A level Maths struggle

I find that when I do maths at home or in class, I find Maths really managable and I get a majority of the questions correct. However, once I'm under pressure I end up making a whole load of silly mistakes. Does anyone have any tips on how to improve (not just do timed practice at home as I already do that)?

Reply 1

HC_8452

Hi there,
I take advanced higher maths in Scotland and let me tell you I was like a 100% maths student at National 5 and Higher level. Advanced higher is hard but it’s primarily silly mistakes that get me as well since my techniques are pretty much there in my head. I think for me it’s just knowing that I have the techniques puts me at ease but then the time pressure is stressful.

What I do is really go through even the most simple arithmetic—don’t be too overconfident or quick as I feel like that’s where the silly mistakes can come from—but then balancing that with timing. Personally, I don’t think there’s really a set way to “train” that, although someone else might think differently. I think it’s just when doing questions to maybe really think about all parts of it, even those easy parts, because it’s normally those easy parts that you overlook that can come and bite you in the end.

Reply 2

Muttley79

Original post by boopitisme15

Slow down - rushing introduces mistakes.

Reply 3

Kallisto

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Original post by boopitisme15

Although there is a time limit in tests or exams, take your time and think of the questions and your solution processes carefully.

The important question is why you feel under pressure in situations like those. There are some reasons for it.

Reply 4

boopitisme15

Original post by Kallisto

Although there is a time limit in tests or exams, take your time and think of the questions and your solution processes carefully.
The important question is why you feel under pressure in situations like those. There are some reasons for it.

Realised a lot of the time I end up not reading the question properly sometimes. For instance modelling questions can sometimes be in 000s or like specific units like asking for speed in mechanics, not for velocity.