Q&A for How to Ace a Math Test

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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.
    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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Question
    I'm scared that I will fail.
    Community Answer
    Confidence is key here. You can get confidence by studying so that you know what to do when you encounter so-and-so problems. You can ask your teacher, look online, ask your buddy, ask your parents, etc.
  • Question
    How to get A+ in a math test without studying?
    Community Answer
    Perhaps wait until you're 75 and have had a lifetime of working with math? Seriously, you can't get such a good mark without studying unless you're innately genius at math, which few people are. If that's you, then great. Otherwise, join the rest of the human community and learn the basics and practice the problems before the test.
  • Question
    How much should I practice math each day?
    Community Answer
    Try one hour each day and take a break after 20 minutes.Make sure you truly grasp the concept your studying before moving onto the next problem.
  • Question
    Is nervousness before a math test a good thing?
    Community Answer
    Sometimes it is. If you are able to control your nervousness, that'd be great since you wouldn't have to be nervous in the exam. Nervousness usually happens when you're not confident in something. So be confident in your answers and study more so your "nervous" system won't hit you.
  • Question
    What if you get distracted really quickly?
    Community Answer
    Relax more. Or, ask your teacher to move you into a corner. It might seem odd but it can help to remove distractions from one side of you. Then, glue your eyes to the task. Remind yourself too that the sooner it's done, the sooner it'll be over!
  • Question
    I'm always the last person to finish math tests. How can I finish faster?
    Community Answer
    You don't need to finish faster. If the exam is set for a duration of 1 hour, use the whole hour! Use your time wisely. If you really want to finish faster though, finish all the easy questions first, then start the hard questions.
  • Question
    What if your hands get sweaty in the test?
    Community Answer
    Take some tissues or a cloth with you. Wipe your hands when needed. This is a sign of nerves, so work out some ways to control the nerves as well. But don't let this become an excuse for not doing well in the test, just wipe the sweat off and keep doing the work.
  • Question
    How do you remember everything even though you revised for the last three days?
    Community Answer
    Write down what you really need to know many times. Find creative ways for memorization, for example: PEMDAS, which is parentheses exponents multiplication division addition subtraction. Or, you can memorize it by using the acronyms in a different such as: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally. You can have a lot of fun designing these memory aids, and remember everything so much more easily!
  • Question
    I'm not very good at algebra, what can I do?
    Community Answer
    If your teacher allows, you can ask for extra homework focused on algebra. The more you practice, the more you can train your brain to get used to the problem solving approach required in algebra. Also look over your notes at home and try to study more made up random equations like 3y = 9 or something that you think is easier on the first random equation. Once you complete the easier ones, challenge your brain with some harder ones.
  • Question
    I don't have time to study this weekend and I have a math test Monday. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Make time to study, even if it's just a few minutes here and there in the car on the way to/from activities. You might even have to skip something you have planned for the weekend if you really feel unprepared. Grades should come first.
  • Question
    Do you have tips for how to get A's in math if I usually get B's?
    Community Answer
    Study harder and study to understand rather than rote learning. However, a B is already a good mark, which can make shifting from B's to A's harder and a tutor may be your best bet to really excel. Or, use math apps to train with and do plenty of extra exercises in each of the areas you need to improve in.
  • Question
    I can't do it. I struggle with math all the time; it's just in my genes, as almost everyone in my family struggled with math, so it's just not for me!
    Community Answer
    While it's possible that math isn't your area of expertise, have you ever considered that this could be a self-reinforcing myth within your family? That as soon as one person couldn't do it, it became the family expectation that math was just too hard? Ask your family for a tutor, as one-on-one teaching can break through being distracted, feeling as if you're behind and helping you to break through finding the sums complicated. Do online math test examples over and over again. Be the first person in your family to show that math is a skill that can be learned and that with application, it's not as difficult as it first seemed.
  • Question
    What if I ran out of time and didn't have time to check my answers?
    Community Answer
    That's too bad then. If you don't have time to check your answers, don't. But neither should you rush over the test paper to finish it early. A correct answer is better than 10 wrong ones. If a math test was too long, teachers might give extra time over break time or after school but if the teacher doesn't some students usually complain.
  • Question
    If I haven't prepared for a monthly math exam and it's on tomorrow, what do I do? Any quick tips?
    Community Answer
    The best thing to do would be to keep studying and avoid any distractions. As for quick tips, studying with a smart friend might be good if you're both fine with that. Given you've left it this late, don't have high expectations and promise yourself to prepare ahead of time in future.
  • Question
    I do well in my test but my parents didn't accept it and scold me. What am I going to do?
    Community Answer
    If you're really concerned about this 'scolding', tell someone. They need to understand that everyone doesn't get a perfect mark, and everyone is different. We aren't all perfect. Make sure this doesn't stress you out. They simply can't accept the fact that no one is perfect. Try not avoiding, but not sort of speaking that much. When you speak, you waste energy. Do your best. Your absolute best. Prepare for it, do it, do it well. Don't let their scolding cause you to feel you cannot continue to do as well as you are.
  • Question
    During a test I get so nervous that I forget how to do it. What can I do about this?
    Community Answer
    You have to prepare well for the test, which will give you confidence. If you're certain you know the material, you won't be nervous. After you have prepared yourself, remember that even if you fail, there is always another chance.
  • Question
    I got a C in my math test - will I get A in the next exam?
    Community Answer
    Only if you identify what you're not understanding and apply yourself to plenty of relearning and practice. Talk to your teacher about a pathway forward and be prepared to work harder.
  • Question
    How do I prevent myself from making mistakes on a math test?
    Community Answer
    Make flashcards to review concepts before the test, and work carefully through the exam. Show your work for each problem, take your time and double-check it before handing in your test.
  • Question
    I consistently score badly in math and find it difficult. Are algebra and equation is a must in real life? How?
    Top Answerer
    Lots of people go through life without using much math. There are certain careers and jobs, however, that require familiarity with math.
  • Question
    Are there specific types of foods that help my brain before a test?
    Community Answer
    Healthy foods always help your brain, as well as your body, and just eating a good breakfast amount is great (allowing you to focus on the test rather than your hunger). Chewing a certain flavor of gum while studying and the same type during the test (if you're allowed) can help your memory too.
  • Question
    I always lose 2 or 3 points on every math exam. It is because I am careless. What can I do? When I start to do a sum, I go on doing the sum while lost in a daydream.
    Community Answer
    Always go back and double check your work if you have time so you can catch any mistakes. See Method 2 Step 5. If you don't have time, then just do your best to focus while you're working. Don't worry about it too much if you do end up getting something wrong; if you're only losing 2 or 3 points, you're still doing very well.
  • Question
    What if the teacher is very strict and we are really scared to ask a question?
    Top Answerer
    If enough of you go to the teacher together to ask for help, the teacher will realize that further explanation of the material is required.
  • Question
    What if I usually make silly mistakes in my work?
    Top Answerer
    Check your work (more than once if you have time).
  • Question
    If I practice math every day, will it be okay to just relax before the exam?
    Top Answerer
    Yes. That's actually a pretty good strategy.
  • Question
    Is checking answers over and over again helpful?
    Top Answerer
    Yes, if you have the time, checking and rechecking is a good idea.
  • Question
    How do I not get stressed over a very hard problem? What are some way to avoid stress?
    Top Answerer
    Stress is a common part of life. The more you prepare ahead of time, the less stress you'll feel.
  • Question
    How do I get at least an 80% on my test?
    Community Answer
    Practice exams are always a good place to start. Try covering subjects that you didn't get right in your test for revision. You can ask your teacher for extra assistance and support, as well.
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