Practise, practise practise, eventually it will just come naturally.
Name:
yoguys2012-05-11 9:52
practice*
Name:
Anonymous2012-05-12 7:06
Find something that interests you that uses trig... your desire to solve the problem will help motivate you through the math. I know artists that claim to hate math & science 'cos they don't need it, yet require both to correctly mix & fire glaze for pots.. (ok so it is basic math.. but hopefully illustrates my point?)
Name:
Anonymous2012-05-14 18:57
A good exercise might be trying to derive everything you know about trig functions using basic algebra and geometry and the unit circle definition (periodicity, sin being odd and cos being even, the double angle formula, the symmetry properties and so on). As has been said earlier, it is much easier to remember properties once you have spent a reasonable amount of time thinking about it. Trying to derive the properties yourself (or at least looking at elementary proofs) might help you understand how things work since you'll have understood how they are built
Name:
Anonymous2012-05-16 23:14
A great way to improve your math is to create shortcuts in your head. Through repetition you will eventually teach yourself mental shortcuts which you can eventually stack up and use to your advantage.
I had that stygma for years, then I realised that everything is relative, even in math. You'll never be the best mathematician in the world but you'll also never be the worst. Try to isolate the things that you understand, even if they are "1+1=2" level, and then start to literally play with them. The results are incredibly precise.
Name:
Anonymous2012-05-28 23:23
And now you know.
Name:
Anonymous2012-07-22 11:04
go to khan academy
Name:
Anonymous2012-09-18 21:23
>>16
that and try thinking of it in different ways. The greeks thought of math as shapes. Pythagoreas thought in ratios, two numbers in relation to eachother. A common visual involves apples and hungry, distracted schoolchildren.
Name:
Anonymous2012-10-27 21:29
Depends on what you mean "become better at math". There's a huge difference between:
1) Attaining a solid functional understanding (for engineering and physics and the like)
2) Attaining a good theoretical understanding with a solid theoretical foundation (for people actually interested in the beauty of math)
3) Learning enough math to pass a standardized test (For people who are being failed by the school system)
For example, in relation to calculus, the three reccomendations I would give would be:
1) Don't worry about rigor, just treat differentiation as the ratio of two very small quantities. Use your intuitive knowledge about limits and infinitesimals and read some physics books which should explain all you need to know along the way to teaching calc based physics. Take stuff for granted; it can be proven, but it's pretty obvious so do you really want to? Always guess e^{rx} as a solution to a differential equation if it's not seperable.
2) Go learn what limits are formally. Make sure you thorughly understand this definition. Try to prove all results you read and experiment to try to find these results yourself before your calculus book. (Fundamental theorem of calculus is easy to guess and subsequently prove)
Make sure you understand all continuity results not just intuitively, but mathematically. Understand why the definition of continuity works and what it implicitly assumes. Try to find different ways of looking at the same proofs and ideas. Understand what Euler dId wrong in his solution to the Basel Problem. (He got the right answer bt his method works only coincidentally)
Finally, dont be afraid to explore, play with the math and uestion authority.
3) Get a tutor, go to Khan Academy or think abot what mathematics really is and try to see its beauty.
2)
Name:
Anonymous2012-10-28 16:12
ì had a math teacher who used to say that you have to imagine maths as tools, you have a tool box in which you put what you learn, and then you have to practice to know what tool to use at the right moment and at one point it becomes intuitive.
you need a basic understanding of geometry for trig, and khan offers a wide selection on geometry, also basic high school algebra, all the way to basic calculus
Actually, does anyone know a website similar to khan academy, but offers free lessons 12+, basically, college level?
This might be useful to you. It's basically a compilation from MIT of MIT lessons and class/lecture resources available for personal use.
Name:
Genius2012-12-27 1:45
9 Steps to Score A* in Mathematics
1. ACHIEVERS IN MATHS ARE MADE; NOT BORN
Change your belief about Maths. Develop a positive attitude towards learning Maths. By applying correct techniques with right attitude, you can develop your aptitude.
2. KNOW YOUR MATHS SYLLABUS
Ask your teacher for a scheme of work to plan early. Understand the syllabus requirements so that you know how much effort is needed for the whole year.
3. LEARNING AID
Make a topical checklist and display it at your study place to check your progress. Understand a topic fully and summarise it using study cards, flow charts or mind maps. These work best as quick reviews before tests or exams.
4. OPTIMISE CLASS TIME
Be attentive in class. Do not shy away from asking questions. If in doubt, seek teachers' help immediately. Maths problem don't disappear, they just multiply.
5. SELF STUDY AND GROUP STUDY
Take time for self-study. Reflect on the day's lessons. Have a note book to record your doubts to clarify later. You may also work in groups to solve questions, discuss homework or review your lessons. Explaining your solutions to your group gives you a clearer insight of the topic.
6. BE CONSISTENT
Set your goals and make a commitment to be consistent. Read ahead of the lesson and complete your homework on time. It helps you identify your weakness, address your problems early and reinforce your strengths.
7. LEARN FROM MISTAKES
Do not dismiss any errors in Maths as a "careless mistake". Most errors arise from misunderstanding of concepts. Think through the mistakes and learn from them.
8. PRACTISE
Do not rely on routine practice alone.Focus on important topics and do a variety of simple and challenging problems to crystallise concepts. Past year papers are a good indication of your expected standard.
9. DON'T JUST MEMORISE: UNDERSTAND
Learning Maths is not about memorising formulae but understanding the fundamentals. Once you understand and see how every topic is linked to what you already know, it becomes easier to remember them. And if you forget, you'll be able to work it out yourself.
Remember that when in need of help, you can always turn to your four pillars - teachers, parents, peers & tutors. Their guidance, support & encouragement can surely lift you from your worries & make you feel more confident of doing well in Maths.
It is important that you reads every question twice to make sure you understands very clearly what is required of her. You should also underline the key phrases as they serve as a guideline to answer the question accurately. lf the question posed is "How much does a pencil cost?'; but the answer says "The total cost of 15 pencils'; you may secure some marks for working but may not obtain the full marks. Always answer to the point. (Habit- Accuracy in picking up the clues)
ALWAYS HAVE A MODEL OR A STRUCTURE
In trekking, it is important to have a map to guide you when you navigate an unfamiliar terrain. Similarly, you must have a tool such as a bar model, a diagram, a table, or a structure (branching method) to help you to solve a question. With a model, you have a complete picture of the situation and can get a good idea of what is required and work towards the solution in a systematic fashion.
This also helps the examiner to understand your solution clearly. Without a model, students may fumble or may make the wrong connections and arrive at an incorrect solution. It can be confusing for examiners if answers involve abstract workings without a structure or a model. (Intelligence- the proper way to solve using model, no short cut)
TRACKING THE TIME
You should not spend too much time on any one question. The marks allotted for every question can be used to gauge the time that you should portion for the question.
For a 5-mark question, the time should not exceed 6-7 minutes. You should not be stuck in a question. lf you does not know how to do it, you can always come back to the particular question later. You could make a mark on the question and make a fold (dog-ear) on a page to remind yourself to return to the question later. This could be a big time-saver. Skipping the question to work on others may also give you clues or insights that may help you to solve the question. (Habit- Speed in completing your work in time)
DO NOT LEAVE OUT ANY QUESTION
If you are unable to solve a particular question, you can skip the question and move on, and come back to the question later. Ideally, you should not leave any question unattended. You may gain some marks for meaningful workings, even if they are not incomplete. (Habit- full completion of all work required)