What should I know before startit HL Math

[Emilia1320]

So, for last 2 months I've tried to prepare for HL math. I've done mainly algebra.

Is there something particular I should take look at before next year and HL math

[FChaosi_]

I don't know if this will be of help considering Math HL is, well, considerably harder than Maths SL but there is a "background knowledge" chapter for the SL textbook that covers around 11 topics that you may find of interest. Here's a link:

http://www.sis.edu.hk/sites/sis/files/BackgroundKnowledge%20for%20Maths%20SL_0.pdf

This simplified syllabus also has a section for assumed knowledge:

http://education.cambridge.org/media/215662/higher%20level%20syllabus.pdf

[Vioh]

So, for last 2 months I've tried to prepare for HL math. I've done mainly algebra.

Is there something particular I should take look at before next year and HL math

 

To be honest, there's nothing that you need to study beforehand for Math HL because the course really starts from the very beginning (as the prior knowledge for HL math is like the secondary school stuff). So don't worry too much about what areas of maths that you should prepare. I think pre-IB is really the best time to do the stuff that you like as it's the only time to do so before stepping into the hell of IB

 

Nevertheless, I think it would be a good idea for you to start developing a good way of learning for yourself. My way of learning is to take really good notes (basically writing down all the stuff in my brain onto papers such that I would never forget those valuable knowledge). I personally think this is the best way of learning because it represents an "active" way of studying. Not only had it helped me in IB, but taking notes has provided me an enormous help in university. However, your study technique might be different and it is totally up to you to find out what it is; and pre-IB is really the best time to figure that out.

 

Also it might be a good idea to get used to how mathematics really works. I mean you should spend time on training your brain to get used to lots of mathematical symbols, notations, & a high-level of abstraction. In fact, abstraction is a big part of mathematics. It is one of the most important but also one of the worst part, because notations & symbols & abstraction are really what that make lots of people scared of maths. So if you get used to these symbols & high-level of abstraction, it would be much easier for you to fall in love with mathematics. That was how i fell in love with maths btw The best way to practice your abstract thinking & your skill at reading mathematical notations is to read books that use lots of mathematical notations (such as the Pearson HL book, etc). 

 

So I guess my advice for you is to study whatever field of mathematics that interests you. Read a lot to get an intuitive feeling for mathematical notations. At the same time, you should try to figure out your best way of learning to get ready for the IB torture in your next two years Good luck!

Edited December 29, 2014 by Vioh

[Emilia1320]

So, for last 2 months I've tried to prepare for HL math. I've done mainly algebra.

Is there something particular I should take look at before next year and HL math

 

To be honest, there's nothing that you need to study beforehand for Math HL because the course really starts from the very beginning (as the prior knowledge for HL math is like the secondary school stuff). So don't worry too much about what areas of maths that you should prepare. I think pre-IB is really the best time to do the stuff that you like as it's the only time to do so before stepping into the hell of IB

 

Nevertheless, I think it would be a good idea for you to start developing a good way of learning for yourself. My way of learning is to take really good notes (basically writing down all the stuff in my brain onto papers such that I would never forget those valuable knowledge). I personally think this is the best way of learning because it represents an "active" way of studying. Not only had it helped me in IB, but taking notes has provided me an enormous help in university. However, your study technique might be different and it is totally up to you to find out what it is; and pre-IB is really the best time to figure that out.

 

Also it might be a good idea to get used to how mathematics really works. I mean you should spend time on training your brain to get used to lots of mathematical symbols, notations, & a high-level of abstractness. In fact, abstractness is a big part of mathematics. It is one of the most important but also one of the worst part, because notations & symbols & abstractness are really what that make lots of people scared of maths. So if you get used to these symbols & high-level of abstractness, it would be much easier for you to fall in love with mathematics. That was how i feel in love with maths btw The best way to practice your abstract thinking & your skill at reading mathematical notations is to read books that use lots of mathematical notations (such as the Pearson HL book, etc). 

 

So I guess my advice for you is to study whatever field of mathematics that interests you. Read a lot to get an intuitive feeling for mathematical notations. At the same time, you should try to figure out your best way of learning to get ready for the IB torture in your next two years Good luck!

Thanks for responses for you people about that preliminary section on Oxford book, I've naturally done those from my HL math book already but I've heard plenty of those horror stories about HL math and math is propably the most important subject on my diploma since I'm planning to apply to engineering or something mathematics and nature sciences related anyway. I really want good grade on it but my counselor says seven on HL math is literally impossible. Almost yells me to prove it wrong well, I'm pleased if I get six

But yeah, more basic stuff I learn beforehand more I have time to study challenging stuff as I have good basics already. That's the idea behind preparing. Besides the fact I don't have anything to do during Christmas holiday of course

I by the way used to be the student who came to Pre-DP thinking she will study Studies Math and as few sciences as possible but math is damn great I've learned to love it and other sciences in 4 months I'm really pleased that I came to IB