I feel like my math skills have gone to the dumps..help!?

Question

I feel like I used to be SO good at math! I mean, I still get As in the classes and whatnot..but I feel completely lost and stupid once I have to study for some standardized test!! I don't remember Algebra 2 stuff that I learned two years ago, and the geometry stuff I learned last school year was in my head long enough for the unit test and finals(thank god I kept my notes from both years!!).

I have to get 100/120 on the Accuplacer to get college credit (I'm gonna be a junior next year, hopefully participating in dual enrollment)..and I really don't think I'll be able to do it! I am def down on myself about this math.

What can I do to help retain more mathematic info (like how to do what problems, different equations, etc.) in the future and right now while I'm studying?

Answer 1

That's the same w/ me.  Just study key concepts of what you need to know.  Don't worry about anything that's small in detail, just make sure you understand the big picture and can understand how to master a certain skill.

Answer 2

You will still be good at math.  Math is a subject were practice is everything.  So repetition and then relating what you've learned to real life will go along way towards polishing your skills.  Also,  from my personal experience Action is first and your Motivation will come after that.

Answer 3

Its part of our human nature to forget things. Knowledge or skills that you acquire but don't put to use, you are bound to forget eventually . I recently went back to school and had to take a math placement exam. I didn't remember a thing that I learned in school. Now I'm taking a refresher course, trying to get back into the zone.

So unless you practice every once in a while, I don't think you can fully remember anything precisely especially when it comes things like mathematical equations, formulas etc. I suppose the only way you can retain your math skills for future  use would be to go back the notes and books every now and than.

Good luck.

Answer 4

if you have the chance, get your old textbooks and go over them over the summer. even though it might be hardwork, you will definetly get results!

GOOD

LUCK!

Answer 5

Once into the real world, the main thing will be to remember generally how to do it and where to go to get the details.  For now, about all you can do is to continue to keep good notes, review them regularly, and consciously commit to memory the ones you're likely to need (and be unable to look up during tests).

Yeah, it's kind of a drag, I know, but it sounds as if you're doing extremely well.  Keep up the good work, and you'll be fine.

Answer 6

just get a tutor or go out and buy books and study it. If you don't want to do that then just ask teachers.

Answer 7

First, RELAX!  HS should be some fun.  There are lots of techniques that you can use.  If you are genuinely concerned, you should talk to your parents about some private tutoring.  I have done one-on-one tutoring in the past and it has really made a difference for the students I have worked with.

Answer 8

spend ten minutes on breathing before you sit down to study. it helps your brain to hold on to information. Also, be sure to take a study break every 20-30 minutes, so your brain can retain the material.

Day of the test, try not to eat sugar. Stick with fiber and protein.

Answer 9

ahh, don't feel so bad. Mattel used to make a talking Barbie Doll that said, among other gems, "Math class is tough, let's go shopping".

So, the lesson to be learned is simple.

Put down that silly math book and go shopping instead.

:)

Bye bye.

Answer 10

Unless you're around math every single day of your life, it's difficult to stay on top of things.  For me, during the school year I do really well in math, but during an extended break such as summer or winter break, I, as long as everyone else, forget a little of what I've learned.  Once I do a little reviewing, it all comes back to me.  I would recommend that you hold on to all of your notes, homework assignments, and exams.  It may be difficult to do so, but try to go over practice problems every week.  The only way you can learn math is by practicing.  Good luck.

Answer 11

My best suggestion to you is to get a summer tutor to sharpen your skills for next school year. They will review everything you have learned last year and preview things that you will learn in the future next year. Also everyday just reviewing the math book also helps. Do some practice problems over the summer and review the lessons and concepts you learned last year. I hope this helps :)

Answer 12

go to this site:     http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesiz...

Answer 13

truth is, there is no secret to studying for math, u have to solve problem after problem until you can look at a problem and know exactly what to do. i suggest (this may sound stupid) to solve the same problem set at least 3x

Answer 14

Look at your math textbook everyday. Review what you learned in school everyday. Get math workbooks from the library, or bookstore. Enroll yourself into a tutoring program and try to enroll in a class where you learn math more advanced than you learn in school. Good Luck :]

Answer 15

Ask a teacher to stay after school. Study your book and do problems on your own time. If you keep on doing problems from your book it is really good practice. Maybe some websites on the computer could help too. The best of luck! =]

Answer 16

cocentrate deeply on your math and study commonly, and always review thing you've already learned to never forget it and keep it all fresh i your mind until it becomes second nature so you'll be able to retain more knowledge. you sound like your in college. wow, and you could always study with a friend it helps me remember more

Answer 17

1-Being "A" student doesn't mean you won't have any kind of troubles. You are faced to have this . But the good one always looks for the weeknees points and try to avoid it or overcome it next time . That's what education for .

    

     All things won't just go smooth as usual , but it doesn't mean you are stupid , but you will be if you just stop and not try to improve youself.

     Tha all greatist sientists had some sientifical "problems" in thier lives .

     2-You said " I don't remember Algebra 2 stuff that I learned two years ago'

   About that ,not because you studied it you will keep it for ever, You have to revise , and what to revise is notes about what you understood.

    Again don't give yp and remember it's all about understanding and practice .

Answer 18

go to algebrahelp.com . you can do practice problems, worksheets, etc. there are plenty of similar websites, that will allow you to review & help step-by-step (i just don't know their addresses). it will all come back to you, just use the website as your tutor. good luck! -*D*

Answer 19

Your better at maths them me. I got a D at GCSE level the second time and an F the first.

Answer 20

Tuition will help, so ask around for a good math tutor.

Also get a hold of past examination papers, study guides - etc. Work things out on your own, every day, and get someone (a tutor) to check and correct it. That's the only way with math, practice practice practice!

Answer 21

well listen ask anyone who has been out of school for more than 4 years to do a basic maths question..you will find they will be stumped.