Download Effective Study Strategies for Mathematics: A Comprehensive Guide and more Assignments Algebra in PDF only on Docsity! Suggestions for Improving Grades Preparation: 1.Read the current section in the textbook before class; make a note of parts that don't make sense. 2.Bring your workbook and calculator to class every day. 3.Practice basic skills, especially using function notation, simplifying expressions, and solving equations. 4.Practice thinking about the meaning of the equations or graphs, especially on word problems: what do the variables represent? What is the function measuring? What are the units? Are there any physical constraints on the domain or range? Homework: 1.Start the assignment early and identify the parts that you don't understand, then ask about them—ask in class, by email, during office hours, or in the tutoring room. 2.Do all of the assigned problems. 3.Do all parts of each problem—read the questions carefully to make sure you don't miss anything. 4.Write down the intermediate steps in your calculations, even if you are able to solve the problem in your head. This shows the instructor that you know what you are doing (as opposed to, say, copying answers); lets the instructor find where you went wrong, if there is a mistake (so you could get partial credit); and helps you to review later, when you might have forgotten how to solve the problem. 5.Re-read the question when you are done to make sure you have answered what was actually asked. 6.The calculator is a useful tool for finding approximations and the general shape of graphs, but always verify the results algebraically (unless the question specifically says to just use your calculator). 7.When you are asked to graph a function, sketch the graph on your paper. Make it big enough to see clearly—the graph should take up at least half the width of the page. Label both axes, the tick marks, and any special points that you are supposed to include, such as intercepts or measured values 8.Set up word problems by first drawing the diagram, labeling all parts, writing down the known relationships between the parts, identifying the input and output, and identifying the unknown that you need to solve for. Then substitute and simplify as much as possible. 9.Check your answer by plugging it back into the original equation or expression, or by doing the inverse operation. For example, if you have factored a polynomial by division, check it by multiplying your result back out to make sure it gives you the original polynomial. 10.Check that your answer makes sense, especially on word problems. For example, lengths can't be negative. Again, think about what the math means. 11.Answer writing questions using complete sentences. Do not begin sentences with “Because...”; instead, repeat part of the question so that the answer makes sense. For example, “The volume is less than expected because...”. 12.Use many resources for help: textbook, the instructor, the tutoring room, the
