How to Improve Speed and Accuracy in Maths Problems

Hello Candidates,

You would have heard it often that there is no shortcut for success and surely you would have realized it by now. Similarly, there is no substitute for hard work and practice. Be it any exam, only a great amount of consistent hard-work and practice can help you qualify it. The short tricks can help you in the preparation but you can't be completely dependent on these tips. You will have to understand the concept behind every theorem or principle, then only you can apply the tricks.

Mathematics: Tips & Tricks

Mathematics is still considered as the most challenging subject by many students. One minor mistake and the whole question will catch the wrong direction. In order to improve the speed of solving math problems, one needs a lot of practice. However, there are some points that are noteworthy with respect to all upcoming exams like SSC CGL Exam 2019 tier-1 and tier 2, IBPS, IB, and all other exams.

#Read the Question Carefully 

Don’t just read the question only. Look at the options carefully before you begin solving the problem because sometimes all you need to do is to put the given values in the question.

#Take Random Values

If possible, take random values and put those into question. Lots of tough questions can be solved in this way. For example:

Q)   1/(1+2ˆ(a-b)) +1/(1+2ˆ(b-a))  is-

• a)  a-b
• b)  b-a
• c)  1
• d)  0                                                                [SSC-CGL TIER-1 2013]

In this question, if we put a=b=0 then we can easily find that option C is the answer.

Q)  If (1+sinα )(1+sinβ )(1+sinγ )=(1-sinα )(1-sinβ )(1-sinγ ), then each side is equal to-

• a. ±cosα cosβ cosγ
• b. ±sinα sinβ sinγ
• c. ±sinα cosβ cosγ
• d. ±sinα sinβ cosγ                                           [ SSC-CGL TIER-1 2013]

Here put α =0,β =0,γ =0.  This satisfies the equation so now check which option gives value 1 by putting  values α =0,β =0,γ =0. clearly the answer is a.
The standard method to solve this question is following-
let      (1+sinα )(1+sinβ )(1+sinγ )=k        …. (1)
and    (1-sinα )(1-sinβ )(1-sinγ )=k          ….. (2)
now  (1)×(2) gives
(1²-sinα ²)(1²-sinβ ²)(1²-sinγ ²)=k²
so  k= ±cosα cosβ cosγ is the answer.

In the above two examples, we have seen that by taking random values we may find the answer easily hence no need for lengthy calculations.

Check Here: Tips to Improve Your English

#Geometry

If a question involves a triangle then assume an equilateral triangle (if possible). In an equilateral triangle, altitude, median, angle bisector, the perpendicular bisector of each base are the same. Centro-id, incentre, orthocentre, and circumcentre are also the same. In some cases assuming the right-angled triangle would be suitable. Thus the problem would become simple.

Memorize these Pythagoras triplets-

• 3,4,5
• 5,12,13
• 7,24,25
• 8,15,17

The multiples of these triplets are also Pythagorean triplets. In most of the questions, you will find these triplets. We can say a triangle is a right-angled if sides are Pythagorean triplets.

#Practice the Weaker Sections More

One must study at home carefully and find similar things which can improve his performance. Some students find the problems based upon ‘Time and Work’ quite difficult while others find the problem on triangles a bit tough. You need to give some extra time to these weak sections. Practice the different types of questions on these topics until you get sure that now, you can attempt any question from these sections. The more questions you solve the more smart you become!!

#Remember Formulas

It is a good habit to note down in a separate paper all-important formulas, conversions, expressions, tricks you required while solving questions. And stick this paper to the wall in front of your study table.  This way you will be able to memorize them quickly.  Before going to the exam, have a look at those papers, you won’t forget these in Exam.

#Don’t Memorize Tricks

Don’t memorize too many tricks as given in many books. It just creates more confusion in exam time. Memorize only those tricks which you yourself found helpful and important at the time of preparation, none else.

#Practice Using Rough Space

At home, we are in the habit of using rough space lavishly. Be prepared! In the exam, you won't find this much space. Space is limited in the question paper. If you have seen the real paper of Maths SSC-CGL TIER- 2 paper, you would find very limited space. Many students were annoyed and expressed their displeasure over this. Hope SSC gives enough space this year, yet one should adjust himself to limited space and overwriting.

#Read the Questions Carefully

In the exam, read the questions carefully and look at the question in the Hindi language also if required.

#Don’t Get Anxious

When the bell for the last 30 minutes rings many students get anxious as their performance was below their expectations and try to solve questions quickly. Sorry, this doesn’t help! Be calm and focus on questions and pick those which look easy. Your performance might be low because of a very tough paper and cut-off would be less.

#Concentration

Concentration is the best instrument to enhance your speed and accuracy. Put your whole mind and soul into the question. If the invigilators are chatting unnecessarily ask them to stop talking.

Conclusion

Friends, comment below to give feedback about the article and share it with your friends. If you are preparing for SSC CGL then read: SSC CGL Tier-2 paper composition and cut off analysis and SSC CGL Tier-2 Tips and tricks.

We wish you luck for the exam!!