HOW TO GET A DISTINCTION IN MATHS(15 study tips)

Summary

In this video, Andy Saw, a medical student, shares 15 practical and effective study tips that helped him achieve top grades in high school math and excel in his medical studies. He emphasizes the importance of understanding concepts, simplifying problems, learning from mistakes, and practicing regularly. Tips include writing down formulas, mastering basic concepts, and not relying on complicated methods. Andy also stresses the value of consistency, patience, and utilizing resources like past papers and teachers for improvement. His advice is aimed at helping students struggling to excel and those aiming for distinctions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on understanding the process, not just copying your teacher's calculations. Grasp the reasoning behind formulas and steps.
• 😀 Break down complex problems by simplifying them. Look for common factors and use basic math skills to make the question easier.
• 😀 Track your common mistakes and make sure not to repeat them. Learn from every error to improve your performance.
• 😀 If struggling with advanced topics, revisit earlier grade materials to strengthen your foundation and ensure you understand the basics.
• 😀 Keep a book of difficult problems and categorize them by topics. Revisit these problems once you feel more confident with the basics.
• 😀 Always have a list of important formulas for each topic, and use them as a reference while solving problems.
• 😀 Avoid using overly complicated methods for solving questions. Instead, rely on simple formulas and straightforward techniques.
• 😀 Ensure you understand each step of your calculation. Write down why you are doing each operation to strengthen your problem-solving logic.
• 😀 Master the basics of geometry by knowing your shapes and their properties. This will help you solve geometry problems efficiently.
• 😀 Don't skip any topic, no matter how small it seems. Ensure that you study all topics thoroughly for a comprehensive understanding.
• 😀 Practice with past papers regularly. They help you familiarize yourself with the types of questions you will encounter in exams.
• 😀 Create an effective study plan that focuses on your weak areas and prioritize regular practice, especially in subjects like mathematics.
• 😀 Be patient and consistent in your study habits. Improvement comes with time, so don’t get discouraged if things seem tough at first.

Q & A

Why is it important to not just copy the teacher's calculations in math?

It’s important to focus on understanding the steps, formulas, and reasoning behind the calculations. By doing so, you can solve similar problems independently rather than relying on memorization.

What does Andy suggest when you find a math question difficult?

Andy recommends simplifying the problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts, and using common factors to make it easier to solve.

How can knowing your basics help with more complex math problems?

Having a strong foundation in basic concepts like multiplication tables and exponents allows you to handle more complex problems, as advanced topics often build on these fundamentals.

What should you do if you're struggling with a grade 12 math problem?

Andy advises revisiting earlier grade materials (e.g., grade 10 or 11) to strengthen your understanding of the basics, as these concepts are crucial for solving more advanced problems.

How can you identify and address recurring mistakes in math?

By writing down all the mistakes you frequently make, you can recognize patterns and avoid repeating them. This reflection helps you understand your weak points and improve over time.

What is Andy’s advice for students aiming for distinction in math?

Andy emphasizes the importance of continuous practice, tackling all topics (even the ones you find difficult), and using past papers to familiarize yourself with the types of questions you will encounter in exams.

What role does a study timetable play in mastering math?

A study timetable helps ensure regular practice, especially on difficult topics. By allocating time to review problem areas, you can gradually improve and stay on track with your learning.

Why is practicing past papers vital for success in math exams?

Past papers give you an idea of the types of questions you’ll face, allowing you to prepare more effectively. They also help you identify patterns in questions and practice time management.

How does simplifying geometry problems using a highlighter help in solving them?

Using a highlighter helps you focus on known information, like parallel lines and angle relationships. This makes it easier to spot the relevant formulas and properties to apply, simplifying the problem.

What should you do if you struggle with a specific math topic like financial math?

Andy advises not to avoid difficult topics. Instead, dedicate time to studying them, as each topic contributes to your overall understanding and performance in the exam.