CBSE Class 10 maths exam: Things to remember for last minute preparation

Mathematics is derived from the Greek word ‘mathema’ which means ‘knowledge, study, learning.’ Mathematics includes the study of such topics as quantity, structure, space and change.

The mathematicians seek and use historical patterns to formulate new conjectures and solve them using mathematical proofs. They have developed counting, calculation, measurement and the systematic study of shapes, objects and motions through logic and abstraction. 

As mentioned clearly by Pythagoras, mathematics is present everywhere. Anywhere one goes, does or encounters has mathematics. Whether it is walking to school or doing a complex job.

Mathematics has been a big part of a student’s education. Right from the first grade to the tenth grade and beyond. Each grade brings the same concepts but deeper in understanding. The same numbers are taught in the tenth grade that were there in the first grade, but they have so much more. As we progress to the tenth grade, the complexity of sums and aggregative topics are introduced, year after year. The sum total of concepts covered in the ten-year span is finally added and asked in the tenth-grade examinations.

Thus, it is essential that students are familiar with all the concepts taught from the lower grades and form a good base of mathematics so as to perform well in the CBSE class 10 math exam. There are general difficulties faced by every student irrespective of whether they are well versed with mathematics or not. Here are some of the common problems students face while preparing for the Math examination:

• The students tend to skip some chapters such as algebra or trigonometry due to the abundance of formulae or applications. 
• The students tend to rote-learn all the formulae without understanding their derivation. This method may cause students to forget the formulae at a crucial time. They may get nervous and go blank while solving a sum due to the inability of remembering the correct formulae.
• The students do not practice geometry properly. They do not make diagrams with proper tools such as rulers, compass, protractors and stencils. They simply make a rough diagram so as to complete their assignments quickly. This results in a lack of practice and affects them during their examinations. Their diagrams may not be up to the mark during the exams due to negligence while practicing.

These are some of the most common mistakes students make. These methods may hamper the students’ marks and affect them in the long-term. Thus, they should take steps to improve the way they write their math examinations in order to minimize silly errors and maximize their marks. 

There are some myths among students that it is difficult to score above 95 in mathematics. However, here are some ways to prove those myths wrong:

1. Students must familiarize themselves with all the chapters that are set to come in their examinations as per the CBSE syllabus. These chapters include:

• Real numbers
• Polynomials 
• Pair of linear equations in two variables
• Quadratic Equations
• Arithmetic Progressions
• Triangles 
• Coordinate Geometry
• Introduction to Trigonometry
• Some Applications of Trigonometry
• Circles
• Constructions
• Areas related to Circles
• Surface areas and volumes
• Statistics 
• Probability

1. Making a schedule- Making a defined schedule for each day is probably the best strategy that one can adopt to score well in the math exams. Mathematics is not like any other theory subject. It is a practical subject that needs to be practiced every day so as not to lose touch with it. Students should make a provision of practicing mathematics for at least 30 minutes each day. Practicing for a certain time or doing a certain number of sums each day will build a good momentum for students.
2. Solving different textbooks- When it comes to mathematics, one must solve as many sums as possible. They should purchase different textbooks or workbooks such as Vedantu CBSE Class 10 maths solutions and practice problems of each type. This will enable students to get exposure to several unique questions and it will prepare them for examinations.
3. Solving past papers- This method is recommended by most of the teachers and mentors. Solving past board papers or better yet school papers is by far the best practice a student can do. Solving papers gives students ideas about the kind of questions that can be asked in the future papers.
4. Revising Formulae- It is common knowledge that mathematics is filled with hundreds of formulae. Students should utilise their last days before the exams to familiarize themselves with all the formulae present in the textbook. They can make a note of all the formulae in a notebook or notepads so as not to waste time flipping through pages in the textbook. Moreover, writing formulae also pave a way towards learning them.
5. Diagrams- Making rough diagrams and then their corresponding fair drafts is also a great strategy to polish their construction skills. Moreover, the use of correct tools such as rulers, pencils, compass, protractors and dividers will further polish their diagrams. The students must also label their diagrams neatly so as to display the perfect diagram. A well-labelled diagram goes a long way to make teachers recognize the student’s understanding of the concepts.
6. Avoiding calculators- It is true that calculators ease our complex calculations. However, during practice, students must restrain themselves from using calculations. Instead, they should do their own written calculations. This will enable them to be more eloquent during the examinations and quicken their calculations exponentially. Students are expected to be familiar with basic multiplication tables so as not to waste time in the examination.
7. Practicing tough chapters- Students should utilise their last few days to study the tough chapters in the syllabus. They should get all their doubts cleared by their teacher in order to be completely confident during the exams. 

Mathematics does contain complex concepts but they are not impossible to understand. One must put in the efforts each day from the first day to practice all the concepts and refine their fundamentals. If they follow all the steps mentioned above, nothing can stop them from exceeding their expectations in the Maths examination.