Written by Lea Leclercq
IB Math exams can feel overwhelming, especially when you open the exam and have no idea where to start. Don’t panic! Here’s a guide help you tackle those questions that seem impossible at first glance.
Step 0: Take a Breath
The first and arguably the most important step—pause and breathe! Staying calm will help you think clearly.
Step 1: Read the Question Carefully
Read through the question fully and identify what topic it relates to
Example: if you the question asks for f’(x), then the topic will be calculus.
Example: if the question has a venn diagram or tree diagram, you’re dealing with probability
Step 2: Highlight Given Information
Write down or highlight the key information provided in the question. This helps you clearly see what you know and what you are missing. This can in turn help you identify what you need to do.
Step 3: Refer to Your Formula Booklet
Use the resources available to you by finding the corresponding topic in the formula booklet. This can:
- Refresh your memory on key concepts.
- Highlight familiar formulas.
- Guide you toward the next steps.
If you’re still stuck, move on to Step 4.
Step 4: Match Information with Formulas
Now that you know the topic and have the key details:
- Choose the formulas that fits with the topic and information you have
- Ask yourself:
Are there any variables missing?
– No, great plug information in and solve it!
– Yes, Think about how to find the missing info. Use other formulas if needed.
Example: To find the length of an arc but missing the angle. Maybe the sine or cosine rule can help.
Step 5: Know When to Move On
If you are still stuck after trying the, don’t dwell on the question too long. Move on to the next question and come back to it later, you might have a fresh perspective. But just remember that one tough question won’t define your final grade – relax and try your best!
Let’s Apply These Steps with an Example:
- Identify the topic: The diagram shows a triangle, so this question is Topic 3 (geometry and trigonometry)
- Highlight given information: we have two sides and one angle provided
- Check the formula booklet: There are two relevant formulas—Sine Rule and Cosine Rule.
- Choose the right formula:
Sine Rule works when you have two sides and one of their opposite angle.
Cosine Rule is best when you have two sides and the angle between them.
Since the angle provided is between the two sides, Cosine is the right choice
Solve: Plug the known values into the cosine rule and solve for the missing side. Repeat these steps for part b!
Final Thoughts
This method gives you a structured approach to tackle tough questions. It helps you stay calmer, break the question into management steps, and use your resources effectively. While, these steps may not work for every question, these steps are a great starting point when you are not sure how to proceed. Good luck!
