Mathematics plays an important role in many competitive
examinations SAT, GRE, national Olympiad, and others. However,
this is also one of the sections that can cause many students the
most problems. Despite the preparation students often over
complicate problems and fail to solve them in the limited time
available thus causing them anxiety. Some complain that they spend
too much time on a particular question or they end up being idle
most of the time.
Don’t worry, you are not the only one with such a challenge. The
mathematical word problems in competitive exams are all about
speed, so it is more than just the ability to remember the formulas.
Knowledge is power but technique is determination, and sometimes that single Gulf could be the one that makes the difference for success or not.
Proven Techniques for Mastering Math in Competitive Exams
1. Don’t Be Quick to Solve a Problem
Sounds like a no brainer but the first and absolutely crucial thing that one needs to do is to read and analyze the problem at hand. That is why when appearing for competitive exams one finds out that extra information has been provided or even the words used are tricky. If you spend just a few more seconds to read the problem statement carefully, you’ll stand to gain more time in the long run.
What to do:
Identify what is being asked: Don’t just skim the question. Don’t assume that the textbook has all the answers; first, ensure that you are clear about what kind of information is required from you.
Break it down: Generally, the data are to be separated from the unknowns. That way, you are able to see what kind of information you are dealing with for a particular report.
Highlight key details: If possible highlight or draw a line below standout numbers or phrases in the problem. This makes it easier to refer to it later.”
2. Eliminate Wrong Answers First
In dealing with multiple choice questions, you do not necessarily have to search for the correct answer. Sometimes it is efficient just to throw away the bad choices and not have to consider them at all. This brings your probability of arriving at the right answer the next time you are stuck a little closer to the right answer.
What to do:
Look for obvious errors: Although, common errors like, places of decimals misplaced or results of operation performed by wrong formula are part of wrong answer.
Estimate: If math becomes an issue when solving a particular problem, then use estimation to arrive at the answer. It is easier said than done, but if you were to identify two possible outcomes, well it is a start.
Use approximation: If the choices are spread out, you don’t need the value to be precise most of the time. This shows that guess work with some approximations can actually come up with the right results.
3. Working Backward down towards the Answers
Sometimes, it will take you less time to start elimination from the options rather than actually solving the problem from the beginning. This can be especially applicable when solving algebraic equations, as well as percentages and word problems where clients can plug in various options in order to check which one will fit the best.
What to do:
Plug in answer choices: It is recommended to use middle option as the correct one and look through the equation given to intuitionalism the given question.
Trial and error: If the problem is of the type which can accept multiple solutions you may want to try out a couple of these on for size. Well, this strategy is appropriate most especially when dealing with geometry problems ((or any problem where we can plug in values and check if it satisfies a certain condition).
4. Use Diagrams and Visuals
As with many math problems, it’s useful to draw something when solving geometry problems, or problems in the form of word problems. Just sketching something out for an average mind may get him to view things from a different perspective – relationship and patterns.
What to do:
Sketch it out: When solving geometries, sketch the shapes, name the measures of angles and indicate lengths which they know. Just a simple image can make us think about what exactly the problem is asking from us.
Use tables and charts: In cases where numerous data have to be solved, creating a table may facilitate the acquisition of a pattern on the data given.
Visualize: In some cases, it is good to paint a picture of the problem in context or in real life. For instance, if the problem requires solving of something in motion, it is recommended to develop its mental trajectory.
5. Look for Patterns
A significant number of problems encountered in a competitive examination exam are usually in the areas of pattern recognition. It pays therefore to look for a pattern no matter what media; it can be sequences, algebraic expressions or geometry.
What to do:
Recognize number sequences: Progression and series especially arithmetic and geometric sequences are very frequent in competitive examinations. When it comes to issue solving, one can easily identify these patterns thus enable him or her to work faster.
Identify symmetry: In geometry for instance, knowing the symmetrical form of an object simplifies work by concentrating on half the side or one segment of the object.
Use repeated operations: Many algebraic problems involve repeated operations of factors that can easily be compounded together making the expressions easier to solve.
6. Practice Mental Math
Though, probably the most useful and somewhat unique tip I would like to advise to students is the one about simple calculations with numbers as carrying a small pocket calculator in your head is very useful in competitive examinations. There will always be some problem that cannot be solved mentally, but by increasing how fast you do it, you will always be better off.
What to do:
Memorize key formulas and shortcuts: Rather than pulling out a calculator to figure out, you should memorize squares roots of a few numbers, multiplication and division tables, simple formulas, etc.
Use approximation: Calculating large numbers or fractions in your mind will often give you a good enough approximation to truth not requiring exact calculation.