I have to ace a 70 question test for my college algebra course… If I fail again I’m out for good.

I slept throughout most of the homework assignments (I have my reasons, work related issues) and I’m already on my second attempt at this course. This test is my last chance.

I’m looking for your best advice on how to focus and actually assimilate the information.

Each one topic is really easy on its own, but when confronted with 70 questions, each topic with its own caveats… I struggle to remember procedures, “side effects” or common tricks, e.g. I forgot how to factorize (x^3 +1) in the middle of resolving a fraction division and lost an invaluable half hour finding out how mad easy it was… I need to internalize such trivialities at my core on top of learning all the mayor topics.

And advice, tips and tricks to study? I have a good month to get ready.

  • solrize@lemmy.ml
    9·
    20 hours ago

    Don’t mess with computers or AI or other distracting crap. Do ALL the exercises in your textbook. Then get another textbook covering similar material but with different exercises, and do those. The idea is not to do exercises on topic X until you can get it right. Rather it’s to do them until you can’t get it wrong.

    Schaum’s Outlines used to be good for upper division college level math. IDK what they have for intro level like you’re describing.

    For the factorization you mention, look at the roots of the polynomial, i.e. x^3+1=0. So the roots are the (complex) cube roots of -1. One of those cube roots is -1 itself, i.e. x+1=0. So that is one of the factors: x^3+1 = (x+1)(something). So then figure out what (something) is.

    • jesale@lemmy.zipOP
      5·
      19 hours ago

      Do it until i can’t get it wrong, that’ll be my motivational phrase from now on.

      In the past I’ve made the mistake of doing it until I get it right once or twice.

      Thank you for your good advice.

      • pebbles@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        3·
        12 hours ago

        I used to set some coins on the table (five or so) and then if I get it right I move a coin to the other side. If I get one wrong I move them all back. I can’t move on until I’ve moved all the coins to the other side. This was generally for music practice but it seems pretty applicable here.