Q&A for How to Improve Math Skills

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  • Question
    Why do I struggle in math?
    Daron Cam
    Math 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.
    Math Tutor
    Expert Answer
    Math can be challenging for anyone! The different concepts of math are structured like a pyramid, so. if you don't understand the more basic math skills it can be really hard to learn more complicated stuff at the top of the pyramid. I would recommend asking your teacher for help. If you're still struggling, consider hiring a private tutor. They'll be able to address the topics you still need help with so you can become a strong math student.
  • Question
    How does math relate to daily life?
    Daron Cam
    Math 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.
    Math Tutor
    Expert Answer
    You probably use math more than you realize! Math is super important. Try to relate the math concepts you're learning in class to things that are happening in your real life to help you understand.
  • Question
    How can I learn math for fun?
    Daron Cam
    Math 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.
    Math Tutor
    Expert Answer
    Try playing online math games for a fun way to learn and practice math. You can find a lot of free math games.
  • Question
    What is the best way to study for a math test?
    Community Answer
    Work on some problems, including past assignments. Math is a very practice oriented thing. The more you practice, the better prepared you will be.
  • Question
    How can I improve if I am a very weak student?
    Community Answer
    Go over your previous test results and look at where you made mistakes. Look at the correct solution and compare the two. Make a list of the concepts and/or formulas you do not understand and review them. Ask a teacher or peer for help if there is something specific you're having trouble with.
  • Question
    I know the formulas but have trouble applying my knowledge. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    If you understand the formulas, then create practice tests with problems using those formulas, with questions ranging from easy to hard. Then try solving those problems.
  • Question
    How can I focus on my work when there are distractions everywhere?
    Community Answer
  • Question
    How do I avoid silly mistakes?
    Community Answer
    Make sure you're documenting every step of the problem as you solve it and make sure to check your work, go over every problem a second time before you turn in an assignment.
  • Question
    Who invented mathematics?
    Community Answer
    It's unknown. Numeracy pre-dated writing and numeral systems have been many and diverse, with the first known written numerals created by Egyptians in Middle Kingdom texts such as the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus. Between 600 and 300 BC the Ancient Greeks began a systematic study of mathematics in its own right with Greek mathematics. Also, some people consider that the principles exist regardless of human usage of them, as they underpin the universe, while others consider it to be a human construct.
  • Question
    What is a simple average?
    Community Answer
    To find the average of multiple numbers, add them together, then divide the answer by the amount of items you added up. For example, the average of 14, 6, and 19 is 13, because 14 + 6 + 19 = 39, which when divided by three (the number of items added) = 13.
  • Question
    How much time must I take to study for math?
    Community Answer
    Take as much time as you need in order to understand the equations and formulas. If you can explain your math homework correctly to someone else, then you know the information.
  • Question
    What is the Pythagorean Theorem?
    Community Answer
    The Pythagorean Theorem states that the sum of the squares of two sides of a right angle triangle is equal to the square of the hypotenuse.
  • Question
    How can I solve problems which are not in my course book?
    Community Answer
    The same way you solve the problems in your course book. Just apply the same rules or formulas to solving the problem that you normally would. If you know the rules well, you should be able to apply them to any problem that involves them. If you're asking how to find additional problems to solve, you can search up the topic and sample problems online, or ask your teacher for extra problems.
  • Question
    How do I improve my math skills when I really hate it?
    Community Answer
    Think as if you are solving a riddle/puzzle and challenge yourself. Also, you can watch some Ted Talks about mathematics such as "Math is a language" -- these might help you to view math in a different light, thus making it more interesting to you.
  • Question
    What are some games that will help me improve my math skills?
    Community Answer
    I've personally played things like Dreambox or Mathwizz. You can find tons of math games online through a search for "online math games."
  • Question
    What should I do when I don't want to solve the sums in mathematics?
    Community Answer
    You should do them anyway. Most of having a successful life involves doing things you don't want to do. It's called discipline and it's important.
  • Question
    How can I improve my mental math?
    Community Answer
    Try timing yourself at what you struggle with most, and make it into a game. Remember, math doesn't have to be boring and it will be easier the more that you practice.
  • Question
    I'm acing all my subjects except math. My teacher never chooses me even though I always raise my hand and I'm trying really hard. Is there a faster way to improve?
    Community Answer
    Practice every day for at least an hour. Talk to your teacher and tell her you're really trying, but you'd like to improve your grade. Ask her if she has any advice or if she can give you extra help. (Don't complain about her never calling on you, though, you don't want to sound like you're whining.)
  • Question
    How do I prepare for a math exam?
    Community Answer
    Relax, and take a short nap to refresh your mind. Then start practicing. Get a good night's sleep before your exam, and you'll be ready.
  • Question
    How can I stop thinking about other things instead of studying?
    Community Answer
    You can write them down and promise yourself you will think about them when you are finished. Being focused on the activity you are doing is one of the most important factors. If you write down these other thoughts, you will signal to your mind that you're not going to forget them and you can get back to them at a later time.
  • Question
    How to solve algebraic expressions?
    Community Answer
    Reference the wikiHow article Solve an Algebraic Expression .
  • Question
    How do I avoid feeling behind or stressed about maths work?
    I_l1ke_gam3s
    Community Answer
    Ask your teacher, your parents, or get a tutor to help you.
  • Question
    How do I avoid my fear of math?
    I_l1ke_gam3s
    Community Answer
    Just practice, and eventually, you will be a math professional.
  • Question
    Do you have recommendations on math games for a 13-year-old?
    Community Answer
    Khan Academy videos and more.
  • Question
    How can you get better at maths when you're stupid and your mum drank when she was pregnant with you?
    Community Answer
    It sounds like you could benefit from hiring a good tutor, someone who's good at explaining math carefully.
  • Question
    Why we do not get full marks if we worked hard?
    Community Answer
    Full marks are reserved for people who get correct answers. Checking your work will help you get those answers.
  • Question
    No matter how hard I try, I'm getting lower marks in school term exams. Why is that?
    I_l1ke_gam3s
    Community Answer
    That is strange. Make sure the teacher didn't make a mistake in the grading system.
  • Question
    How do I make school less boring?
    Community Answer
    Get into a competition with one or more friends to see who can get the best grades. Ask someone else to donate a prize (money?) for the winner.
  • Question
    I'm pretty good at math, and I love it actually, so how can I improve my skills
    Community Answer
    Improving comes with practice. Tell your teacher you want to get even better at math. Ask for additional assignments. Your teacher will be happy to help you. At some point in the future you'll have the chance to take advanced classes. Take that opportunity to expand your knowledge of and proficiency in math. t
  • Question
    What is the best way to improve Algebra 1 skills?
    Community Answer
    See Learn Algebra and related articles, and practice those skills until you can do them easily. It takes work!
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