Mathematics is a tough subject, but if approached in the correct manner, it can become one of your highest-scoring subjects. If algebra is confusing for you or you are not so good at geometry, clever study methods can significantly improve your score. At Bhargav Tutorials, we are a leading coaching institute for CBSE, JEE, NEET & CUET and believe in keeping learning enjoyable as well as fruitful. In this blog, we will be sharing some of the best study hacks to help you score well in your CBSE Class 10 Math exam with confidence!
Understanding vs. Memorization: The Right Approach to Learning Math
Mathematics is usually considered a difficult subject, but what if we told you that it doesn’t have to be? The difference between failing in math and succeeding in it usually depends on how you learn. Are you simply memorizing formulas, or do you truly understand the concepts behind them? At Bhargav Tutorials, a premier coaching institute for CBSE, JEE, NEET & CUET, we believe that understanding math is the key to long-term success, not just in exams but in real life too. Let’s explore why understanding beats memorization every time.
Why Memorization Fails in the Long Run
You may believe that memorizing formulas is the fastest method to do well in exams, but here’s the catch—it doesn’t last! When you only use rote learning, you may recall formulas for a while, but the moment you encounter a challenging problem, you are stuck. Why? Because math problems are not all about plugging in numbers; they need logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Bhargav Tutorials makes sure that students understand the “why” behind each formula so that they can use them confidently in any situation.
For example, rather than memorizing the quadratic formula mechanically, we motivate students to learn its derivation. When you know the reason behind something, you do not have to memorize anymore—it just works! This does not only serve in board exams but also in competitive exams such as JEE, NEET, and CUET, where speed and accuracy in problem-solving are essential.
Real-Life Applications Make Math Fun and Easy
Ever wondered why math is so dull? It’s usually because students don’t understand how it applies to the real world. But what if we were to tell you that math is everywhere—from working out discounts when shopping to knowing how your phone’s GPS system works? At Bhargav Tutorials, we close the gap between theory and practice by explaining to students how mathematical concepts apply to everyday life.
Take percentages, for example. Instead of just memorizing the formula, we relate it to calculating GST on your favorite online purchase. Learning geometry? We connect it to architecture and design, making it more interesting and practical. When you see math in action, it becomes less of a burden and more of an exciting puzzle to solve.
Mastering Math Through Conceptual Learning
Imagine trying to construct a building without knowing the way the foundations work. That is what forgetting math after understanding it is akin to. You may construct your building quickly but it won’t be able to stand strong. Conceptual learning, however, makes your foundations stronger, guaranteeing that you don’t simply learn but completely master the concept.
At Bhargav Tutorials, we employ step-by-step explanations, hands-on exercises, and interactive learning to ensure students not only arrive at the right answers but also understand how they arrived at them. This way, students are able to approach even the most challenging board exam questions confidently. Be it algebra, trigonometry, or probability, our aim is to make students think like mathematicians, not mere number crunchers.
How to Shift from Memorization to Understanding?
Now that you understand why understanding is superior to memorization, how do you make the transition? Here are some tips that work:
- Ask Questions: If a formula seems unclear, ask “why does this work?” rather than just accepting it.
- Break It Down: Attempt to derive formulas step by step rather than memorizing them outright.
- Apply It: Use math to solve real-world problems rather than sticking to textbook problems.
- Practice Smart: Master various kinds of questions instead of going through the same ones again and again in a mechanical fashion.
At Bhargav Tutorials, we motivate students to become active learners. Our carefully designed curriculum, small batches, and experienced faculty help make it simpler to have a thorough understanding of each mathematics concept.
Speed & Accuracy: Mental Math Tricks That Work
Speed math is a superpower, particularly in board exams where you have limited time. Being able to calculate quickly with accuracy can prove to be a game-changer in your CBSE Class 10 board exams. This is why at Bhargav Tutorials, one of the leading coaching centers for CBSE, JEE, NEET & CUET, we concentrate on mental math methods that enable you to calculate quickly, eliminate stupid errors, and gain confidence.
From Vedic mathematics tricks to intelligent approximation methods, being a master of mental math can make you a problem-solving wizard. Let’s dive into some thrilling techniques that simplify calculations and make mathematics more enjoyable!
Vedic Math Magic: Accelerate Your Calculations
Did you know that you can multiply two-digit numbers in a matter of seconds without even laying hands on a calculator? Vedic math is an ancient Indian system that makes complex calculations simple through patterns and shortcuts. Bhargav Tutorials, a leading coaching center for CBSE students, teaches these methods to make your exam preparation a breeze.
The Vertically and Crosswise method is one of the most common tricks. Rather than regular multiplication, this method lets you divide numbers into smaller segments so that you can calculate quickly. For instance:
Calculate 23 × 12 using Vedic math:
- Multiply the last digits: 3 × 2 = 6 (This is the unit digit of the result).
- Cross multiply and add: (2 × 2) + (3 × 1) = 4 + 3 = 7 (This is the middle digit).
- Multiply the first digits: 2 × 1 = 2 (This is the first digit of the answer).
Final answer: 276
Easy, isn’t it? With a lot of practice, you can do calculations in your head without being hung up on rough work. That’s why Bhargav Tutorials students practice Vedic math every day to improve their mental quickness.
Estimation Techniques: When You Don’t Need Exact Answers
Exams usually necessitate rapid estimations, particularly in multiple-choice questions where precise calculations take time. Estimation is a strong tool that allows you to solve problems quickly without losing accuracy. At Bhargav Tutorials, we provide students with the ability to apply estimation methods to make hard calculations simpler in areas such as Algebra, Trigonometry, and Arithmetic.
How is estimation useful?
Alistair Sitoy
- Round off complex numbers to the nearest 10, 100, or even 1000 to make multiplication and division easier.
- Use compatible numbers—choose numbers that work well together for easy mental math (e.g., 498 × 5 ≈ 500 × 5 = 2500).
-  Apply percentage shortcuts—instead of calculating 19% of a number, round it to 20% and adjust accordingly.
- For instance, suppose you have to estimate 198 × 47 in an exam. Instead of using long multiplication, estimate 198 as 200 and 47 as 50. Now, simply calculate 200 × 50 = 10,000—which is very close to the correct answer!
Through these techniques practiced at Bhargav Tutorials, you’ll save precious exam time with increased accuracy.
Mastering Multiplication: The Power of Patterns
Multiplication is the foundation of most math problems, and having shortcut techniques can allow you to easily sail through calculations. At Bhargav Tutorials, we instruct students with special multiplication techniques that make it easier to solve problems.
The 11-Trick for Two-Digit Numbers
You might be surprised to know that you can multiply any two-digit number by 11 in only two steps.
Example: Multiply 42 × 11
- Divide the digits: 4Â 2
- Add the two numbers together: 4 + 2 = 6
- Put this total in the middle: 462 (That’s the answer!)
For more difficult numbers where the total is more than 9, simply carry over the extra digit.
Example: Multiply 67 × 11
- Split: 6 _ 7
- Add: 6 + 7 = 13
- Put 3 in the middle and carry over the 1: 737
This shortcut applies to any two-digit number and is time-saving in calculations. That’s why students of Bhargav Tutorials, a top CBSE coaching institute, regularly practice such shortcuts!
Shortcuts in Division: Dividing Without a Calculator
Long division is lengthy, but intelligent techniques can assist you in dividing numbers fast. The Divisibility Rules are one of the finest tools to know if a number can be divided without a remainder.
Fast divisibility rules to know:
✅ By 2: A number is divisible if it ends in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8.
✅ By 3: Sum the digits; if the sum is a multiple of 3, then so is the number.
✅ By 5: If a number terminates in 0 or 5, it’s divisible by 5.
✅ By 11: If the alternating sum of digits is a multiple of 11, the number is divisible.
For instance, is 798 divisible by 3?
7 + 9 + 8 = 24 (As 24 is divisible by 3, the answer is YES!)
Learning divisibility rules at Bhargav Tutorials enables students to get division problems done without even writing anything down. That is quicker answers and fewer errors in exams!
Common Errors in Board Exams & What to Do
Misreading the Question – The Silent Score Killer
You’ve practiced Math for hours, but what happens if you read a question the wrong way during the exam day? That is one of the main reasons that cause students to lose marks. A small confusion in words like “greatest” rather than “smallest” or “perimeter” rather than “area” results in a complete wrong answer.
How to Prevent It:
- Double-read each and every question prior to trying to solve it.
- Underline or highlight key terms like “find the sum,” “prove,” or “calculate the percentage.”
- Break long-worded problems into smaller parts and note what is given and what needs to be found.
- If a question looks too easy, double-check whether you’ve read it correctly.
At Bhargav Tutorials, students are made to cultivate a habit of active reading and underlining key points while solving mock papers. This little habit can be a game-changer in your accuracy in the board exams.
Careless Calculation Errors – A Tiny Mistake Can Cost You
Occasionally, one incorrect digit in multiplication or an errant decimal can make an A+ into a B grade. Too many students do calculations too rapidly without double-checking, resulting in unnecessary mistakes in straightforward addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
How to Avoid It:
- Double-check your calculations at all times, particularly in long answers.
- Don’t do mental calculations on difficult questions—write out each step.
- Make use of rough work. Keep it clean and orderly so you can easily refer back to it if necessary.
- It’s a good habit to estimate your answers. If your answer is far from the correct answer, there’s likely an error somewhere.
In Bhargav Tutorials, students are made to follow a “solve and verify” approach—i.e., they don’t merely suffice with obtaining an answer but also verify it with reverse calculations or other methods.
Disorderly or Missing Steps – The Marks You Need But Don’t Receive
Numerous CBSE Math problems are step-wise marked, so even if your answer is wrong, you can receive partial marks for the right steps. But if you leave too many steps blank, scribble answers, or make your solutions hard to decipher? That’s a sure way to lose unnecessary marks!
How to Avoid It:
- Give your answer in an organized format—place formulas, steps, and explanations neatly.
- Caption your diagrams and include units in the measurement-based questions.
- Avoid the temptation of writing only the final answer; make sure you indicate the step-by-step logical process of how you arrived at it.
- If you cross out an error, do so tidily so that the examiner can still track your solution.
At Bhargav Tutorials, students write Math solutions in a exam-like manner. Trainers stress on the need for clear handwriting, problem-solving step-by-step, and neat rough work so that the students earn all the marks they are eligible for.
Not Handling Time Effectively – The Last-Minute Panic Mode
Time management is another serious error students commit. Wasting too much time on one difficult question tends to leave insufficient time for easier ones, causing unwarranted anxiety in the final minutes.
How to Avoid It:
- Practice previous years’ papers within the given exam time frame.
- Set a time limit for each section and proceed if a question is too time-consuming.
- Leave at least 10 minutes at the end to check answers and correct errors.
- Employ intelligent strategies such as answering the easiest questions first to gain confidence.
At Bhargav Tutorials, students are practiced with timed mock tests under simulated real exam conditions. This enhances speed, handles pressure, and responds effectively without being hurried.
The Role of Mock Tests: Practicing for Perfection
Exams are terrifying, but just imagine having an idea of how the actual testing environment is even before the big day. Well, that’s what mock tests do! You get to indulge in the very real pressure while also grasping the patterns in questions and bettering your pace without the added risk of marking loss. At Bhargav Tutorials, the best coaching institute for CBSE, JEE, NEET & CUET, mock tests are not only a practice tool but a game-changer that enables students to sharpen their problem-solving skills, gain confidence, and achieve their highest scores.
Why Are Mock Tests So Important?
Try imagining learning to swim through reading about it—doesn’t sound likely, does it? That is because actual learning occurs when you jump into the water and experiment. In the same way, performing well in CBSE Class 10 Math is not only about reading up on formulas and working out exercises. You have to challenge yourself under timed conditions to understand how effectively you are able to put your knowledge into practice under stress.
Mock tests provide that true exam environment without actually exposing you to fears of outcomes. Bhargav Tutorials has regular mock exams that mirror exactly the pattern, level of difficulty, and schedule of the CBSE board examination. It lets you see what type of question is being posed, where areas of stronger REVISION are necessary, and time management is what’s important. By practicing in a structured way, you’ll gradually reduce silly mistakes and become more confident when the actual exam arrives.
Beating Exam Anxiety with Mock Tests
It is absolutely normal to feel nervous before an examination. The moment you read a difficult mathematics question, your heart begins to beat faster, and your mind goes blank. But imagine if you had already encountered similar questions many times earlier. That’s where mock tests become your closest ally.
Most students at Bhargav Tutorials have noticed a drastic decrease in stress levels just by trying to take regular mock exams. The more you take tests, the more comfortable you become with the format of the exam, and therefore, it is easier to deal with your nerves. When you take a genuine exam, it will no longer be a daunting task—it will be another test, something you have already accomplished before!
Sharpening Your Time Management Skills
One of the greatest challenges in CBSE Class 10 Math papers is finishing the paper within the time limit. You may be aware of how to solve each question, but if you don’t keep track of time, you might find yourself leaving some questions blank. That’s a nightmare no student would like to have!
By taking frequent mock tests at Bhargav Tutorials, you will realize how to manage your time wisely between sections. You will realize which questions to solve first, how much time to spend on each question, and when to skip a question if it takes too much time. These techniques of time management enable you to complete your paper within time and with accuracy.
Tracking Your Progress Like a Pro
How can you know if you’re getting better unless you measure it? Practicing mock tests in Bhargav Tutorials will help you compare your performance after some time has passed. You will receive explicit feedback from professional teachers, which will give you a clear sense of your areas of strength and weakness.
Maybe you’re great at algebra but struggle with geometry. Maybe you always lose marks in the trigonometry section. Regular analysis of mock test results helps you identify patterns in your mistakes so you can fix them before the actual board exams. Plus, nothing feels better than seeing your scores improve with each test—it’s a huge confidence booster!
Mock Tests: The Secret to Scoring Higher in CBSE Exams
It’s no secret that high scorers work tirelessly, and mock tests are a key to their success. At Bhargav Tutorials, the leading coaching center for CBSE, JEE, NEET & CUET, students have access to well-structured mock papers that are very similar to real board papers. These tests are made to test your problem-solving abilities, challenge you to think critically, and prepare you for any unexpected question that may come in the final exam.
So, if you want to excel in CBSE Class 10 Mathematics, don’t just study—test yourself with as many mock exams as possible. The more you practice, the better prepared you’ll be. And when exam day arrives, you’ll walk in with confidence, ready to tackle any question that comes your way!
Conclusion
Achievement in CBSE Class 10 Mathematics is not so much about hard work—it’s about intelligent practice. Mock tests are the ideal method for replicating exam conditions, sharpening your problem-solving strategy, and ridding yourself of exam day nervousness. They train you in time management, increase your confidence, and enable you to monitor your improvement so that you enter the exam hall absolutely ready.
At Bhargav Tutorials, the leading coaching institute for CBSE, JEE, NEET & CUET, students enjoy a systematic mock test program aimed at achieving their maximum scores. With regular practice, learning from errors, and sharpening strategies, you can convert exam stress to exam success. So, experience the strength of mock tests, believe in the process, and prepare to top your CBSE exams with confidence!