How do you all prevent stupid mistakes in math?

Tedjn
Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:23:15 +0000

My math sequence is typically:


Read question. Do question without looking at the answers (if possible). If I’m lucky, the answer is there.
Quickly reread question, go through the same argument you used to derive the answer, checking all algebra steps carefully. Plug in your answer to test if possible. Convince yourself the answer is right.
If the answer is not there, think about where you might have went wrong. Reread the question. Read the answer choices. If taking too long, circle and move on.
Only if you have time at the very end, after this rigorous system of double checking each answer you do carefully, go through the entire test again. Doing so could prevent the problem of repeating your mistake (as CC Lurker mentioned).