how to study MATH EFFECTIVELY | get STRAIGHT A's in exams

Summary

In this video, the host shares personal tips for excelling in math, emphasizing the importance of understanding concepts over mere memorization. They discuss the necessity of mastering foundational knowledge to tackle more complex problems in algebra, calculus, and other math branches. The host advises consistent practice, using resources like textbooks and online questions, and understanding solutions to enhance learning. They stress breaking down problems and foundational concepts, encouraging viewers to seek help from teachers and utilize available resources to improve their math skills. The video aims to help viewers achieve better grades by focusing on comprehension and practice.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Understanding is Key: The speaker emphasizes the importance of truly understanding math concepts rather than just memorizing them.
• 🏗️ Building a Strong Foundation: The script suggests that a solid base in fundamental math concepts is crucial for tackling more complex problems.
• 🔍 Deep Dive into Algebra: The video focuses on the need to comprehend algebraic expressions and the process of isolating variables to solve equations.
• 📚 Utilize Textbooks: It is recommended to use textbooks for practice, especially the initial questions in chapters that lay the groundwork for more complex topics.
• 🤯 Breaking Down Complex Problems: When faced with difficult questions, breaking them down into simpler parts and applying basic knowledge is advised.
• 📉 The Importance of Basics in All Math Branches: The script highlights that a basic understanding is essential across all areas of mathematics, including calculus and geometry.
• 🚫 Avoid Memorization: The speaker warns against merely memorizing solutions and instead encourages understanding the underlying principles.
• 📈 Practice Makes Perfect: Consistent practice is stressed as a way to improve in math and to develop muscle memory for problem-solving.
• 🔎 Seek Help When Stuck: If a problem is too challenging, it's suggested to look at solutions to understand them, rather than spending excessive time on one question.
• 🌐 Online Resources: The video mentions using online resources and teachers for additional practice questions and to check understanding.
• 🛎️ Importance of Feedback: The script suggests getting feedback on practice work, either from teachers or by using answer keys, to ensure correct understanding.

Q & A

Why does the speaker feel the need to clarify their proficiency in math is not solely due to their ethnicity?

The speaker feels the need to clarify this because they have experienced people attributing their math skills to their Asian heritage rather than the effort they put into understanding and learning math.

What is the primary focus of the speaker's tips for understanding math?

The primary focus is on the importance of truly understanding the foundational concepts of math, rather than just memorizing formulas or procedures.

Why is understanding the 'why' behind mathematical operations important according to the speaker?

Understanding the 'why' is important because it allows one to apply mathematical concepts flexibly and solve a variety of problems, not just those they have memorized.

What analogy does the speaker use to explain the importance of a strong foundation in math?

The speaker uses the analogy of a building, stating that without a strong foundation, the building will not stand, similarly, without understanding the basics, one cannot excel in math.

How does the speaker suggest dealing with difficult algebraic questions during an exam?

The speaker suggests breaking down the problem and applying foundational algebraic knowledge to simplify and solve the problem step by step.

What is the speaker's advice on how to approach practicing math problems?

The speaker advises to practice consistently, starting with the basics, and to use solutions as a guide to understand the process if one gets stuck.

Why is it beneficial to write down equations and place them at the front of your reference?

Writing down equations helps to reinforce the foundational concepts and serves as a quick reference for understanding and solving problems.

What should one do if they encounter a challenging question while studying for a math exam?

One should attempt the question, and if unable to solve it, look at the solutions to understand the process, ensuring not to just memorize but to comprehend the solution.

How does the speaker emphasize the universality of math?

The speaker emphasizes the universality of math by stating that it is a language that everyone understands, implying that math concepts are consistent and recognizable across different cultures and regions.

What is the speaker's view on the relationship between practice and understanding in math?

The speaker believes that consistent practice leads to muscle memory and a deeper understanding of math concepts, making problem-solving more intuitive.

What is the speaker's recommendation for students who are pressed for time before an exam?

The speaker recommends focusing on understanding the basic laws and concepts of the subject, as this foundational knowledge can still help secure some marks even if the rest of the content is not fully learned.