Preparing for a Math Test

Begin preparing early:
- pay attention during class, do assigned homework problems
- review daily, weekly, and then do a major review one week before your exam.

Don’t just memorize formulas- Make up a sheet will all the formulas you need to know and
learn them. Make sure that you understand the concepts involved. Concepts will stay in your
memory longer and are less likely to be forgotten under the stress of a test.

Form a study group - not only will other students be able to help you with problems, but by
helping others you will better learn the material. If you are unable to teach another student a
topic that you believe you know, chances are you don’t know that topic very well after all.

Know the vocabulary.
- Know the terminology related to tests in general: explain, define, identify, list, etc.
- Know the terminology related to your test topic: simplify, reduce, factor, solve,
rationalize, etc.

PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE! Repetition is important in math. The way to
study for a math test is by working mixed problems in chapter reviews, old tests the professor
has made available, and review books. It’s not enough to be familiar with the material; you
should have worked so many problems that the material is now easy for you.

Use study helps - Use checklists and flashcards

Do practice tests
- Create sample tests for yourself from study guides and class notes that have the correct
answers listed so you can check your solutions.
- Test yourself often
- Simulate test conditions - Do some timed practice tests or sets of problems, and make
sure the problems are mixed. You want to mimic the testing situation as closely as you
scan while you study for your exam.
- During the practice tests, check all results, just as you will during the test.

Take care of yourself - Get plenty of sleep the night before the test. Sleep is essential for
higher order thinking. Eat right.

Check your materials - paper, pencil, erasers, calculator, graph paper, batteries, ruler, etc.

Know your calculator - if you are not familiar with how a particular calculator works, your
calculations may be incorrect or it may slow you down.
Ideas taken from the following websites:
http://www.txstate.edu/slac/math/skills/ttstratg.html
www.testtakingtips.com/test/math.htm
www.studygs.net/tsttak6.htm
http://regentsprep.org/regents/math/math-tips.cfm
http://wc.pima.edu/~carem/MATHTEST.html
www.vcsa.uic.edu/MainSite/departments/ace/home/math.htm
Taking a Math Test
Create your own formula chart - When you first get the actual test, write down any key
formulas on the margin of your paper so if you forget them when you’re in the middle of the test
you can look back at the formula.
Scan the exam
 Know what is expected of you - note how many questions there are and decide where you
would like to begin; it is recommended that you do the ones you know best first.
 Prioritize items on the test - Look at the points given for problems and think of how to get the
most points in the quickest amount of time.
 Pace yourself - Be aware of time, the problems which are worth more in point value should
receive more time. If you get stuck on a problem move on and come back to it later.
Oftentimes, while solving a new problem, you will get an idea s to how to attack that difficult
problem.
Read the directions carefully and completely before beginning - don’t take it for granted that
the directions are the same as on our homework/class work. Don’t forget to answer all parts of
the question. Make sure you are answering the questions that is being asked! Often student
know how to solve a problem, but they misread or misinterpret the question itself.
Clearly show each step of the solution - many instructors give partial credit if you miss the
answer but have the procedure correct. Don’t erase your entire work even if you know the
answer is wrong because you may get partial credit for using the correct procedure.
When necessary start over on a clean sheet of paper - If you know the answer to a question is
incorrect, and you cannot find your mistake, start over on a clean piece of paper. Oftentimes
when you try to correct a problem, you continually overlook the mistake. Starting over on a clean
piece of paper will let you focus on the question, not on trying to find the error.
Remain confident! Do not get flustered! Focus on what you DO know, not on what you do not
know. You know a LOT of math!!
Check all results using the following methods:
 Plug your answer back into the problem to make sure it works (this is particularly important
for word problems)
 Estimate the answer to make sure your answer is in the right ball park.
 Check for careless errors:
 Double check + and - signs.
 Double check that the decimal place is in the right place.
 Double check that you copied the problem correctly.
 Double check your calculator work. The chances of hitting a wrong number are high, but
the chances of hitting the same wrong number are not.
 If time allows at the end of the test, rework the problems using an alternative method or
rework the problem without looking at your original attempt.
Use all your time - Give yourself the entire test period to finish and do not get spooked because
others leave early. You do not know that they completed the entire exam.
Name ________________________________________
Exam #1- Basic Arithmetic - 100 Points
Time: 5 min
Solve the following (10 points each):
1) 12 + 4 - 3 + 9 – (- 2 )
2) 180 + 9 – (- 54) + 3 - 1
Write the answer on the line. (1 point each):
3) Uno mas Uno menos Uno es igual a ________________.
4) Dos mas Dos es igual a ______________.
Write the first number of each problem as the answer (5 points each):
5) 1 - 10 : ____________________
6) 12 + 5 : ____________________
7) 2 + 3 + 12 + 4 : ____________________
8) 50 - 20 - 5 : ____________________
Story Problem (8 points):
Sally drives from Olympia to Tacoma (30 miles) to pick up her friend and then they drive
together to Port Orchard (30 miles) and take the ferry over to Seattle for a day of fun.
She then leaves her friend in Seattle and drives to her house in Olympia (60 miles). How
far has Sally driven?
Write down 5 test taking strategies you just used (10 points each):
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)