SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO STUDY MATH

• Mathematics material should be read slowly, every step is important.

• Try to understand each line. Even major ideas are not always repeated.

• Pay special attention to material that is "highlighted" or "in boxes."

• Try examples first. Cover them up then uncover one line at a time to compare your approach.

• Keep lower level math books as a reference.

• Figure out what is a reasonable amount of time to spend on projects, exercises, problems, to study for tests and/or write reports. It may be more than you expect.

• Math skill improves through practice.

• Details are important in mathematics, as in other disciplines.

• Try different ways of solving a problem. Many times there is more than one way to solve a problem.

• Math is like a ladder. If you missed earlier steps, go back and fill them in.

• In word problems, write down knowns and unknowns. Use symbols. Make sketches to organize the information.

• If "stuck," be adventurous; experiment with possibilities.

• Beware of what you say to yourself inside your head. "I can't do it" really means "I can't do this yet."

• The process of learning mathematics is cumulative. Plan to review previously covered material regularly.

• Do the exercises or work that look "easy" to you first.

• Break up math study time into small enough units to keep your energy level high usually 20-30 minutes.

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