1. Problems are worked to help you understand CONCEPTS and to build certain skills.  You CANNOT learn math without working problems.

2. Problems are not worked solely to get the answer.

3. You can understand math and do it correctly if you work on a regular and sustained basis.  St some time aside each day to work on math.

4. Since this is a course which you need for further work, you should give it as much or more of your time than your other courses.  Don't waste this chance to learn math you will need for success later.

A COMMON MISTAKE:

Students often go through steps like the following when working on a math problem:

• Look at the problem

• Look at examples which seem to be like it

• Work the problem

• Check the answer at the back.  Missed it.  Look back at the example for something different to try.

• Keep changing things until the right answer is found.

• Go on to the next problem

WHAT'S WRONG

You have the correct answer, but do not know why the first answer was wrong and why the last answer was right.  You may not even be sure just what it was you ended up doing.  You are just as likely to use a wrong procedure on a test.

WHAT TO DO

While looking at the examples; read the explanations and try to see why what you are doing is wrong.  Do any practice problems in the section.  If you can't figure out a correct procedure ask in the math office or in class RIGHT AWAY.  Do not assume that you will figure it out by osmosis.

SUGGESTIONS

Keep your homework in a neat and orderly binder along with notes and sample problems done in class.  Always take notes on a section before before beginning homework.  Remember, the answer is the least important part of the result of working a problem.

Miscellaneous Help

Learn vocabulary.  You can keep a notebook with definitions to math jargon.  Study it before a test to make sure you understand the questions.

Write sample questions.  Along with a friend, make up a test, hand it to your friend, grade each other's tests, and plan for further study.  Make sure they are questions teachers are likely to ask on the test.

Before you solve an exercise, try to either read through a book or internet example (if homework) or think about an example or a similar problem on the homework (if test).  What you or somebody else did on a previous problem might be the key to unlock the door of your current problem.

Carefully study each diagram you find in your textbook.  Make a list of all relationships indicated by the marks shown in the diagram.  Some of the relationships may already be listed for you, but making your own list helps you to better understand the diagram.

Remember theorems.  Keep a list of theorems in your notebook or calculator in order to study.  Try to come up with special names for the theorems or representational drawings to help you remember.

Try to establish a consistent study group.  Keeping the same people helps everybody establish everybody else's strengths and weaknesses.  If you try to explain ideas to members of the group, you can provide an opportunity for yourself to pull ideas together, to identify and overcome misunderstanding, and to review and prepare for tests.

Finally, make sure that you list what you know.  Every time you learn something, write it down.  Not only does it mean that you will retain the knowledge easier, it means that you will have a good guide to study from.