There are many different ways and techniques you can utilize to study for a math exam.

First and foremost, attend every class. Math is not a class where you can master the material simply by reading the book. Also, you cannot miss out on vital group work and quiz points that are issued in class. It is a lot easier for a professor to help you or show mercy on you if you are present and on time to every lecture.

Second, review each topic you cover in class on Khanacademy. Kahnacademy will reinforce what was covered in class. Watching the relevant videos will make doing homework problems easier. In math classes, the only true way to master a topic is by doing practice problems. You must do variations of the same problem multiple times to make sure you know the steps involved in solving the problem. Switching the problems around keeps you from studying the same problem and only knowing how to solve only one type of problem. If you are completing practice problems and come across a problem you’re stuck on, bring it up in class the following day.

Do not be afraid to ask questions. Professors actually appreciate good questions and will often commend you for bringing one up. Also, chances are there is someone else in the class that did not know how to do the problem as well.

Doing homework problems from the required text is perfect for practice, and typically the test will feature at least one problem from each section. This allows you to do extra problems in sections that you don’t understand 100 percent. Accordingly, there is a review section for each chapter. Make sure to set aside time to complete each review question at the end of the chapter. If you know how to do a problem and have it mastered, skip it. Otherwise complete all the problems as if it were a test. Check your answers at the very end. Often times, problems similar to the ones found in the book are on the test. Complete all of the homework assigned prior to the next class. You will be lost if you don’t keep up.

Third, attend review sessions if they are available. Most teachers will set aside a day to review for the test. Pay attention on this day. The more you know about the test, the less chance a problem will surprise you. 

A key factor for being ready for a math test is not only mastering the material but being prepared for the type of questions that are going to be asked. Check and see if the tests from previous semesters are available from your teacher. Koofers.com will have old tests as well. These are perfect to prevent the “shock” of a big problem and will give you an idea of the general format. If you have a copy of last semester’s exam, fill it out and make sure the problems are correct. Take the completed test to your exam and look over it until you are forced to put it away. When you get the test take a few minutes to just read through the whole test. Fill in questions you can answer quickly and do not require much thought. The key is to keep your stress level to a minimum so you can think clearly and accurately. Then complete the word problems or problems you have to show your work on. If there is a problem slowing you up, keep it in the back of your mind and come back to it after you have answered every other question.

Be sure to go back though the test and check to make sure all your answers make sense. If you can, rework the problems that you are unsure of. Once you are sure of your answers, go back to the problems you were not so sure about and rework them. Remember you have the full allocated time and getting out a few minutes early isn’t worth losing vital points. .