MATH ANXIETY:

Roughly half of all people have some degree of math anxiety. Anxiety is a normal, learned reaction to a threatening situation when we feel that we have no control over the situation.

What follows are some suggestions to give you some control over your performance in math and thus ease your anxiety. But do remember that even math professors are sometimes confused about and frustrated by a math problem.

HOW TO STUDY IN A MATH CLASS:

1. Try to take your math courses back-to-back without skipping a semester. Before starting a new course, review the math from your previous course.
   
2. Never let yourself fall behind. If the class seems too easy, remember that all math classes start with some review. But at a certain point, the classes kick into high gear and if you haven't been keeping up, you'll quickly be lost. Conversely, if you are confused by a particular concept, don't get stuck. Move on to the next point. Often, your confusion will clear up in time.
   
3. Your first test will be easiest, but don't get over confident and "blow it off." You may need that A on the first test to offset lower grades on harder tests later in the semester.
   
4. Read or at least scan the chapter before your lecture and read it again afterwards. But don't read a math book like a history book, with the goal of memorizing. Think of your textbook more as a reference book that will help you understand different kinds of math problems.
   
5. As you read your text, do the computations along with the book. Work the problems section by section as you read the text.
   
6. In your lecture, write down everything the professor writes down – and a lot of what she says!  Even if you think you understand a problem thoroughly, write down each step! You may be confused two weeks later and need those notes for the test. There are videos in the library that correspond to YOUR math text! If you miss a class, or are confused by a concept, watch the lesson.
   
7. Memorize math symbols and definitions, but with processes and concepts, first understand them. When you look at a process, ask yourself the purpose for each step. Think of analogies as you try to understand a concept (ie. working with fractions is like cutting up pies).
   
8. If you find yourself confused by a topic, try some of the following resources: a review book, or a tutor. Tutors can be extremely helpful, especially if you use them soon enough. Don't wait until you get a D on an exam! Free tutoring is available through the Marden Center for Student Success in Room 130 King Hall. Call Linda at 453-5084.
   

SOLVING MATH PROBLEMS:

1. It is usually best to do the homework for your hardest courses first (this will usually be math). Also, do math homework as soon after class as possible so that concepts are fresh.
   
2. While you may not do all of the suggested problems, be sure to do a representative sampling.
   
3. Check your first answers in a given section before going on to do a whole set of problems. When you make a mistake, find out why and make a mental note to avoid that kind of error in the future (ie. double check all positive and negative signs). If you can't find your error for a problem after two tries or 15 minutes, don't get stuck. Sometimes the textbooks have errors. If you can't get the right answers for a whole set of problems, consult with another student or a tutor.
   
4. Do your homework with a classmate or with a group of students. At the very least, get a classmate's phone number, so you have someone to consult with when you're confused.
   
5. Read each problem slowly and carefully, running a pencil under the words to make sure you process each word (ie. find the length of the smaller leg of the triangle).
   
6. Summarize word problems by drawing a diagram or setting up the information in a table. Sort out the problem into given, find, need.
   
7. For a very difficult word problem or when you forget a formula, substitute simpler numbers (some odd and some even). Once you understand the nature of the problem, use the same process with the actual numbers in the problem.
   
8. At the end of a homework session, mentally review (or write on a note card) the most important concepts you've just learned.
   

STUDYING FOR AND TAKING MATH TESTS:

1. Don't just memorize formulas; make sure that you understand the concepts. Concepts will stay in your memory longer and are less likely to be forgotten under the stress of a test.
   
2. Remember that doing well on homework and/or quizzes is no guarantee of doing well on an exam. (Quizzes are frequently easier.)
   
3. Simulate test conditions. After you have studied and think you know the material, practice it under test conditions. Solve unassigned homework problems and see if you can finish them in the allotted time for the exam
   
4. Know your professor. Study a copy of the exam of a previous class if available;
   Talk with someone who taken the professor before, preferably someone who has succeeded in the same class
   
5. Form a study group of 3-4 dedicated students. Not only will other students be able to help you with problems, but by helping others you will better learn the material. If you are unable teach another student a topic you believe you know, chances are you don't know that topic very well after all. If you can't teach it, you don't know it!
   
6. The way to study for a math test is by working mixed problems in chapter reviews, old tests the professor has made available, and review books. It's not enough to be familiar with the material; you should have worked so many problems that the material is now easy for you.
   
7. Do some timed practice tests or sets of problems, and make sure the problems are mixed. You want to mimic the testing situation as closely as you can while you study for your exam.
   
8. During your practice tests, check all results, just as you will during the test. Use some of the following methods:
   · Plug you answer back into the problem to make sure it works (this is particularly important for word problems).
   · Estimate the answer to make sure your answer is in the right ball park.
   · Double check + and - signs.
   · If time allows at the end of the test, rework the problem using an alternative method or rework the problem without looking at your original attempt.
   
9. Get plenty of sleep the night before the test. Math tests require higher order thinking, which in turn requires sleep.
   
10. When you first get the actual test, write down any formulas and facts you might forget. Next, apportion your time into thirds or halves and begin work on the easiest problems. Also, look at the points given for problems and think of how to get the most points in the quickest amount of time.
    
11. Write each step so that you'll get some points if you miss the answer.
    
12. When your test is returned, rework all problems you missed and find out what went wrong.
     
    

ADDITIONAL WORD PROBLEM TIPS
There are two steps to solving math word problems:

• translate the wording into a numeric equation
  
  
• solve the equation!
  

Usually, once you get the math equation, you're fine. But getting to the equation can seem difficult. These strategies may help you translate, but practice will determine your success.

Read the problem entirely.

Get a feel for the whole problem.


List information and the variables you identify
Attach units of measure to the variables (gallons, miles, inches, etc.)


Define what answer you need, as well as its units of measure.

Work in an organized manner.

Working clearly will help you think clearly.

Draw and label all graphs and pictures clearly.

Note or explain each step of your process;
       this will help you track variables and remember their meanings


Look for "key" words
Certain words indicate certain mathematical operations. The chart on the following page will help you identify key terms.

KEY WORDS

Addition	Subtraction	Multiplication	Division	Equals
increased by more than combined together total of sum added to	decreased by minus, less difference between/of less than, fewer than	of times, multiplied by product of increased/decreased by a factor of (this one is both addition/subtraction AND multiplication!)	per, a out of ratio of, quotient of percent (divide by 100)	is, are, was, were, will be gives, yields sold for