One of the biggest leaps in school you will face is going from grade 8 maths to grade 9 maths. Grade 9 is the introduction into algebra, functions and equations! Although these words sound scary and intimidating, by staying up to date and (actually) doing your homework, you will become a master with all these new concepts!

Grade 9 forms the foundation for the rest of the maths you will do in school (and hopefully university) and so it is very important to understand the concepts and techniques. I always like to think of it as a toolbox of tools that you get to fix problems with.

Here is my top 10 study tips and tricks:

  1. Exercise, exercise and exercise! Did I mention exercise?
  2. Do as many examples as possible. Start with the easy ones and build yourself up. The difficult problems need understanding of the easier ones first.
  3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you are shy, ask a friend or go to the teacher after class.
  4. Make stories and rhymes! Maths can be very creative and is only scientific as you make it!
  5. There will be chapters that you are better with and there will be some that you struggle with. This is normal.Not everyone can use a hammer as good as they can use a bore. Do not let the bad chapters make you lose hope!
  6. Make sure to understand the basic concepts rather than memorizing the steps. This is especially applicable for algebra (simplification of expressions). Make sure to know how to use the tools as well as where you are allowed to use them.
  7. Never be afraid to do more work than what the teacher gave you. This will only help build your toolbox.
  8. Remember that variables (the alphabet inside of maths) are the same as numbers and all the same rules apply to them.
  9. Do not be afraid to ask for help!
  10. Go over your mistakes and make sure to understand why it was wrong. Most marks in exams and tests are lost due to silly mistakes.
  11. Did I mention exercise?

BONUS INFO! The difference between and expression and equation is:

ExpressionEquation

The equal sign is always written first, on the left hand side. For example:

ab + bc = b(a + c)

 The equal sign is written between the two sides of the equation. For example:

a+6 = 10

a = 10-6
The equal sign on the left says that the next line is exactly equal to the previous line. EXACTLY equal. The left hand side is exactly equal to the right hand side. So you can divide one side by two as long as you divide the other side by two as well. The left hand side and right hand side is like a scale that needs to constantly remain in balance.
You cannot multiply your common denominator away.

For example:

3/4 + 2/3

= (9 + 8)/12

 You can multiply with the common denominator to “get rid” of the fraction.

For example:

3/4 + 2/3 = a

9 + 8 = 12a

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