Learning Tips
Learning Maths
Learning Maths
Once you learn a topic or sub-topic in maths at home, school or anywhere else, it is important that once you understand that material you apply it to exams. Find exam questions based what you have learned to apply your knowledge and understanding.
Doing so, allows you to start preparing for exams at an early stage, rather than a later stage nearer the start of the exams. Practising exam questions at an earlier stage would allow you to practise what you have learned, see how fast you answer the questions (time management is important in timed exams) and understand the different ways topics can come up in an exam.
For example, you may have understood to solve for x in a linear equation, an example question is below.
What is the value of x in the linear equation 2x + 3x = 10? We would simplify to get 5x = 10
You would know how to solve this question as in this question you know that we have to solve the linear equation by finding x, HOWEVER THIS IS BECAUSE THE QUESTION TELLS US WHAT TO DO.
Look at this question below.
A triangle has 3 sides with lengths (cm) 2x, 2x and x, the perimeter of the triangle is 10cm.Find x.
CAN YOU SEE THERE IS NO LINEAR EQUATION GIVEN, HOWEVER WE HAVE TO FIND X. THIS MEANS WE HAVE TO MAKE THE LINEAR EQUATION OURSELVES USING THE INFORMATION IN THE QUESTION.
Perimeter of triangle = 2x + 2x + x (We have added the length of each side together to get the perimeter)Perimeter of triangle = 10 (This is given in the question)
Thus,
2x + 2x + x = 10
(Divide both sides by 5)
/5 5x = 10 /5
x = 2
Can you see how to we constructed the linear equation ourselves by using information in the question.
Can you see how you can be asked a question indirectly, as the exam is testing your knowledge and ability to apply what you have learned, thus gaining exam practise at an early stage as you learn and understand mathematical concepts, would make you stronger, and help identify any weaknesses at an earlier stage.
SO NOW YOU UNDERSTAND THE VALUE IN EXAM QUESTION PREPARATION AT AN EARLIER STAGE.
Find ways to include maths to practise and reinforce your understanding of topics or sub-topics in your lifestyle.