IT Might

Why do the problems on Math tests seem harder than the ones in the homework? How can I get better?

I have this problem. I can fly through the problems in the homework--yes even those that are not assigned, but with tests / quizzes the problems seem a little more intense, and when I see them it's like it's my first time. How can I study for these problems, and get a good grade? I practice all the time, and my biggest problem is not the time I put into it, but the difference in the difficulty level of the two. Is there a good way to become better prepared?

Public Comments

1. The most important thing to do is to gain a conceptual understanding of the subject matter. Oftentimes homework is very mechanical and can be done by plugging in numbers to formulas and such, but this does not really help you in a situation where more thinking is required. Don't just ask how something works, but rather why it works. If you have a true conceptual understanding of what you're doing, there really shouldn't be anything they can throw at you that you wouldn't be able to figure out. Good luck!
2. Find harder problems to study from. Try the last problems in the chapter.
3. I don't there is much difficulty between the two, I think that it is your nerves, sometimes they can make someone forget. Find something to relax you before the test and just be confident.
4. One of my teachers said that what we don't get to in class will be covered on the test. But seriously after you get the concept try to think what you would put on the test, make up your own test questions.