MATH SCORES - UP????

[murali0298]

I think that no matter how many tests I take, I won't possibly raise my score b/c the number that I attempt in every math test is always around 27 questions!
I keep missing like probably 3 to 4 which gets me to like around 130 to 140. How do I increase my score? Any suggestions????

[007math]

Okay, I'm going to assume that you can do more than about 30 problems but its the time that hinders you. In that case, look at those 27 you did on a recent test. Take out the really easy ones that you probably did in a minute or less and I suggest you carefully rework the rest, trying to figure out a faster way to do it by hand, maybe see if your calculators can do it, and/or post the question here. I always have time issues on tests, and I know this is trite, but just push yourself. Also know, each test has some of those 1 step problems that gets you the answer almost instantaneously. For example, if [unparseable or potentially dangerous latex formula], what is [unparseable or potentially dangerous latex formula]? I know that is a very simplified version of a recurring problem, but a simple nDeriv on your calculator gets the answer (there are a few similar to these on the math tests). Something else you could look into is programming your calculator since so many questions repeat--but note, for every question there is a "trick" to solve it quickly. And, obviously, practice!

EDIT: Saw your signature and I see you are a sophomore. So you've taken Algebra I and Geometry I assume? I don't know whether you've taken more math classes, but your score will automatically go up as you take more math classes (assuming your speed goes up also). By the completion of Algebra II, I know one can get 200+ easily if his/her speed is high enough (from experience, you can get 200+ before Algebra II as long as you know how to use your calculator efficiently). From personal experience, I've noticed I relied a lot more on my calculator in prior years and as I took Pre-Cal and Calculus, my dependence on it started to decline.

[nsguy1350]

[007math]

Wow, you've taken all those classes and will be a sophomore? Nice!

By knowing that, I'm pretty sure now it's just that time issue so analyze past tests to determine where you are spending a lot of time. Note: I hope this advice works since I never tried it since I had more of a knowledge issue when I started UIL Math.

Was TexasMath down for a couple of days?

[BlasianAsian]

Yeah, it was. At least, for me.

[sxk1693]

I'm surprised at how much my dependence on my calculator has declined. I used to pick up my calculator on most problems. The main thing that has improved my scores is not skipping word problems because they are long. Sometimes these are shorter than solving an integral. READ EVERY PROBLEM. Literally do not skip a problem without reading it. On the TMSCA 2010 Test#2, one of the problems was:
x+5=8 Solve for x. NOT JOKING.
I go in order from #1 to #60 without leaving any time to look back. My accuracy has declined tremendously, but on the TMSCA 2010 Test#2, I answered 51 questions and had 6 incorrect. The only thing we(Murali) don't know how to do yet is Statistics problems and BC problems(But I haven't seen them ask to take a derivative of Polar or Paremetrics, and nsguy taught me taylor series). What kills me is always forgetting law of cosines which has been my enemy since the beginning of time. Sometimes you have to skip problems that you know how to do like conic sections because they take too long. I had to skip the related rates problem in the TMSCA 2010 Test#2. However we all need to get to the point where we can answer all 60 questions. some time in the future. Then only we can get 360s like Bobby Shen.

[nsguy1350]

[ohernandez]

[nsguy1350]

[sxk1693]

how do you do those questions where they give you a conic section with an xy term and tell you to find the angle of rotation from its parent function?

[darksaber21]

[nsguy1350]

Darksaber, you're at Timberview?
I went to a Timberview meet last year, I believe Invitational B.
I might go to one next year as well, maybe I'll see you there!

[darksaber21]

Yeah. Hopefully. I'll look forward to meeting you there and in future competitions.

And I think it was the Invitational A, since I remember doing Invitational B at another meet....but I'm not that sure.

[nsguy1350]

I went to a bunch of Mansfield meets. Maybe B was Legacy. Either way, I went to Timberview at some point. See you next year! You're a senior right (signature implies you are). That means I'll be in your division (junior).