If you are studying MM this coming year, we’ve compiled a few of the most important study tips and tricks you will need to thrive.
One.
Algebra on TOP
Most of the marks students miss when it comes to methods is on algebra questions, not calculus. You need to be fast and accurate with:
- Expanding and factorising
- Solving equations and inequalities
- Rearranging formulas
- Working with fractions and indices
As a result, you should try and practise algebra daily, even for 10 minutes!
Two.
Learn Topics as a “chain”
Methods topics tend to build on each other throughout units. For example:
Functions -> transformations -> calculus -> optimisation
If one of those topic links is weak, later topics fall apart or become more difficult. Before you dive into a new topic, ask yourself; “Can I do this without my notes under time pressure?”
Three.
Practise UNDERSTANDING questions carefully
Methods exams and assessment will test you reading comprehension, not just classic mathematics. Make sure you are working to understanding what the question is really asking you to do, note constraints (domain, interval, units) and underline key words like hence, show that, maximum, approximate so you don’t forget to include them in determining your final answer.
Misreading costs easy marks!
Four.
Always write out calculus steps
Never skip differentiation steps, chain rule working, integration set-up, substitution limits etc. Even if your final answer ends up being wrong, correct working with earn you back marks.
Five,
Practise “explain” questions
Many methods questions will ask you to justify or interpret results. Practise statements like:
- “Since f’ (x) > 0 on this interval, the function is increasing.”
- “The negative gradient indicates…”
- “The maximum occurs where f’ (x) = 0 and f’’(x) < 0.”
Using correct language = easy marks
Six,
Use CAS/Calculator as a Checking Tool (Not a crutch)
You should:
- Do algebra and calculus by hand first
- Use CAS to verify, not replace working
- Practise non-CAS questions separately
Seven,
Practise Mixed Topic Questions
Methods exams rarely isolate one skills, make sure you are practising questions that combine a range of topics in one.
E.g.
- Functions + calculus
- Graphs + interpretation
- Algebra + reasoning
This builds exam-ready thinking!
Eight,
Redo Hard Questions Properly
When you get a question wrong go through a few steps:
- Attempt it again without looking at the working
- Compare with the official solution
- Rewrite a clean, correct version
- Explain (in words) what you misunderstood
Happy studying!
