Same Problem Different Approaches

To improve your math skills see if you can solve the same problem in different ways. See which ways are simpler and try and understand why. I help a number of students in preparing for the ACT and in a timed test scenario you obviously want to solve the problems in the fastest and most accurate way possible. I show students the long and short ways so they understand the problem but can get the answer in other ways if they get stumped. Remember, when solving any problem see if you can draw a diagram, write an equation, use estimation to verify your answer, look for hints/clues in the wording of a problem, etc. Try something...anything, then adjust your approach from there but get some momentum by attempting the problem then modifying your solving technique. Always look for simpler more direct ways to get to the solution.