How to Prepare for a Math Test

Has iron grinding makes perfect. That statement holds true for math. And that’s why you have to do tons of boring homework! Many people learn math by memorizing formulas and equations the same way they remember dates and events. While memorization is also important, practice is the best way to learn math. Learn early, do your homework, and ask your teacher for help when you get stuck. Avoid cramming, try not to get too stressed, and make sure to eat well right before the test.

Table of Contents

Prepare for the test

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Look through your notes. After class, you should spend 15 to 20 minutes reviewing the lesson. As the exam date approaches, review the entire lesson or chapter more closely. Focus on the sample problems given in class: they will help you understand why a formula or way of doing it works. Borrow your classmate’s notebook if you don’t take notes. ^{[1] X Research Source}

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Solve problems that are similar to the ones you were given at home. Suppose the teacher gave odd homework because there are answers for even problems in the back of the book. Solve those even problems, then check your answers to see what your strengths and weaknesses are. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Ask your teacher about the website of the curriculum. In many cases, the course website also includes additional questions and tutorials.

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Join a study group. Everyone will have a different perspective. A problem that makes you difficult to understand may be simple to another person. If you have a problem that makes it difficult for the whole group, you can ask your teacher for help. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

You can meet in person, talk on the phone or chat online once or twice a week.

To class

Go to class every day. Regular attendance is essential to being able to study well.

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Focus. The hardest part was getting to class. So, once in class, listen and pay attention to the lecture. The key here is to see how the teacher solves problems on the board: due to the nature of equation solving and math problems, this subject often requires more observation than other subjects. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Good recording. Record all sample problems solved in class. Later, when you review it, you will have a better feel for the lessons the teacher taught and not have to depend on the textbook.

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Ask the teacher all your questions before the test day. The teacher may not be specific about what the test covers, but more than likely they will give you useful instructions when you do not understand the lesson. Asking questions about issues that confuse you also helps your teacher see that you care and want to do well. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Review your notes nightly after class. Bookmark any questions you have and reach out to your teacher for further instruction.

Study every day

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Start learning as soon as possible. Start preparing for the test from day one. Every night after school, you need to go through the notes from the class. Cramming right before the exam will only overwhelm you. ^{[10] X Research Source}

When you give yourself time to study gradually, you will be able to understand the lesson better. Plus, you can identify your own weaknesses and ask for help if needed.

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Do exercises . In most lessons, teachers assign or at least suggest exercises that they find most useful. Tests are often similar to homework assignments. So doing the exercises every day is like practicing for the exam every day. ^{[11] X Research Source}

If there are solutions in the back of the book, you should only use it to check your answers. Try not to look at the solution before you’re done!
Do all the exercises, save the solutions to review when the test day approaches. Never copy other people’s homework.

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Find out why the formulas work. Understanding how a formula is formed is often more helpful than simply memorizing it. Memorization is a good first step, but understanding why the formula works by doing lots of exercises will increase your chances of easily passing the test. ^{[12] X Research Source}

For example, you can simply remember that the sum of the interior angles of a triangle is always 180 degrees. However, if you really feel the formula, you can use it to solve other problems, such as finding the unknown angle of a hexagon.

Advice

When taking the exam, you will be limited in terms of time. Therefore, you should start with the easier exercises and work the difficult ones last.
As soon as you have a problem, if you think you will forget, write as many formulas and equations as possible on the back of the problem or some blank sheet of paper.
Don’t waste time erasing when you make a mistake. To save time, cross out anything you don’t want your teacher to read. ^{[13] X Research Source} Of course, each person will have a different approach.
When taking the exam, you should work from the highest score to the lowest score.
Try to stay calm at all costs, not getting overly excited and scared. Always check your work.
Don’t study the day before the test: it can be stressful. Instead, you should go through the formula and key questions.
Math can be quite difficult but if you focus in class and work until you understand, you will succeed. Do not rush. Take it slow, because there may be trick questions.
Exercise daily.
Don’t panic before test day. Instead, take a deep breath and think positively like, “I’ll do my best and get a good grade.” It will help you stay active during the test.

Steps

Prepare for the test

To class

Study every day

Advice

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