Many students assume that maths is a difficult subject. Some students struggle with accuracy in maths. But, maths is indeed interesting and fun. There are many tips and techniques that you can use in your learning process. Once you get a hold of the concepts, solving questions in maths will become a cakewalk for you. Be confident and study with confidence.
As you start your class 8, your subjects will become advanced. This does not necessarily mean that your subjects will be very tough. You can master your subjects with the right approach and dedication. You need not get scared of the syllabus. Move forward with confidence. Stick to your syllabus and follow standard books. NCERT books are standard books for the CBSE board. You can also refer to additional reference books. Here, we quickly discuss some useful tips that will help you to prepare for the class 8 maths exam:
Practice, practice, and practice
You cannot understand maths simply by reading and listening. It is a hands-on subject. You have to solve questions in order to understand any concept. You must solve each and every question given in your book. The standard book followed by CBSE is the NCERT book. NCERT books are strictly according to your syllabus. The language is very easy to understand. NCERT books have a sufficient number of practice problems. Go through each and every question and solve them. Even if you feel some questions are easy, solve them. These questions might have some underlying concepts. You can understand the level of a question only when you solve it. If you are unable to solve any question, you can refer to NCERT Solutions for the class 8 maths book. This book is very helpful. You will not only get the solution, but you will learn the right approach to solve a question. Your method of solving a question has marks weightage too. Each step in your solution carries some marks. Therefore, it is important to attempt the right approach. NCERT solutions book is the best way to understand this.
Solve the solved questions
Every chapter has some solved examples. Do not skip those questions. You must solve them to understand the right approach to get the answers. Don’t start with complex questions. Solving examples will develop your confidence and encourage you to attempt other questions too. In fact, the correct sequence should be, first solved examples, then easier unsolved questions, then the complex ones. When you solve the examples, do not look at the answers. After you get the solution, check and match your solution with that in your NCERT book. While matching the solution, pay attention to your steps. There are stepwise markings in exams too, it is important that you use the correct steps to solve the questions. Once you have practiced enough solved questions, you are good to go. You can attempt the easier questions from your exercise problems and when you feel you have mastered those questions, move on to difficult ones. You can refer to other books also for practice, but do not miss the NCERT maths book.
Note down the formulas
Make a list of formulas. You can stick the list on your wall near your studying area. A quick look through the formulas every day is also enough to register them in your mind. The more you revise those formulas, the faster you can solve the questions. But do not simply memorize the formulas. Understand the concepts behind them. There will be many derivations in your book with the formulas. Make sure to do the derivation on your own to understand the idea behind the formula. This is how you can brush your basics. This way you can solve unseen questions. You can make flashcards of formulas and decorate your studying area with them. Formulas come in handy during revision. You need not solve many questions before exams. Just be thorough with the formulas. Along with formulas, you can also note down shortcuts and tricks. You can also make a list of types of questions from each topic. This way you will be able to recognize the questions in the exam and the correct approach to solve them. If you are having a hard time understanding the formulas, you can enroll in online math classes with Straighterline and get transferrable credits.
Clear all your doubts
Usually, the language of NCERT books is easy to understand. But you might get stuck in some concepts and problems. Collect your doubts and ask your teachers. The best way to identify doubts is through practice only. The more you practice, the more doubts you will get. Do not get worried about the number of doubts you have. It is totally fine. Your teachers can clear them and make you understand them. You can discuss it with your friends too. You will get to know different ways of solving a question. This way learning becomes more fun. Never try to memorize questions in maths. If your concepts are clear, you will not face problems in solving new questions in exams.
Apply maths to real-world problems
Understanding the practical application of any concept will help you to perceive it differently and will help you to gather more ideas. You will come across types of graphs in daily lives. Try to relate your learning to them. There are many games based on mathematical concepts. They help you to sharpen your skills. This will give you more confidence too.
Revise
Since maths is a practical subject, you cannot revise simply by reading your notes. When you practice problems from a book, mark the questions which you find a bit difficult. Make a list of types of questions in every chapter and segregate questions accordingly. Mark some questions in each type. Before the exam, just solve these questions. You cannot solve all the questions before the exam. This is not feasible and is not a correct approach either. Revising formulas is also very important before exams. Try to finish your syllabus before the exam. Do not wait for the last moment for any topic. Attempt the questions with confidence. Trust your preparation and give your best.
