Math.... I thought I was smart?

Until the year before last I really had problems with math. Not that I didn't understand it, but every other problem (for one reason or another) always came out wrong. Last year I started Algebra classes and loved it, even though my grades were still miserable. Then I did Algebra 1 by myself over the summer to get back up to par (I've already done geometry), and passed.


I get outstanding grades in pop quizzes, normal quizzes, and in-class tests (not to brag, but I usually get the highest grade in the class), but homework scores dropped my last semester's grade to a C.


I study even in the off time, drill, and ask the teacher for tutoring help between classes, but I'm making stupid mistakes like subtraction, forgetting to carry a negative sign, or skipping an entire step. What bugs me is that I never make these mistakes during class! In fact, most of the kids in class think I'm Einstien!


Is there something wrong with me? Having mistakes in every other equation makes me feel so stupid!

Math.... I thought I was smart?
Don't get too upset. If you understand the concepts that you are studying, that is the biggest thing. You need to slow down while working on your test. Your brain is probably just working faster than your fingers. Remember to double check everything before you turn it in.





Hope that helps.
Reply:It's common to skip small details when you are comfortable and confident around something you know well. Missing those points could be attributed to anything - from being distracted to having mild inattentiveness (some attribute of ADHD).





Speaking from experience with inattentivenes/ADHD, I would offer this advice: just stay on top of the things you know might be tripping up a great score. ...does your teacher allow partial credit - it sounds like you know what you are doing in the grand scheme of things.
Reply:You know .... just today , i was preparing for my math test. I had to do a problem 3 times and each time I made different "silly" mistakes and I thought of giving up. I felt so stupid. But during tests and exams , I recheck each step I write. Even simple steps count as they are the ones which might later lead to the wrong answer.





When you are studying , and you make a mistake , read the solution [ and if you had already , then reread it ] ..... Then close the book , and solve the problem again keeping in mind where you went wrong. This actually works for me.
Reply:I wonder where you are doing your homework...what I mean is, is the TV on while you're doing it? Or is there something else 'distracting' you that isn't there in a class room environment. Even having music on might be distracting. Everyone is different. Nowadays, TV's, Cell Phones, etc are everywhere. If you don't already, make a place at a desk or table with good light and no distractions.
Reply:I added 1+2 wrong two days in a row in an advanced class. I have trouble with the "stupid mistakes," also. The only advice I have is to slow down. Also, since you are already taking so much time on this, you might think about just redoing your homework. I usually do my homework once on what I call scratch paper, then do it again neater to be turned in and compare the two. This should catch most of the "stupid" mistakes. It won't catch mistakes like a wrong formula, though.

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