Math: How to Be Better at It

There’s no arguing the fact that math is the most popular subject in the world. It’s hard to find a career where some basic knowledge or usage of math is not required. Math is also firmly tied to logic. People who are great at math are often able to see logical solutions in complicated solutions.  This might sound unimportant until you consider the fact that problem solvers are exactly the kind of people that end up running companies. Learning math can not only improve your own critical thinking abilities, but can prepare you for many scientific careers and further study, in fields such as engineering, particle physics, nuclear technology, greenhouses gases observational sciences and work in many other scientific research facilities across the world. If you wish to improve your skill and knowledge in Math, the following are some important facts that you need to be aware of.

Math Courses are Cumulative.
You can’t expect to be poor at basic math and then great at handling complex equations. It just doesn’t work that way. If you’re going to succeed at math, then you’ll need to have a firm foundation in the basic courses. Start with the easy courses. Review all your math courses beginning with those from your older classes to your current classes. Focus on the areas that you are uncomfortable with. Math’s complexities mean that you may end up struggling in the beginning. But if you stick at it, you’ll find yourself become a better Math’s student.

You need to be involved.
The only way you’ll ever get better at math is if you pick up a pen and work on a couple of problems on your own. Never ignore your maths homework. Instead, make a habit of working on your assignments every day. The longer you spend at math, the easier it will become. You won’t get far by just listening to your instructor during courses.  Copy out the examples that your instructor uses and try and rework them in your spare time. Math requires your commitment and involvement. It’s the only way it works.

Understand Why.
Some students fly through their math scores by memorizing dates, formulas or certain rules. You may earn an ‘A’ this way but it won’t make you a better student. In order to become a better maths student, you need to understand why certain formulas are used in different situations. Learning more about the way math problems are solved will teach you how to handle problems of your own. Advanced math problems typically involve dozens of different math formulas at varying stages. Unless you understand what these are and how they work, you’ll find it harder solving practical math applications.

Visualize a Problem: Math is so much more than just numbers. You’ll find it easier handling math problems if you try visualize what you’re doing. Sometimes a math problem might require many long steps.  Try and use shortcuts when applicable. This will improve your speed at handling questions and reduce the risk of you getting confused.

Challenge Yourself: So now you’re good at handling certain problems. Don’t stop there. A mathematician’s journey never truly ends. Continue to challenge yourself every day with newer equations. This will increase your speed and improve your confidence in handling advanced questions.

Math has many levels and you will need to study them in a certain order to learn it properly. If you have not had any math since high school, then you should begin with basic introductory classes to trigonometry, algebra and calculus. Once you have overcome these subjects, you can start specializing in any other scientific field that you are interested in, such as greenhouse gas research, physics or astronomy.

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