Study Strategies That Actually Work for Math

Have you ever spent hours reading your math textbook only to feel totally lost when the test day arrives? That’s because math isn’t like history or English—you can’t just read it and remember it. Math requires active doing! It’s a skill you build through focused practice.To help you conquer your next unit and ace that test, here are my best tips for studying smarter, not just harder.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

Strategy 1: In Class and Taking Notes 

This is where the foundation for successful studying is built! 

• Be Present in Class: I know this sounds obvious, but listening closely to your teacher is the easiest way to make your life easier later. If you are confused, don't check out! Either quietly ask the teacher for clarification right away or quickly jot down a note so you remember to ask about it later. Being present helps the material sink in faster.

• The Power of Neatness: Your notes and practice work should be easy to read. Sloppy handwriting, cramped spaces, and illegible numbers lead directly to mistakes! Especially in algebra, make sure your x doesn't look like a multiplication sign! Precision in your writing is critical because math is a language of symbols.

• Vertical Alignment is Key: When solving equations with multiple steps, you should always line up your equal signs (=) down the page. This prevents you from losing negative signs or variables as you move from step to step, turning your notes into a clean, simple error-checking system.

• The Two-Notebook System: Try keeping two math notebooks. Use one for your neat "textbook" notes (formulas, definitions, and clean examples) and the other for all the messy practice problems. (Alternatively you can just split your maths notebook into two sections as well!)

​

Strategy 2: Practice and Consistency 

You can't ace a test just by reading the textbook—you have to use the information!

• Practice, Practice, Practice: In most cases, remembering a formula won't be enough; you have to know how to use it in different scenarios. The most basic, but most important, way to practice consistently is to do your homework thoroughly. However, don't stop there! Find extra practice questions everywhere from your textbook, your teacher, or online resources.

• Target Your Weak Spots: It feels good to solve problems you already know how to do, but that's not smart studying! You have to work on the topics that are hardest for you. Studying is about leaving your comfort zone, so deliberately focus on the practice problems you don't feel great about. That's where the real learning happens!

• Consistency is Key: Math topics build on each other, like levels in a video game. If you forget how to factor (an older topic), you'll struggle with the new chapter on solving quadratic equations. Set aside small chunks of time to review older material regularly. This keeps old concepts fresh and makes studying for the big final exam much less painful!

 

Strategy 3: Best Math Resources 

• Khan Academy: This is an resourceful and free website! It has videos and practice problems for almost every topic in high school math. It's perfect for when your teacher's explanation didn't quite click.

• Cheatography: This is a fantastic tool for making your own study sheets. It's great for cleanly organizing and reviewing all your formulas in one place before a test.

• Google Search: Google is your ultimate resource for finding more practice. Try searching for things like: "(Topic Name) practice test" to find full exams and worksheets your teacher might not have handed out!

 

Ultimately, there are many ways to study for an upcoming test, quiz, or final but it always depends on your preferences and learning style!

​

Good Luck Studying! :)