15 steps to get better at Maths

Last updated on June 25, 2016

Does Mathematics scare the wits outs of you? Do you struggle with the theorems and equations? Does the Maths anxiety grip you tight? Do you get the pre-exam jitters?

Most of the students would have a yes as an answer to these questions. But, that is not so, Mathematics can be easy and fun. It is a top-scoring subject in which you can score a perfect 100. Mathematics, if prepared well can raise your overall percentage in the exams. Instead of avoiding the subject, one should strive to master it.

Here are some tips on how to ace mathematics

1. Use NCERT Book

– To score well in the exam you need to be well versed with the NCERT books first. These books are written according to the syllabus and cover the entire course well. The entire paper is set according to the content and the concepts are given in the NCERT books. All you need to do is practice from the NCERT books first and then switch to others for practice. You can look up the NCERT books for class 12 maths with solutions online, if you get stuck with any problem. Practice the questions given in the books well.

2. Reference books

– You can practice question of some reference books like R.D. Sharma (For class 12) for getting grip over the concept. But, you should take the resort of reference books only when you have practiced the NCERT book completely. The best way to fortify what you have learnt is to keep on practicing questions related to it. More practice will make the concept clear and give you the confidence too.

3. Stick to the Syllabus

– Go through the syllabus well and stick to it. Going overboard is just a waste of time. Whether it is the NCERT book or the reference book that you are studying just prepare those things which are there in the syllabus. There is no point in solving everything, because that will just clutter your mind. You will get good marks when you prepare what is there in the prescribed syllabus.

4. Formula cheat sheet

– By cheat-sheet we do not mean the literal cheat sheet, but the specific notes for the formulas/theorem exclusively. Now you must be wondering how that helps. The cheat sheets or flashcards are very handy and the best way to learn or revise things in less time. Moreover while you are making the notes, you tend to learn it and remember it well.

5. Start early

– Nobody wants to feel the exam time pressure. The time when the anxiety level is at the all-time high, time seems to fly and nothing goes in your brain. To spare yourself of such situation, you must start early. Starting early means you will have enough time to prepare and practice. You will never have to burn the midnight oil before the exams and cram everything in a short time.

6. Manage you time

– Try to give time to practicing the subject on a daily basis. Set up a routine of half an hour or one hour to devote to the practice. Making a timetable is not enough; you need to follow it religiously for fruitful results. Never procrastinate and make sure that you complete the decided work on time.

7. Prioritize the work

– Some topics may seem difficult while others seem to be a cake walk. Give priority to the ones which you find to be difficult. Being able to understand the problematic topics will boost your confidence. You can deal with the easy one afterwards as they will take less time.

8. Strategize

– Prepare according to the weightage given to different topics. Lay more stress on the topics which carry more weightage. Solving the previous year papers or mock papers can give a clear insight about the pattern of the exams. Try to keep these in mind before you kick start your preparation.

9. Revise

– Recapitulation is the best way to learn. Make sure that you revise the things that you had studied earlier to keep the concept fresh in your mind. Go through the notes and try and practice some problems, so that you touch every topic without spending too much time on it.

10. Avoid distractions

– Once you have set a routine for studies try to avoid using mobiles phones and other gadgets which can be a source of distraction. Concentrate on what you are studying and you will see that you grasp it better.

11. Take breaks

– Hard work is the key to success, but if you overburden yourself you will not understand anything. Take breaks in between your study routine and give your brain the much needed time to relax.

12. Previous Year papers

– Previous year papers are a way to have an experience of the exams. Set a timer and solve the previous year papers in the stipulated time. This is how you get to know what time you should a lot to solving each question in order to finish the paper in time. Moreover solving the previous year papers give you the knowledge about the pattern of the exams and the weightage.

13. Ask for help

– If you do not understand a topic or a question do not hesitate in asking for help from a teacher or friend. Ask your teacher to explain the concept until you understand it clearly.

14. Good handwriting

– If the handwriting is not legible, you may end up losing marks. Try to maintain a neat and tidy handwriting so that the one who is grading the exam can understand and read it clearly. While solving the previous year papers, try maintaining a good handwriting along with the speed.

15. Good health

– Never underestimate the importance of good health. A sound body and mind is very necessary for your success. So, always eat healthy and take proper sleep. Your brain needs the necessary fuel to keep working. Research and find out the foods that give you energy and avoid the ones which makes you feel tired and sluggish.