How do I stop rote learning Maths? (1 Viewer)

[Jazza99]

Hi guys I am doing 2 Unit and I noticed I have a problem in myself. I have a tendency of copying the technique of each example or previous question I have done, suddenly come to a mix bag or completely different question and I am unable to do it.

It worked for me well in Yr 10 and lower years, but now I am in Yr 12 and I am still applying the same old methodology in doing these questions. I used to think if I keep on repeating the same questions the technique and everything else will get stuck in my head. This hasn't at all been working for me and I am blatantly confused.

For example in terms of Locus, I get confused and a lot of times have to guess what the question is asking me. Its sort of topic which is multifacted and incorporates so many different formulas and methods. I may definitely have an issue with problem solving.

This is not the case for topics like Calculus and Trignometry which I find easier as a lot of things in them are very straightforward to do and understand.

What do you suggest me to do and how to work on these weaknesses of mine? I am in a desperate situation and my exam is in the last week of term.

 

[pikachu975]

Focus on understanding the content and all parts of it so that it'll be easier to apply. Like for locus, you gotta know what a locus is firstly and then understand the type of loci such as circles and parabolas or lines, which are the main ones in 2 unit. E.g. they gave you a question that was something equidistant from one point and had a distance of 2, then you know it's a circle with radius 2, etc.

 

[Jazza99]

bump

 

[Zoinked]

Not a maths expert by any means, but exploring the proofs could help you understand why you solve certain questions in certain ways. E.g. looking at the proofs for why x^0= 1 would help you better understand indices.

 

[Olevelswerebetter]

Try going over proofs then trying to prove things yourself. It's fun and it just makes maths so much 'clearer' imho