Mastering Mathematics Smartly
by Wee Wen Shih

What are some ways to check your work, other than looking at the answers given or checking with your teachers?

Way #1: Check with your classmates and friends. You may discover other alternatives which could widen your mathematics problem-solving repertiore.

Way #2: Check with your graphic calculator (GC). For example, if it is an integral in which an exact answer is required, you may compute the same integral with GC and compare both values for consistency.

Way #3: Check by substituting back. For example, if you have solved an inequality, you may substitute the solution and check whether the inequality is satisfied.

Way #4: Check by solving it another way, if possible, to see if the same answer may be reached.

Way #5: Check every step you wrote and ask if it makes logical sense. It will be good to do a comparison with similar questions you have studied from your notes or solved previously.

It is crucial that a learner develops an ability to evaluate and improve his work.