How to Improve Math Skills

Instructor: Shelby Golden

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Check out this article to get some useful suggestions on improving math skills. You can apply these tips to any mathematical concepts you're learning.

Focus on Understanding Concepts

You can memorize formulas and rules to complete many math problems, but this doesn't mean that you understand the underlying concepts behind what you're doing. This makes it harder to successfully solve problems, as well as making it nearly impossible to easily absorb new information. Taking the time to make sure you understand why you're doing what you're doing can help your math skills immensely.

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Go Over New Concepts and Practice Problems

Jumping directly into solving problems can lead to frustration and confusion. Try to study your textbooks and pay attention in class. You should also work on any practice problems your teachers assign before completing any assignments. This gives you a chance to absorb what you're learning.

Solve Extra Problems

Practice makes perfect, even with math. If you are struggling with a particular kind of problem, you can improve by working on solving additional problems. You can start out with simplified problems of the same type, and move up in difficulty as you become more comfortable with finding the solutions.

Change Word Problems Up

Some students have a harder time than others with understanding math word problems. You can read these problems out loud, or even draw the problems out. Hearing the problem or being able to visualize it can give you the help you need to improve this math skill.

Apply Math to Real Life

Understanding why and how math is important can give you the motivation you need to keep applying yourself. Try to think of real-world examples where math is applied and consider what math concepts you would need to use in these conditions.

Study Online

Checking out online study options is a great way to get the math practice you need. You can use these Study.com courses to watch short video lessons that deal with the mathematical concepts you're learning in class. You'll also find interactive quizzes and tests that can help you apply what you're learning. These courses focus on helping you with:

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