What do you do when you don't know how to solve a maths question?

Question

People say that if you don't know how to solve a question you should never ever look at the answers but at least give it a go before you look at the answer booklet
But what if you actually have NO idea? You can't find any hints or rules or anything anywhere cause math textbooks only give you the easy examples?
People also say that even if you have no idea whatsoever you should try to solve it on your own no matter how long it will take but what if you don't have that much time
Also, what are some study tips of really high achievers for maths?
Thank you so much!

Answer 1

Most of the time this happens because you have forgotten some previously learned material and you don't know that you have forgotten it. You think the problem is with the current topic, but the problem is a forgotten previous topic. The solution is to have a list of the previously learned topics and work backwards all the way to pre-algebra. This book has a system of backwards working and identifying that can help.



wikipedia: forgetting curve

google "Algebra Acrostic Dictionary" and "Geometry Acrostic Dictionary"

these are a collection of mnemonics for algebra or geometry.

Answer 2

Honestly, if you dont know the answer to a math question look it up. Instead of guessing and wasting time, figure out how the actual answer is that. Studying and revieewing is the way to go. Practice sample questions your teacher may have given u or predict problems ur teacher could possibly give u from the information learned. (Y)

Answer 3

One thing that has really helped me in school throughout the years is looking up lessons like this on youtube. You might be surprised as to how many teachers and professors take the time to post instructional videos online for students. I hope this works for you!

Answer 4

you have to use what you learn and apply it to the questions. Some questions are super hard and require extensive thinking. I just search them up in the internet (after I try the problem).