How You Can Do Well in Mathematics?

How You Can Do Well In Mathematics?

One of the subjects which are important in daily life is Mathematics. It is useful day-to-day daily calculations such as calculating the amount of money you need to pay at a grocery store. Use of simple Mathematical calculations can also prevent you from getting duped by unfair and dishonest people. So, ignoring Mathematics is not an option for any of us. Even the not so well read people know basic calculations. Numbers and counting are among the few things a kid is taught initially when he or she reaches the toddler age.

Now that it is established the subject Mathematics is important, let us know a little more about the subject and its divisions.

Parts of Mathematics

The major branches or parts of Mathematics include:

This is the portion of Mathematics that deals with numbers, integers, real numbers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, and complex numbers. It involves basic mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. In this branch of Mathematics one learns the basic calculations. When a kid learns 2+2=4 or 5X10=50, it is plain arithmetic. Ratio and Proportion, Profit and Loss, Simple Interest, Integers etc. falls under this category.

Algebra is that part of Mathematics that introduces the concept of variables and constants. Alphabets that are used to store numbers are called variables and the stored numbers are called the constants. Use of Mathematical operations and functions along with variables and constants to solve an equation sums up the theory behind this branch of Mathematics. Let us take an example of a simple sum.

If a+b=6 and a=2, find b.

You can easily say that the answer is 4 if you know the rules of Algebra.

You need to be good in shapes to be good in Geometry as it basically is the Mathematics of shapes. You learn to recognize a triangle or a circle at an early age but are unaware that what you are studying is basically Geometry. As you slowly pass your junior and enter your senior school, you start knowing more details about the calculations regarding all shapes. You get to know how to find the area and perimeter of a circular or a rectangular shaped area slowly and steadily.

You encounter this part of Mathematics when you enter high school. Calculus is a higher form of Mathematics and it involves finding the derivatives and integrals of functions by certain methods. Differentiation and Integration are the two main ways of solving problems in Calculus. Calculus can be further divided into two types, viz. differential calculus and integral calculus.

This branch of Mathematics involves the application of core Mathematics. Calculations like the Probability calculations or the Statistics, sub-part of Applied Mathematics, uses regular Mathematical calculations but cannot be categorized into the other branches of Mathematics. This is because Applied Mathematics is a mix of two or more branches of Mathematics and thus cannot be put into any segregated category.

These are the major categories of Mathematics but there are many other types and branches that involve the use of Mathematics. Subjects like Physics and Chemistry require the use of Mathematical calculations extensively. In higher studies, these subjects amalgamate and help in the research works of scholars and researchers. So, if you start hating Mathematics at the first stage, it would not be an easy path for you to study Science in the future. Before time runs out, try to understand and be comfortable with Mathematics.

Ways to do well in Mathematics:

People who suffer from ‘Math phobia’ would assert and say that Mathematics is a difficult subject while there are others who derive excitement and fun while solving mathematical problems. This disparity only leads to disappointment for the former group of students. But, surprisingly it is not difficult to do well in Mathematics. In fact, there are 6 Easy Steps to Conquer the Fear of Mathematics. Let us see some other tactics to do good in this subject:

  • Zero in on your problem area:

Try to understand which part of Mathematics you find hard. There must be some portions which you find harder than the other easier portions. Concentrate on these parts. It is very important to understand your problem first otherwise you cannot move forward or improve it. Once you understand your problematic area in this subject increase the time you devote for this specific portion(s). Regular and devoted practice is the basic to overcome any Mathematical hurdle.

  • Memorize formulas:

You will come across many formulae that are important for your Mathematics syllabus. Before you proceed to solve exercises of your textbook memorize all the formulae by heart. Memorizing formula is crucial to solving Mathematical problems as it is not possible and is definitely difficult to turn the pages and take a look at the required formula every time. Furthermore, you will not be allowed to cheat or see the printed formulae of your book during your exam. So it is wiser to memorize the formulae and recall them from your memory whenever needed.

  • Follow your class:

During the teenage and adolescent years when one develops a rebellious streak in them, they tend to ignore the class lectures and do not pay attention even when a teacher tries to explain a subject in class. This might seem fun momentarily, but it might also be the reason behind your phobia of Mathematics. Listening intently to class lectures one can understand and learn many techniques that will not be written in textbooks.

  • Set targets:

Try to set a target of doing, say 10 sums, in a specific period of time. Use a timer or a stopwatch if required. With each passing day, shorten the time and increase the number of sums. This will create a competitive streak in you and will help in time management during your Mathematics exams. You can also set targets of finishing one exercise each day.

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