in touch with the service in advance to book the time.
    • "Text a Tutor" has an app that you can download to your Android phone. For iPhone and other smartphone users, you can still use the service even without an app.
  4. The app takes a picture of the equation and solves it immediately. [3]
    • This app is especially good if your test requires you to show the steps in solving a question, as you have the option to see the different steps (rather than just the answer).
    • This app isn't just for cheating; it's also good for studying. You can use it as a learning tool and understand how to solve math problems step-by-step.
  5. You could use a general search engine like Google or, better yet, type the question in WolframAlpha.com. Wolfram Alpha is a computational knowledge engine; in other words, the site answers questions using data it has already sourced. Unlike a standard search engine, then, this site provides you with an answer, rather than a list of web pages that could have the answer. [4]
    • Keep in mind that using a cell phone is a very obvious way of cheating. There is an increased likelihood that you will be caught, as teachers and instructors are on the lookout for cell phones during the test. In many testing situations, you are required to put your phone away in your backpack or at the front of the room, meaning that this method won't work at all for you.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Other People

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  1. Engaging in contact with a friend during the test is definitely a potential way to cheat, but it's a high risk method. In most testing situations, whispering, talking, and passing notes between test-takers is not permitted. It's also pretty easy to catch from a distance.
  2. This method is an updated version of Morse code, which involves communicating with another person with predetermined signals.
    • Find a friend in your class who be a good partner for this. This should ideally be someone who isn't very far from you (ideally next to you) and someone who knows the subject well.
    • Develop a tapping code. For example, tap 5 times for number 5. If it's a number like 2647, tap your pencil on the desk 2 times, pause for about 3 seconds, and then tap it 6 times and so on. If it's a multiple choice test using the alphabet, try coding A, B, C, D, E, as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, respectively.
    • You could also try different versions of this method that operate on the same principle. Instead of tapping, cough or sneeze to communicate an answer. You could also use sign language - especially fingers for methods - to communicate with a friend.
  3. Have a friend create a distraction while you cheat (or vice versa). Your friend, for example, might pretend to feel sick so that the instructor's attention is diverted away from you and other students and placed solely onto him or her. This will give you a bit of time to consult notes or other aids you've prepared to help you cheat.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Your Body and Surroundings

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  1. Get a pen that can be unscrewed and stuffed with notes. A good pen for this would be one that you can unscrew for removing and replacing ink cartridges. Empty the pen and write small notes that you then roll up tightly and fit inside the pen.
    • You could use a mechanical pencil.
    • You can also buy barrel pens. These are pens with a small window that click to rotate messages.
    • You could also purchase a special pen that has a roll of paper included in its side that you just roll out and roll back in.
    • You might want to pull out the notes while taking a bathroom break. There's less of a chance of getting caught this way!
    • Get rid of notes. Once you're finished with the notes, throw them away, preferably somewhere not close to the location where the test was. If you do throw them away in the classroom, shred the paper to cover your tracks.
  2. Tape notes to the bottom of your shoes. During the test, rest on your outer foot and turn your head down at angle so you can see the notes. Try not to look to obvious doing this; make it look like you are just stretching your neck.
    • You could put cheat sheets or notes into your shoes and take them out as needed. Keep in mind, though, that notes are hard to remove from your shoes during a test without attracting attention. This method might work if you take a bathroom break, however.
  3. Write formulas and other material that wil help you on the inside of your sleeve (on the underside of your wrist). Then, wear a sweater over top of that shirt. This will help not make it too obvious when you pull back the first sleeve to see the notes written on the inside of the second.
    • You could also tape pieces of paper into a hood or hat liner.
  4. Using an ink that is close to your skin tone, write notes onto ankles, legs, arms and hands - basically anywhere that is visible to you but not too visible to the outside eye.
    • You could also try wearing shorts or a skirt and writing the formulas just above the line that your shorts cover. Lift them slightly if you get stuck, and then cover them back. Instructors and teachers might be too embarrassed or worried about confronting you if you cheat this way because it would involve them having to investigate your body.
  5. Write notes on the desk in pencil and then remove and wipe away after you're finished to get rid of the evidence.
  6. Write your formulas on tape, place the tape on your leg, place another piece of tape on top so it doesn't bleed, and voila! This works best for people with long pants/skirts.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Isn't it illegal to give information on how to cheat on tests?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Cheating on a test may be risky and ultimately pointless, but it is not illegal in a criminal or civil sense.
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  • Question
    I sit on the front desk right under my teachers eye. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Study harder, or be as inconspicuous as you can when cheating.
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  • Question
    What is the constant, coefficient, variable and the terms that are in the expression 7+3?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    7 and 3 are constants and terms. There is no coefficient. There are no variables.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Tips

      • Studying is the best way to do well on a test!
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      • Remember that all of test questions want you to show your work. Very few cheating methods will provide you with this information, so it is still recommended that you study!
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      • Cheating is wrong, but sometimes you got to do it. If you get caught just prepare for the embarrassment that comes with cheating and a fail. Parents will be disappointed and probably lose trust in you. If you are planning to cheat, don't tell anyone and don't be nervous as this could raise suspicions. Be wise.
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      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.
      • if you get revision sheets from your school and most questions on the test are similar to the ones in the sheet, take the sheets with you to the test. Hide in the inside pocket of a blazer. When you get the question paper, quickly staple the revision sheets on the back of the question paper so it looks like a part of the question paper. This only works if you wear a blazer or something with an inside pocket and get separate question paper and answer sheet.
      • Keep your phone hidden in your bra or socks (somewhere no one will see) and look through your test. If there are questions you can't answer, ask to go to the bathroom. Use your phone to find the answer. To remember the questions, write them down on your arm or a sheet of paper. Make sure that you have checked all the questions first so you don't have to go back to the bathroom many times as this is suspicious.
      • If your eraser has a paper covering, write your answers on the paper. During the exam, act like you were erasing and check the answers. You could also carry tissues with you to school and at home. Glue a sheet of paper to the tissue that has all of the answers written on it. During the test, take the tissue out and act like you're cleaning your nose when you're reading the answers.
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      Warnings

      • If found cheating on a exam or a really important test it can stop you from getting some jobs or going to some schools later in life.
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        Helpful 42 Not Helpful 1
      • Not recommend in high school or college because if you haven't done it before it will be harder because you never practiced or became really good in hiding notes.
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      • Also if found cheating do not try to eat cheat notes or deny, It could result in worst consequences.
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        Helpful 34 Not Helpful 3
      • Cheating is considered an academic offense. There can be stiff penalties if you're caught cheating. You could have your test taken away, receive a grade reduction or a mark of '0', or receive a reduction in your overall grade for the class. There could also be long-term consequences, including a notation on your academic record.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDc7asKl2-M
      2. ↑ https://www.mathperson.com
      3. ↑ http://www.dailydot.com/technology/photomath-app-disrupt/
      4. ↑ https://www.wolframalpha.com/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To cheat on a math test, discreetly use your phone or sneak notes into the room. If you can subtly use your phone during your test, try texting a friend who’s good at math to ask them for an answer you’re stuck on. If you don’t know anyone who’s good at math, use a service like “Text a Tutor,” to get the answers to tricky questions. Alternatively, use an app like PhotoMath, which uses your phone’s camera to solve math problems for you. You can also smuggle notes with formulas on them into the room. Try hiding a note in your sock or in the barrel of an opaque pen. Another way to hide notes is to write them on masking tape and stick it on your skin under your clothes. Keep in mind that if you’re caught cheating, you could face severe consequences. For more tips, including how to program formulas and cheat notes into your calculator, read on!

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