Most students struggle in math courses because they lack a method by which to study and learn math. This is especially true for pre-algebra, introductory algebra, and intermediate algebra classes. Your objective in a math class is to learn how to solve many different types of problems. When you take a test you have to remember the type of problem and remember the steps you use to solve it. For example, the test may say: Solve the following linear equation. Your task is to remember what a "linear equation" is and what steps are used to solve this type of problem. Typically, math tests have a number of different types of problems on them and, if you have a comprehensive final exam, there will be a lot of problem types. The following method will get your organized and help you to master those challenging math problems.

1. For each type of problem covered in a chapter, take a piece of paper and write the name of the problem at the top (i.e., Linear Equation). Using your book and class notes, do an example problem labeling all the steps used to solve it. Now, on a separate piece of paper solve 5 - 10 of these problems. Do as many as necessary until you can remember all the steps used to solve this type of problem. Refer to your example page, using it to help you troubleshoot errors and remember the steps. Staple your practice problem page(s) to the example page and save it. Now do this for each remaining problem in that chapter. When you finish the chapter you will have a study set for each problem type where you've listed the name of the type of problem, shown the steps to solve it, and have a record of your practice problems. (When you are developing your study set and need additional help to build your problem example, talk to your professor, drop in a math lab, or stop by the Learning & Testing Center to use one of the DVDs that are specific to your textbook and course. Be sure to build your example problem so that you can understand all the steps.)
2. At the conclusion of a chapter, take the review test at the end as a diagnostic tool to determine which problems you have not fully mastered. Review your study set for each problem type that the review test indicated that you need to work on and do 5 - 10 more practice problems of each until you can solve them reliably.
3. Just prior to the class test, review the problem types again and solve two of each type. If you struggle with a particular problem, practice it until you have mastered it. Because testing is flexible, if you test in the testing center, you can practice the problems in the library, use a DVD in the Learning Center, or drop by a math lab to get help with problem areas prior to taking your test.
4. Organize and save your study sets and practice problems to help you prep for the final exam.