Ah, maths! Love it or loathe it, it\u2019s here to stay. While some of the more niche academic subjects will likely fizzle out over time, arithmetic will long be a skill we all need.<\/p>\n
From working out how much\u00a0cash you\u2019ll save off that pair of trousers with the 20% off tag to easily totting up your monthly pocket money, possessing a\u00a0basic grasp of maths definitely has its benefits.\u00a0But there\u2019s much more to maths than simply adding and subtracting. From algebra to long division, there are\u00a0more elements to this\u00a0subject than you can shake a protractor at.<\/p>\n
Long gone are the days of picking your friend\u2019s brain for the solution to that maths problem. Today, thanks to a quick Internet search, you can find exactly what you\u2019re looking for online. You’re able to learn entirely at your own pace and there’s no need\u00a0to drown under a mountain of books either. Everything you need is online and at your fingertips.<\/p>\n
So, whether you struggle with the subject or simply need to brush up on the basics, we\u2019ve compiled a handy tips, tricks and tools guide just for you. In it, you\u2019ll find everything from sociable maths games to online forums.<\/p>\n
So sit back, grab a cup of tea\u00a0and get stuck into this definitive guide.<\/p>\n
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We\u2019ve touched upon some everyday difficulties you might face if you don\u2019t know your numbers, but what’s the real impact\u00a0of not working hard\u00a0at maths?<\/p>\n
According to NationalNumeracy.org<\/a>, there\u2019s hard evidence to suggest that those with limited skills in numeracy will face poorer choices when it comes to their eventual career.\u00a0After all, a key subject at school (along with English and Science) is Maths, with more than one class a week on the agenda for many pupils, and\u00a0few people get to the top of the career ladder without at least a basic grasp of the subject. In fact, you\u2019re twice as likely to be employed if you have good numeracy skills.<\/p>\n Of course, as with anything, there\u2019s always an exception to the rule. But the fact is, those who try at maths are far more likely to succeed in the long-run \u2013 and the great news is there\u2019s plenty of help and support available online – it\u2019s just about knowing where to find it.<\/p>\n We\u2019re not talking simply letting the computer do the work\u00a0for you, though. Instead, we\u2019ve earmarked some of the very best apps and tools available digitally to help you excel in your own right. It might well be time to ditch the weighty text books and switch on your laptop or iPad. So whether you’re doing GCSEs or A-Levels, your maths revision<\/a> starts here.<\/p>\n When you were struggling with maths as a kid, your parents might have found time to dream up some cool way of teaching you with a homemade game. Now, thanks to the Internet, you can inject the same kind of fun into your maths-based studies on your own.<\/p>\n There are so many websites and apps out there – each one geared up to make the basics of maths seem easy –\u00a0 that you\u2019ll be absolutely spoiled for choice. Here are a few we think you\u2019ll love:<\/p>\n GCSE Bitesize<\/strong><\/p>\n The BBC\u2019s GCSE Bitesize programme has been around for some time and with good reason. The website features games, tests and tools for anyone studying for their GCSEs.\u00a0You’ll find plenty of games available<\/a> for even the most reluctant learners to try.<\/p>\n While you\u2019re at it, check out the revision content for some of your other GCSE subjects \u2013 this could be your one-stop-shop to better grades.<\/p>\n What2Learn<\/strong><\/p>\n Head to www.what2learn.com<\/a> and you\u2019ll find all sorts of fun games you can get stuck into. This one<\/a>, in particular, is well worth a\u00a0try.<\/p>\n The fractions-to-decimals matching game is a snap-style game to help students who are learning to match fractions with their decimal equivalent. Use it to keep your brain active ahead of an exam, or brush up on old skills by checking out the other games on offer. All you need to do is sign up and you\u2019re away!<\/p>\n InteractiveStuff.org<\/strong><\/p>\n This site<\/a> is exactly what it says on the tin \u2013 interactive maths games at the click of a mouse. While some of the questions are fairly basic, these kind of quick quizzes are ideal if you\u2019re after a spot of brain training between exams or during a much-needed break from hard-core revision.<\/p>\n Interactive Maths<\/strong><\/p>\n Head to this site<\/a> and you\u2019ll find you can easily lose an evening to its well devised content. Well, we say \u2018lose\u2019, but really you\u2019ll be picking up some valuable hints and tips ahead of your exams.<\/p>\n Interactive Maths is absolutely choc-full of computer-based resources to complement the work you\u2019re doing in the classroom. Try the website\u2019s bingo game for a fast maths fix.<\/p>\n For some, revision is made infinitely better\u00a0when it\u2019s done with a friend. So thanks to these specially-selected social apps with a focus on maths, anyone who needs a helping hand when it comes to their studies can easily get one.<\/p>\n Take a look at some of these maths-based forums and if you\u2019re stuck on a question or two, maybe you\u2019ll find the solution \u2013 and a maths \u2018buddy\u2019 for the future too.<\/p>\n Unabie A-level Forums<\/strong><\/p>\n With a forum for maths, physics and more, this clean, easy to use and helpful app<\/a> is both supportive and interactive. If you\u2019re having trouble with a question, simply take a photo of it and post it on the site, where a friendly member of the community will help you out.<\/p>\n Maths Tools<\/strong><\/p>\n A library of technology tools, lessons and activities, Maths Tools<\/a> is a great, supportive community for anyone who\u2019s not quite achieving the grades in maths they\u2019d like.<\/p>\n The site\u2019s authors regularly suggest useful books to read, as well as what\u2019s hot in the world of maths. Take a look and see if you can\u2019t glean some helpful advice while you\u2019re on there.<\/p>\n Brilliant.org<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Learn from like-minded people with Brilliant.org, an app that offers a fun way to hone your problem-solving skills in maths and science.<\/p>\n You can take quizzes and solve problems from easy to very difficult, as well as participate in chats with a supportive community.<\/p>\n Every now and then you\u2019ll want to push any \u2018gimmicky\u2019 maths apps to one side and instead just focus on the practical. Well, we\u2019ve got just the thing for you in this section. From online algebra solvers to A-Level course material, you\u2019ll find some useful bits and pieces here.<\/p>\n Mal Math<\/strong><\/p>\n A problem solver with step-by-step description and graph view, this free app<\/a> also works offline.\u00a0Helping you solve integrals, derivatives, algebra and more, it\u2019s ideal for GCSE or A-Level students who want to fine-tune their skills.<\/p>\n Online Algebra Solver<\/strong><\/p>\n Now, we don\u2019t condone that you use this in place of actually working out a problem on your own \u2013 you\u2019ll struggle to use it in an exam without getting ejected from the room and disqualified, anyway \u2013 but it\u2019s a great tool nonetheless.<\/p>\n Helping you check your answers to give you the assurance that you\u2019re on the right tracks, this site<\/a> might just save you lots of time and trouble.<\/p>\n A-Level Course Material<\/strong><\/p>\n Studying for your a \u2018levels? You\u2019ll definitely want to check out this site<\/a>. It offers chapters on a tonne of maths-based principles and makes for some interesting reading at the very least. Less a tool or app and more a handy portal to some great reading material, take a look if you have a spare hour or two.<\/p>\n Math.com <\/strong><\/p>\n While it\u2019s a US website, math.com offers all sorts of practical maths tools<\/a>. From calculators to formulas, tables and converters, you\u2019ll find a load of good stuff here. Make sure you check it out, whatever stage you are up to with your maths.<\/p>\n PhysicalsandMathsTutor.com<\/strong><\/p>\n A website containing past maths papers and tests, PhysicsandMathsTutor.com<\/a> has been set up by – you guessed it – a physics and maths tutor<\/a>. A great resource for anyone taking either subject, the site also combines a handy FAQ section.<\/p>\n The Student Rooms\u2019 Maths Revision Notes<\/strong><\/p>\n Head to the StudentRoom.co.uk, which is a handy forum in itself but also includes some perfect maths-focused resources<\/a> you\u2019ll love.\u00a0Find a maths topic via a long list of them on the site and you\u2019ll be presented with a link to a convenient page featuring revision notes.<\/p>\n A-Level Maths Core<\/strong><\/p>\n Available from iTunes, this app is perfect for those taking the A-Level Core 1 exam. Comprising revision chapters, quizzes and practical exercises, this regularly-updated app<\/a> comes with all sorts of valuable interactive material.<\/p>\n Test yourself ahead of an exam with these useful apps and websites. Each one is designed to have you feeling calm and confident before your most important exam \u2013 maths.<\/p>\n Take a look today and download some of the free papers available on the sites below.<\/p>\n MathsCard<\/strong><\/p>\n The clever folks at Loughborough University have devised this iTunes app for AS Level and A-Level maths<\/a> students. The free app contains hundreds of examples of pure maths formulae, along with graphs and diagrams.<\/p>\n Based on the award-winning mathscard fold-out formulae sheet, the app is designed to help students with their maths revision, wherever they are. Such is the power of the Internet that you can even do this on the train or bus home from class.<\/p>\n Swot up on everything from vectors to numerical methods, circle and coordinate geometry, sequences and series, algebra and graphs.<\/p>\n GCSE Maths Revision Pages<\/strong><\/p>\n Click here<\/a> for access to useful exam paper demos. The subscription-based service includes three types of exam paper, offering hints and solutions for each question. The site is set up so that randomly generated links to similar questions on supported papers pop up to give you the confidence you need to soldier on through the rest of your revision.<\/p>\n To help you further, the papers are marked with encouraging feedback too. If you need to revise, you\u2019ve found the right place to do so via this \u2018maths crazy\u2019 GCSE revision website. For a similarly useful resource, check out the aforementioned PhysicsandMathsTutor.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n StudyMaths.co.uk<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Head to StudyMaths.co.uk and what you\u2019ll get is a useful resource for those about to take GCSE Maths.\u00a0The site includes everything from a revision notes section to tutorials covering key GCSE maths topics, worksheets and more.<\/p>\n Practise your skills and collect StudyPoints, thanks to handy interactive maths \u2018workouts\u2019. There\u2019s also some fun games to play on your own or with friends \u2013 you really won\u2019t feel like you\u2019re learning at all when you tap into some of the great features seen on this website.<\/p>\n Year 11 Maths Test<\/strong><\/p>\n For those getting ready for their GCSEs, this year 11-friendly site pulls together a list of maths-based topics featuring questions under each section.<\/p>\n See how much you know<\/a> by clicking on a section and answering the corresponding question. Try it on your own or with friends and enjoy a confidence boost ahead of your all-important maths exam.<\/p>\n Conquer Maths<\/strong><\/p>\n Via ConquerMaths, you can access hundreds of free lessons and tests<\/a>, as well as video content and more. A proven and effective way for anyone to learn maths, the site offers a free trial for those interested in polishing their maths skills.<\/p>\n Enjoy everything from video lessons to fun activities and tests via adaptive questions that will keep your unique skillset and abilities in mind.<\/p>\n GCSE Maths Revision Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n This one\u2019s pretty self-explanatory and we bet it\u2019ll fast become your new favourite educational app.<\/a> Get the results you need in your maths revision by trying this new and revised app today.<\/p>\n Helping you turn your spare time into valuable revision, this app complies with leading UK exam boards to help you feel confident you\u2019re doing the right thing towards your learning.<\/p>\n You can search tests by topic, question type and difficulty to tailor tests to your own needs. Begin with 250 free questions and add more whenever you like \u2013 there are 1000+ available per subject!<\/p>\n Collins Revision Apps<\/strong><\/p>\n Revision apps don\u2019t get much better<\/a> than these. Giving you the opportunity to revise GCSE maths anywhere, these apps are suitable for the iPhone, iPod Touch and Android from Collins Education.<\/p>\n Helping you to identify trouble areas and suggest further studies, there are also full video tutorials as well as real-life examples. Each will help you revise and practise, as well as progress and get the exam results you\u2019re hoping to achieve.<\/p>\n Each app has been designed to focus on a different GCSE maths topic, covering numbers, statistics, geometry and algebra.<\/p>\n While paper-based exams are still the norm when it comes to displaying your knowledge of a subject, there\u2019s a host of ways we can actually retain the information in the first instance.<\/p>\n The fact is, people respond to different methods of learning. While some will like straightforward tests, as featured on sites like PhysicsandMathsTutor.com<\/a>, others will prefer something more visual when it comes to learning. There\u2019s lots of evidence to suggest that visual-based educational methods \u2013 such as taking in facts by watching a video \u00a0\u2013 is the best way to learn. With that in mind, take a look at this video-based tool we spotted online to help you ace those exams:<\/p>\n BBC GCSE Bitesize Videos<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re paying attention (why, thank you!), you\u2019ll know we talked about the BBC\u2019s GCSE Bitesize programme earlier in this guide. Well, we thought we\u2019d alert you now to the site\u2019s video content<\/a> too.<\/p>\n The videos are split into a number of topics, from mathematical skills like problem solving and reasoning to handling data like graphs and charts. A great free resource, it\u2019s absolutely invaluable for anyone currently getting stuck into maths revision.<\/p>\n When it comes to exams, the very best thing you can do is prepare. Remember that old adage: fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Well, it\u2019s true \u2013 and it\u2019s why we\u2019re bringing you some more apps to help keep you on the straight and narrow when it comes to your maths revision.<\/p>\n iStudyAlarm <\/strong><\/p>\n Got an iPhone or iPad? You\u2019ll definitely want to make use of the iStudyAlarm<\/a>, which helps you stay focused at all times.<\/p>\n Research shows that studying in 20-minute intervals before taking a 5-minute brain break is the best thing you can do to boost your learning and memory.<\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to use the iStudyAlarm, too. Simply tap the app and the timer will go off after 20 minutes, prompting you to spend two minutes revising what you have just learned. Give it a go and see if it\u2019ll make you more productive.<\/p>\n Exam Buddy<\/strong><\/p>\n Not got a physical exam buddy? Try a virtual one thanks to this app.<\/a> The ultimate revision tool, the app will help you revise for just about any exam in an engaging way.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, all of your notes will be available in the easy to access app. You can make your own maths-based quizzes and email them to friends, and cut and paste from documents and websites. You can also add diagrams, photographs and illustrations.<\/p>\nAnd Finally\u2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n