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Studying For the Math HL Exam


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Many people try to study for a Maths exam in the same way they would revise for a history exam. Through memorising formulas and equations in the way they would memorise dates and facts for a history exam. Firstly, before even picking up a pen to begin revision, one fact which you have to understand, is that Maths is NOT like history for example. You can 'do' maths. I can 'do' maths. No one can 'do' history. History isn't as clear cut as Maths when it comes to answers in an exam paper. You can get 100% on your maths test. Sure, it's not going to be easy but the opportunity is there waiting to be seized.

Okay, so you've accepted my mad ramblings and now you're ready to begin revision. How to begin?

I reckon the best start would be to familiarise yourself with your calculator. Know it like the back of your hand, know the tips and tricks now so that in the paper 2 exam, you can hit each key with relative ease; knowing how to save time in an exam is essential. If you master your calculator, you'll have more of a luxury with regards to time than your peers, who will be struggling to get their heads around the piece of kit before them. Part of learning the functions of your calculator rests on your willingness to learn, to want to learn. You could do a quick search on Youtube for any tips and tricks, or look in your calculator manual. The best way to remember the functions of the calculator after you've figured out how to do something, is by perhaps preparing a presentation on a specific function and then go over it again later when you have time.

Then, go through as many questions as you can that deal with calculator usage, and voila!

The conventional way of getting better at maths is practice. Only through practicing questions will you inevitably get better, stronger and faster. Try to integrate (joke. lol) this into your daily routine, by sticking post its all over your bedroom ceiling or wall so that when you wake up the first thing you see is a maths question staring down at you.

Live it, breathe it, see it. And most importantly do it.

Edited by nametaken
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Here is a page that helped me review for my papers 1 and 2. (The good thing is that the answers to all the sample questions are at the bottom, so you could check if your answers were right :P)

Hope it helps =)

Edited by Capt'n Marth
No IBO paper links.
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Just do lots and lots of questions. Although you can never truly prepare for what the IB gives you, they do repeat lots of things over and over again. Look for patterns in past papers and anything that you feel the slightest bit of uncertainty with, grab a textbook and do as many questions as you can until it's burned into your memory. Familiarise yourself with the data booklet as it is a treasure trove of information and remind yourself of the formulas you must learn and those you don't but need to know where they are in the booklet. Practice regularly. You must do some maths everyday to keep those skills at the ready. Even a few days without maths will really affect how you perform.

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  • 3 weeks later...

As nametaken said, your calculator is your greatest tool. After that, practice exams - do lots of them and whatever parts (or chapters) you're unsure about, revise!

Say integration is your weakness... instead of just going through every practice paper and failing the integration bits, actually record what you're having trouble with, and test yourself on those specific areas of weakness. Good luck!

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  • 3 weeks later...

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