If you’ve ever asked yourself, “why am I so bad at math?” these math hacks are for you! Whether you’re a student or a parent teaching your kid, a little math help can go a long way.
The best part about these tricks is that you don’t need to overthink them. They all come down to viewing equations differently, trusting the basics, and knowing when and how to get some extra guidance. So don’t feel discouraged; try out these hacks for the perfect solution and get rid of math anxiety!
Find and address your knowledge gaps
Having an understanding of what specifics you are struggling to learn is crucial in addressing the problem. One of the best ways to find out your knowledge gaps? A practice test! At the end of each lesson take a practice test and review how you did. Your score will be indicative of how well you understand the material.
If you find that you aren’t getting around 90% of the questions correct, it is good practice to go back through the lesson again, do some bonus questions, and even talk to someone for more personalized guidance! Websites like Mathleaks offer self tests at the end of each subchapter of their eCourses because that extra practice helps you to become aware of areas for improvement. This is the foundation for proper studying and math success.
Repetition
To understand how to solve a math problem, repetition is critical. One unique way to sharpen your math skills? Solve the same problem over and over again. Going the extra mile may not seem desirable at first, but practice makes perfect.
That’s right, once you correctly solve a math problem, try it again a few more times! The hack with this is that it isn’t focusing on the numbers of the problem but rather the process.
When you see a new math equation, you won’t be thrown off by how it looks or if the numbers are more intimidating. Instead, your brain will automatically view the steps to the solution. While this may seem redundant, it helps build brain power and a subconscious understanding of the math problem.
Another form of repetition is to find additional math problems to solve similar to what you’re working on or learning. By solving a few extra problems, you’ll expand your skill set and feel more equipped for any changes in the equation. You can even try downloading free math worksheets online. Repetition is a mental math trick that will pay off in the end.
Go back to basics
When looking at a math problem, you can often feel overwhelmed or not recognize what it asks you to do. But remember, all math has a foundation that goes back to the basics. Instead of overcomplicating the problem, take a deep breath and remind yourself what the core lesson is you are working on.
Utilize your prior knowledge of math skills to help you decipher the question and give you a starting point of what to solve first. For working on homework, don’t be afraid to reread the lesson and go back to your problem step by step vs. attacking it all at once. The process is what gets you to the correct answer.
Another key component to this is the logic test. When looking at a question or answer, ask yourself, “is this logical?” It will help clarify if you’re on the right track. For example, if a math problem poses a question about the speed of a car and your answer is 500mph, you’ll know to go back to your solving and see what you mixed up. If you get 55mph, you can feel more confident that your answer makes sense logically!
Work the logic test in while doing math homework so that by the time you are taking a test, it comes as second nature, saving you from a math mishap!
When it comes to the basics, sometimes all you need is to pause, take a minute, and you’ll be surprised at how much you know! When you take this second to regroup, your subconscious will continue to work on the problem, and you can view it more clearly.
Use an online math assistant
It’s easy for students to fall behind in their math comprehension due to in-class lessons that move at a pace not designed for the individual. Whether you’re a student or a parent, it’s important to remember that learning is a unique process that can require more time or focus on a specific lesson. The classroom isn’t always the simplest way to get this extra guidance, which is why math help online is the perfect hack.
At Mathleaks you can find accessible math homework help with step-by-step solutions to Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 textbook exercises. These expert-written solutions are always presented with theory, diagrams, and clear and concise explanations. Think of it as having your own personal tutor and study buddy.
With Mathleaks, you can connect with peers, teachers, and tutors in a Mathleaks community who are using the same textbook or taking the same course. Study together, challenge each other, and take practice tests covering a variety of math topics. With visuals and aid to help explain the solving processes, it gives you more knowledge, practice, and understanding of your homework. It’s the ultimate math solution to have up your sleeve and is accessible anytime, anywhere!
