How to Master Math: 7 Tips & Tricks

“How to become a master in math” is probably the question that popped

into your mind when you came across this page. Math is considered to be
the language of the universe. Avoiding learning this language is like a child
not knowing an essential language such as English or Spanish. Some
believe that being able to learn and apply math is a gift. However, it’s more
of a skill that can be learned than a gift that people are bestowed upon
birth. Here, we have seven tips and tricks to help you master math and
become proficient in the subject. 1  Disclaimer: You don’t need to be gifted.
All you need is patience!  

Practice Hard
“Practice makes perfect” is one of the sayings that has captivated most of us and
makes us assume that one fine day we will become “perfect.” However, practice makes
us better, not perfect. It makes a person better than they were yesterday, provided that
they work consistently. We call ourselves imperfect or claim that we are not good
enough based on how we compare ourselves with others or hold unrealistic standards
that may never be met. This is where most people stop and give up when it comes to
math. In math, practice is what pushes you ahead more than anything else. Memorizing
formulas is a good skill, but applying the formula is where a person’s proficiency is
demonstrated. The only way to learn the application of these formulas is through
practice. There is no shortcut to mastering math, and no magic pill will help.  

Master the Basics and Concepts

Making bricks without clay is not possible. The first step to being good at math is to be
well versed in the basics. The ease with which the basic mathematical operations and
concepts are applied determines how quickly and effectively the advanced concepts can
be tackled. Revise those formulas, concepts, and theories. Sit with a friend if required,
get a tutor if necessary, or read up on memorizing techniques and get done with those
basics. After this is done, mastering math is an adventure that is easy to deal with as
the person is better equipped9 with basic math skills.  

Do Not Allow Negative Biases to Take Over Your

Mind
The biggest limitation is the one created by the mind. If a person assumes that math is
not meant for them, they have already created a sense of disengagement with the
subject. At this point, the journey becomes more difficult. The influence of math
haters, passive disregard for the subject from adults, and other negative thoughts makes
it harder to master math. Instead of saying, “I’m not good at math,” say, “I’ll improve
every day.” Repeatedly reassuring oneself and believing in the capability to persevere
will take a person far ahead.

Self-study is the Key

Even if you are guided by the teachers of the greatest mathematicians, mastering math
is impossible without one key element—self-study. Let’s understand why self-study is
important. Everyone has a different pace and a unique way of mapping different ideas
in their minds. The only time this happens properly is when the person takes it upon
themselves to study the subject. It is during self-study that most people understand the
subject better and also choose a method that suits their learning needs. So, self-study is
a very important tool that will help you in the process of mastering math.  

Familiarize Yourself With Ways to Calculate Faster

Math is a subject with multiple ways to achieve a common answer. When setting the
foundations in place, choose a method that is elaborate. In fact, simpler calculations
can be done with certain techniques that can save a lot of time and energy. Even basic
operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division have alternate
methods that can get the calculations done quickly. Using the most efficient way to
solve problems during examinations will save time and give you a better chance of
cracking more challenging questions. 

Apply Math to Real-life Problems

One of the best ways to remember something is by associating a concept with
something that’s already known. This is the reason why word problems are quite
popular in most math textbooks. Applying math to real-life problems provides context
to keep a particular concept in your mind amidst the heaps of information a person
usually gathers. The more associations a person can make, the higher their chances of
learning math concepts. This is yet another key aspect that helps a person master
mathematics. 

Create a Math Dictionary

A dictionary is a book that gives a list of the meanings of the words of the English
language in alphabetical order. A math dictionary does the same thing, except it
provides you with the formulas and theorems you have learned. The key aspect is that
you create this dictionary in the order that is appropriate to your requirements. The
reason for creating this dictionary is that it will act as a quick reference guide and a
recap mechanism that will hold the tools you need at the tips of your fingers. As you
progress from one concept to another, a constant recap of the old formulas and theories
makes it much easier to push ahead.