r/MathHelp • u/Unhappy_Guide6356 • 10d ago

I am consistently oblivious to basic mathematical errors.

I am not sure if this is the right sub for this, but here we go. I am a student at 6th form (ages 16-18) in education, doing maths and further maths. I am preparing for a maths test which requires very out of the box thinking on simple topics such as series , calculus etc.. ( TMUA for people in the UK) . I have experienced this to some extent previously, but I have been doing problems for 3 hours today, it is noon as of writing this, and I cannot do the most basic of calculations.

I have been doing questions and can do complicated series and polynomial division but then simply 360 = 64 x as x = 45/4 or other similar mistakes in literally only the arithmetic side of things and I am unable to spot said mistake. This is extremely frustrating and concerning and I want to know If anyone has ran into similar problems and if they know how to fix it?

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u/justpassingby23414 10d ago

That's normal and nothing out of the ordinary, OP. Even for advanced lessons/tests, simple careless mistakes are often the main issue.

For starters, I would just go on with other tasks, trying to get as many done as possible (even if I make mistakes, at least I can get half-points). Then I'd return to the problematic ones and go over the solution/steps as if it were not mine. Estimating results before picking up the calculator is also helpful.

You could also just add a few simpler exercises to your routine to train fighting against those issues specifically. The more you do them, the more automated the steps become.

I can recommend a nice game for "self-training" to improve your focus and concentration. It's not free though

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u/Unhappy_Guide6356 9d ago

Yes if you could tell me the name that could be very useful. Also for reference, the test is non calculator and a multiple choice with no method marks

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u/justpassingby23414 9d ago

Sent the name via a DM.

Yeah, multiple-choices without half-points is tough. 😅 I'm afraid there's no miracle method except for more training though...

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u/Dd_8630 10d ago

That's common. The only resolution is to do lots and lots of practice; it's something you smooth out over time and experience.

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