There is a common misconception that some people are born to be naturally good at math while others aren’t. However, according to research, everyone can improve in math if they invest more time and effort. It’s more than being great at numbers, basic arithmetic, problem-solving, or raw talent; there’s a lot more to it. So, how can one become better at math?
There are various ways to become better at math. These include breaking down complex problems into simpler ones, understanding basic math skills, understanding each topic before moving on to another, consistently practicing problem-solving, establishing a routine, testing new stuff, and even enrolling in private math tutorials. Now, how do you go about all these?
This article elaborates on everything you must know about becoming a pro in math. Keep reading to level up your math skills!
- Simplify complex problems
Every problem has a much more straightforward representation where the problem can be broken down into smaller and simpler problems. It’s worth noting that before you can solve any mathematical problem, you must tackle it at the root. And you can do this by determining problem-solving conceptual frameworks, isolating these frameworks, and trying to solve for the unknown. Break down terms and equations into their simplest forms.
Complex questions can easily overwhelm you, but it’s worth understanding that these questions emerge from skills already abiding in you. Thus, it would help if you found a way to break down any complex math question as a first start. Find critical points, variables, and constants, while recalling the right formula to use for solving the problem. Simplify numbers. If the expressions are in ratios, find out if they are divisible by each other and what’s the best way to represent it.
For example, 650/10000 can be reduced to 13/200, and you can move on with solving the problem.
- Get Acquainted with Basic Math Skills
To get better at math, one thing you’d need is to improve your library of math skills you know. There are different sections to get acquainted with, including calculations involving shapes, sizes, numbers, measurements, and dimensions. You will need the most specific and elementary skills and some advanced ones. Many people don’t understand that good math-solving skills don’t stop in the class block or examinations but also in real-life applications.
Some of the basic math skills include:
Simple Arithmetic
Basic arithmetic involves four essential operations: addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication. If you aren’t acquainted with how these operations work, you’d inevitably have issues with other math problems. So, get your fingers around these before moving on to the next.
Fractions and Decimals
Decimals are fundamental life components of whole numbers; they can be represented in the form of fractions. In fractions, we recommend that you reduce some expressions to ratios. So, rather than writing it as 1/25 or 1/8, we suggest that you represent them as 1:25 or 1:8. By understanding how fractions and decimals work, you’d be able to perform arithmetic on them.
Visual Expressions of Data
Visual representations simplify how data can be seen and approached. If you’re dealing with a set of figures and analyzing trends, having basic arithmetic skills will do you so much good. By representing the data in charts and graphs or using tabulated forms to evaluate them, you’d have another perspective on your calculations and communicate your ideas better.
Percentages
Percentages enable us to evaluate two or more numbers and ascertain the number of differences between them. It’s usually used to analyze changes or calculate the rates. For instance, use percentages to evaluate interest tax in investments or savings, food nutrition value, or even discounts on product purchases.
- Understand Every Topic Before Progressing to Another
Reading to understand is essential instead of reading to ‘tick boxes.’ You have to be sure that you know a particular topic you’re dealing with because, usually, math topics are interconnected and progressive. So, if you’re not well-acquainted with ‘A’, you won’t do well with ‘B’.
Go all the way to ensure that you’ve comprehended the topic. You can watch video tutorials, read more books, obtain online courses, buy PDFs, and even have live counseling sessions. Another thing that helps is asking your colleagues to help out. By doing this, you’d be able to hear and see things from the perspective of your peers.
- Consistently Practice
Solving math problems is a lifelong task, but many don’t know. Every day, we do tons of math-related things, all the time. And it’s important to note that the more you practice, the more you get used to it. You can even try solving complex problems and ensuring to come out with the correct answers.
- Build a Routine
To become better at math, we advise that you establish a routine in tackling problems and becoming a master at various concepts. As you emerge as a master, you’ll learn more access and straightforward steps to solving significant problems. If you can create a good routine, you won’t have to bother solving the same problem again because you’re already used to solving it, regardless of the change in numbers.
- Tryout New Stuff
Another way to improve your math-solving abilities is to try out new stuff. This is crucial because, as far as solving math problems is concerned, you’d always meet new use cases you’re not conversant with. But, so long as you’ve already come to excellent terms with your math skills, you’d be able to solve these problems, easy-peasy.
It’s also worth noting that you’d meet more complex equations as you progress in math. Now that we’ve established this let’s consider one more step to becoming better at math.
- Enroll in Private Math Tutorials
One of the best ways to become a pro at math is by going for private math tutorials. You can get these tutorials online or offline, depending on whichever works best for you. While the online tutorial is excellent, we suggest you take offline, personal after-classes training. Have someone more knowledgeable on the topic tutor you and give practical, simplified examples. By doing this, you’ll be able to grab more information faster.
Conclusion
Solving math problems isn’t a talent some individuals are born with, while others aren’t. It’s more of a skill that everyone can learn from. We believe you’ll have your testimonies as you try out these tips.
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How can I become better at math? We’ve elaborated on everything you must know in this article below.
