How do you stop making dumb errors?

[Samueliscool223]

For some reason I'm able to understand the content really easily but when it comes to doing problems I keep making these really basic algebraic mistakes like forgetting to subtract a number from one side of an equation and stuff. So far I've achieved an average of 82%, though I probably could've gotten in the high 90s if it werent for the errors I made  ... anyone have a solution?

[Sine]

For some reason I'm able to understand the content really easily but when it comes to doing problems I keep making these really basic algebraic mistakes like forgetting to subtract a number from one side of an equation and stuff. So far I've achieved an average of 82%, though I probably could've gotten in the high 90s if it werent for the errors I made  ... anyone have a solution?

The biggest differentiator between study scores 45-50 is really just these careless errors.

There really isn't a way to stop them occurring since everyone will make them at some point during an exam (gotta be really lucky to go 100% on your first run of an exam). What you can do is get good at double-checking your answers and get better at looking for these careless errors.

In year 12 when I completed a practice exam, I would note down where I made the careless errors in an exercise book so by the end fo the year I would have all my careless errors in one place. Seeing this you can start to see what you need to check for when doing the exam. During reading time of an exam you can have a look at the questions and think of whether you made a mistake on a similar question before and make sure it doesn't happen here.

Also if you finish the exam it is important to look for "high-yield" careless mistakes E.g. no units, wrong decimal places, no dx on integral and then go through the exam for a second time but doing the questions using a 2nd technique to double-check answers. If both your first and second technique yield the same answer it is very unlikely someone got the question wrong.

[eloisegrace]

A way to try and reduce these errors is just doing as many practice questions as you can, so you can refine your basic algebra. I can completely relate but I feel as though doing more questions helps me a lot.

[angrybiscuit]

Just to add on to what Sine has said above, I like to write down my most common errors at the back of my bound reference book. This is, of course, provided that the SAC is tech active. I find that writing a list of the common errors help me look back and look out for minor mistakes such as units, wrong domain, mindlessly subbing into equations and etc.

[afuturepsych]

felt this! thank you for the replies everyone, the bound ref idea seems good (we got a sac back today and i got 94%, bit frustrating when 2 of the 3 marks i lost were silly errors!! (3dp instead of 2, rounded values instead of exact))

[Sine]

Just to add on to what Sine has said above, I like to write down my most common errors at the back of my bound reference book. This is, of course, provided that the SAC is tech active. I find that writing a list of the common errors help me look back and look out for minor mistakes such as units, wrong domain, mindlessly subbing into equations and etc.

yep, my bound reference had a page with just a list of common careless errors and it was the only page I had my bound reference open to during the exams.

[jborn007]

Step 1:
Have your mental state in tranquility and solace whilst tackling mathematical problems. Whilst this is initially difficult to grasp at first, IT IS VITAL TO NOT PANIC. The more you panic, the worse and more illogical you're gonna think and subsequently perform worse.

Step 2:
Consolidate and solidify previous and current year's knowledge in mathematics. In addition, NEVER MEMORISE THE FORMULAE. Always know where it derives from as you not only are much less likely to forget it under pressure but more importantly know exactly when you should use the formula in a given scenario.

Step 3:
Review and continue adding to your mistakes diary by attempting more application and extended-response question. Identify and summarise the main problem that keeps occurring. Then repeat Step 1 and 2.

Voila!