6 Tried & Tested Tips That Will Help You Ace Your O-Level Math

Just like how some prefer ketchup over chilli sauce, there are also students who excel in English but may be struggling to pull their grades up when it comes to Mathematics. If this describes you, there is no need to feel discouraged – after all, there are different factors that explain why math is more challenging for some students.

For instance, students who are left-brain dominant (tend to do more analytical and methodical thinking) may grasp math concepts quicker than students who are right-brain dominant (tend to be more creative or artistic).

But what we are trying to advocate here is that you do not have to resign to fate – grit and effort are key to improvement. Here are six tried and tested tips that will help you ace O-Level math so you can pursue your preferred tertiary education. Read on to find out more.

1. Keep practising

   You have probably heard this from your parents, teachers and peers already but the reality is that practice makes perfect. Completing as many math questions as possible allows you to familiarise yourself with different concepts so that you will not be thrown off guard during the O-Level maths exam even when a question is phrased differently. However, make sure to avoid blind practising as it could be detrimental. Instead, practice a variety of questions and try to understand how you can use varying concepts and approaches to solve the problem.

   Practising also trains you to solve questions quicker, saving precious time which you can use to double or triple check your answers, preventing careless mistakes.

2. Review your mistakes

   Learning from your mistakes is equally important to avoid losing out on marks during the real deal. As most concepts in math are built on previous knowledge, addressing the gaps will be vital in helping you to spot, correct and understand where you have gone wrong. Hence, reviewing your mistakes is an indispensable step after solving both E-Math and A-Math questions.

   Most practice books come with answers at the back with a step-by-step guide to solving the problems but consider consulting your teacher or an O-Level math tutor so you can clarify any doubts you may have. Remember to try the question again to test if you have really gotten the concept down to a T.

   

3. Utilise a problem-solving-first approach

   Understanding a problem thoroughly before you proceed to the next step will be more beneficial than simply memorising equations or formulas. This is a problem-solving-first approach that requires you to fully comprehend the concepts and logic of each question so that you can come up with the right processes to solve it.

   Start by reading the question a few times and dissecting the sentences into portions – this makes it easier for you to digest the concepts. Then, proceed to evaluate where the solutions can fit into the problem before you start writing down equations.

4. Apply real-world examples

   Being able to relate to math problems will help you to get familiar with math concepts faster and better, pulling up your grades in no time. Although A-Math and E-Math are both abstract subjects that can be challenging for students to grasp, applying real-world examples is one of the easiest ways to master them.

   For example, calculate the distance between two points or work out the probability of winning a lucky draw.

5. Know every function of your calculator

   Calculators are a lifesaver but not knowing how to properly use them will do more harm than good. Advanced calculators are allowed during O-Level math exams so make good use of them by understanding every function.

   Changing fractions to decimals, locating the square root and knowing how to enter a logarithm equation are some examples to take note of.

   

6. Sign up for secondary math tuition classes

   Lastly, consider enrolling in A-Math or E-math tuition classes in Singapore to get extra help outside of school. As classes taught by an O-Level math tutor are often smaller compared to those in school, the amount of one-to-one attention you will receive increases, allowing you to learn new concepts and clarify any doubts quicker.

   Rest assured that tutors are constantly keeping themselves abreast of the newest concepts taught in schools so what you learn will still be in line with the syllabus.

Secondary math tuition classes at CalibreMath

CalibreMath is a maths tuition centre in Singapore with a team of experienced tutors who can provide both in-person and online classes for O-Level math.

Our unique math problem-solving strategies will aid you in acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to solve A-Math and E-Math problems without difficulties.

It is never too late to start – enrol in a class today!