How to Tackle Difficult Mathematics Questions and Solve Them Easily (For BECE and WASSCE)

As the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) is drawing closer, a lot of students start to feel the academic pressure especially when it comes to mathematics. The subject can seem overwhelming, but when you have the right mindset and strategies, even the most difficult questions can become solvable. Some students tell themselves that “mathematics is difficult”. Such mindset make the subject seems like a horror to you.  In this post, we are going to examine closely on how to tackle difficult mathematics questions and solve them easily.

Tips to Help you Tackle Difficult Mathematics Questions

Master the Basics First

Before you can solve tough mathematics questions, you have to ensure your foundation is solid. Make you sure you have a very strong understanding on these key topics such as algebra, trigonometry, geometry and probability. You have to know the formulas and when to use them. Many difficult questions in mathematics are just simple, but they just appear in a tricky way. Many students struggle with these key topics and if you’re one of them ask your teachers or classmates for help to gain deeper understanding.

Take Your Time to Understand the Question

Read all the  questions carefully before you tackle it. Break down complex problems into smaller parts and check for any specific requirements or conditions. Now ask yourself: What is this question really asking me to find? Understanding the problem is the first step to solving it.

Don’t Panic

Difficult questions can make you feel stuck. Stay calm whenever you come across such questions. Take a deep breath. Remember: WASSCE questions are based on what you’ve already been taught. With a clear mind, you’re more likely to recall the right method or formula.

Use a Step-by-Step Approach

As a student you have to identify what’s given and what you need to find and choose the right formula to use through the calculations carefully.

Show all your workings step-by-step and with that you might get partial marks even if the final answer is wrong.

Practice With Past Questions

Solving past BECE and WASSCE questions under timed conditions is one of the best ways to prepare. This helps you get familiar and understand question format and it difficult level, and also helps improves your speed and confidence towards the question.

Check Your Work If Time Allows

Take your time and go through your work again if time allows. Sometimes mistakes happen, even when you know the topic well. If you finish early, go back and review your work. Check calculations, signs, and whether you fully answered what the question asked. A few extra minutes can save valuable marks.

Ask for help when needed

Don’t be shy to ask for help from your teachers or classmates. There’s no shame in not understanding something right away. Ask your teacher, a classmate , or check videos of such questions online and on YouTube. What matters is that you keep pushing until you’re able to master that question. Everyone learns at their own pace.

Stick to a Study Plan

Preparing a personal timetable and sticking to  it continuously can help you cover a lot before the actual day of the BECE and WASSCE. A little bit of consistent practice beats cramming the night before. Prepare a personal timetable that spreads your study over weeks, not days. Even 30–45 minutes a day adds up fast and gives your brain time to absorb everything.

Tough questions in mathematics and any subject are not  there to scare you, but they’re just there to test how well you understand the concept. Stay calm, be curious, and don’t give up too easily. With the right approach and regular practice, you’ll be more than ready when the exam day comes.

READ: 12 Tips on How To Pass Any Exams (Mastering Question Answering Skills)