Reading maths

Maths tends to be written in a concise form, using its own language and symbols. This can take time to learn, use and understand. Here are some tips.

Learning the language

Make your own dictionary for words, symbols and formulas. Group in topics such as geometry or statistics.
Make a large A4 bookmark. Record new notation, definitions and results on it and use it as you work through the unit and for revision later.
Watch out for words that have a specific meaning in maths but a general meaning in everyday life, e.g. power, product or differentiate.
Take time to practise the language – discuss ideas with other students and try to use new notation and vocabulary correctly as you write.
Make notes as you work through the maths.

Work through the maths yourself, one line at a time.
Jot down extra details in the margin to explain calculations, ideas and the meaning of new abbreviations and symbols.
Ask yourself WHY each step was taken – this will help you to understand the argument as well as guiding your own problems later.
Highlight key ideas or steps to help with your own problems later.
Try to visualise the problem by drawing a diagram, making a model or thinking of a practical example.
As you read, ask yourself questions: How does this fit in with what I already know? What would happen if…?

Recap on earlier techniques, ideas and notation.
Read on to the next section or example – this can help you to see the problem differently.
Discuss the problem with other students or your tutor, either face-to-face, by phone or electronically (via email and forums)