| How to Study for a Math Exam Posted: 15 Sep 2017 05:00 PM PDT Practice makes perfect when it comes to math - that's why your teacher assigns so many tedious homework problems! Many people try to study for math by simply memorizing formulas and equations the way they would memorize facts and dates. While knowing formulas and equations is important, the best way to learn them is by using them. Start studying early, do your homework, and ask your teacher for help if you run into any issues. Avoid cramming, try not to get stressed out, and make sure to get rest and eat well just before the test. EditPreparing for the Test - Look over your class notes. After school, look over the notes you took in class that day for 15 to 20 minutes. As a test approaches, review your notes for the entire unit or chapter more thoroughly. Pay special attention to the example problems the teacher provided in class, since these will help break down how a given procedure or formula works.[1]
- Do problems similar to those that were assigned for homework. Suppose you were assigned odd numbers for homework because the even numbers' answers are in the back of the book. Work on those even-numbered problems, then check your answers to see where your strengths and weaknesses are.[2]
- Ask your teacher if your math book has an online website. Sometimes online textbooks can help by providing quizzes and additional instructional material.
- Join a study group. Different people see concepts in different ways. Something that you have difficulty understanding may come easily to a study partner. If everyone in the group is confused about something, ask the teacher for help.[3]
- You could meet once or twice a week in person, talk over the phone, or chat online.
- Have someone make up practice problems for you. If you're in a study group, you can create and exchange practice tests for each other. Ask a family member or someone in your class to work on practice examples together. If your textbook has a website, see if you can download practice exams.[4]
- Give yourself a time limit when taking a practice test to simulate the real thing.
- Reward yourself for studying hard. You deserve a break after a few hours of intense studying! Figure out some way to treat yourself after studying hard to help motivate yourself.[5]
- For example, you could have a candy bar, go on a bike ride, play a game for 20 minutes, or do something other low-key activity you enjoy.
- Rest and eat well just before the exam. Try not to be stressed as the exam approaches. Get a good night's sleep the night before the exam. Have a full breakfast that morning and, if the test is later in the day, a good lunch.[6]
- Try having a light, healthy snack, like almonds, before the test to give your brain a little more fuel.
EditGoing to Your Classes - Attend class every day. Showing up to class is half the battle, so listen and pay attention to the material. Seeing your teacher break down a problem on the board is key, since math is typically more visual than other subjects due to the equations and problem solving.[7]
- Jot down any example problems from the session/class. When you review your notes later on, you will have a better feel for the specific lesson that was taught, rather than relying on your textbook.
- Ask your teacher any questions you have before the exam. The teacher might not tell you specifically what is going to be on the exam, but they might give you helpful guidance if you don't understand. Asking questions about material that confuses you will also show the teacher you care about doing well in the class.[8]
- Each night after school, look over your notes. Highlight any questions you have and take them to your teacher for further explanation.
- Read the text. Make sure you read all of the assigned text and not just the examples. Textbooks often include proofs of the formulas that will help you understand the lesson much more thoroughly. Further, if you do the assigned reading, you'll be better prepared for each class, so you'll be able to actively participate.[9]
- Actively participating, or raising your hand to respond to and ask questions, will help your grade in the long run.
EditStudying Every Day - Start studying as early as possible. Start preparing for the test on day one of the unit. Each night after class, look over your notes from that session. Cramming the night before will just overwhelm you.[10]
- If you give yourself time to study gradually, you'll have a better shot at mastering the material. In addition, you'll be able to identify weak spots and, if necessary, get extra help.
- Do your homework problems. Most classes have assigned, or at least suggested, problems that the teacher feels are most useful. Exam problems are often similar to homework problems, so doing your daily homework is like taking a little practice test each day.[11]
- If your textbook provides answers in the back of the book, use them only to check your work. If you choose to use them, try not to peek until after you've finished the assignment!
- Do all the work for each equation, and keep your homework papers. Use them to study as the test approaches. Never just copy someone else's homework.
- Get to know how a formula works. It's typically more useful to understand how a formula is derived than simply memorizing it. Memorization is a good first step, but getting a feel for why a formula works by doing plenty of practice problems will increase your shot at passing with flying colors.[12]
- For example, you could simply memorize the sum of a triangle's interior angles, which always add up to 180 degrees. However, if you really get a feel for that formula, you could use it to solve other problems, like figuring out an unknown angle in a hexagon.
- During the test, you'll have a time limit, so you should start with the easier problems, and end with the harder ones.
- As soon as you get your test, write as many formulas and equations down on the back of the test if you think you will forget.
- Don't waste your time erasing mistakes. To save time, put a line through or scratch out any work you don't want your teacher to consider.[13]
- Do the easier questions first.
- Refer important questions first,if you don't have enough time for your test.
- When the test starts, first do the questions of highest point-value then the lowest.
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| How to Pawn Jewelry Posted: 15 Sep 2017 09:00 AM PDT Pawning jewelry for money is not typically an ideal situation since pawn shops offer high interest rates and price jewelry at a fraction of its true value. However, if you need a quick loan, pawning jewelry might be your only option. By taking the time to have your jewelry appraised, shopping around for the best loan deals, and getting your loan paid back on time, you can safely get the money you need and still get your jewelry back! EditDetermining What Jewelry to Pawn - Figure out how much money you need to borrow. Pawn shops are in business to make money, so they will only offer you about 60% to 70% of the true value of your jewelry. Therefore, you don't want to pawn more jewelry than you have to, especially if you're unable to repay the loan.[1]
- Knowing how much money you need on loan will help you figure out the minimal amount of jewelry you need to choose from your collection for pawning.
- Prioritize your pieces. Try to choose jewelry to pawn that you know you can live without. Pawning family heirloom jewelry might be something you regret later on, but an engagement ring from an old relationship might be easier to part with.
- Get your jewelry appraised. Pawn shops are usually only interested in pure metals, like gold and silver, and diamonds. They often turn down gold-plated items, as well as costume jewelry. Take your jewelry to an appraiser or jeweler for a free assessment to find out what your jewelry contains and what it's worth.[2]
- You can find appraisers and jewelers near you by doing an online search.
- Remember that a pawn shop won't typically offer the true value of your jewelry, but it's good to get an idea of what it's worth, so you know what to expect at a pawn shop (about 60% to 70% of its true value).
- Keep some jewelry on reserve. If possible, don't pawn all your jewelry at once. Keep at least one or two valuable pieces with you in case you aren't able to pay back the loan on time. That way, you can pawn again if you need to buy some more time so that you don't lose ownership of your jewelry.
EditFinding the Right Pawn Shop - Decide how much time you need to repay the loan. Pawn shops will allot you a certain amount of time to repay your loan. If you do not pay in time, the pawn shop is allowed to keep your jewelry. To ensure the highest chances of reclaiming your valuables, be sure to make an accurate assessment on how long it will take you to repay.
- Be sure to factor in some "wiggle room" into your time frame. Perhaps add an extra couple weeks into your projected time frame in case something comes up and you aren't able to produce the money as quickly as planned.
- Research local and online pawn shops. Not all pawn shops are equal. Some will offer more money for less jewelry and others will have better interest rates or offer longer periods of time to pay back the loan. Do an online search ahead of time to find out which pawn shops offer the best terms based on your needs.[3]
- Online pawn shops may be able to offer you a better loan and a longer time to pay it off, but they will be harder to negotiate with, especially if you are trying to pawn rare jewelry.
- Visit two or three local pawn shops with your jewelry. Pawn shops try to remain competitive with each other, so if you decide to pawn locally, visit a few different shops to be sure you are getting the best value for your jewelry.
- Be careful. Pawn shops can swap your jewelry for cheaper items when you aren't looking so never let your jewelry out of your sight. If you didn't get an appraisal done, bring your own scale to showcase the weight of your jewelry. Don't trust a pawn shop scale.
- Don't let a pawn shop talk your jewelry down or appraise it for you.
EditPawning the Piece - Negotiate at the pawn shop. When you've found a pawn shop with the right terms for your needs, don't be afraid to negotiate for the best deal. The pawn shop staff can always decline your offer or offer a counter, so you have nothing to lose by trying.[4]
- When you negotiate, allow the shop to make the first offer.
- You can negotiate the value of the jewelry, the interest rate of the loan, and the time it will take you to pay it back.[5]
- Be prepared to walk away if the shop staff isn't willing to give you the terms that you want.
- Sign a contract. Don't trust a pawn shop that doesn't offer some sort of contract or agreement that documents the loan. Make sure the terms of the loan, the interest rate, and the timing of loan payback are clearly outlined. Be sure there is also a description of the jewelry included.[6]
- Take photos of your jewelry laying next to the contract at the pawn shop in case there are any future disputes about the terms or the jewelry pawned.
- Pay back the loan on time. It's really important to pay back the loan on time so that you can recover your jewelry safely. Pawn shops can't resell everything that gets pawned so they will often melt down jewelry into pure metals and sell it at a market price. They can do this as soon as the jewelry is officially theirs.
- Therefore, your best chance of recovering your jewelry is by repaying the loan by the date and time listed on the contract.
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| How to Weatherproof a Door Posted: 15 Sep 2017 01:00 AM PDT Doors are frequently a source of drafts in your home, which can end up costing you big bucks in heating and cooling bills. Even if you're not particularly handy, there are some quick and easy fixes you can do, like installing an adhesive weatherproofing strip or a draft fighting door sweep. For a more permanent fix, you can install tension strips or an integral door sweep to improve insulation. EditDoing Quick and Easy Fixes - Use an adhesive weatherproofing strip. Before using adhesive weatherproofing products, thoroughly clean the area according to the directions on the weatherstrips. Once the area is dry, remove the backing of the adhesive strip and press it into place on the door jamb along the edges of the door.[1]
- Sometimes it can be difficult to apply an adhesive strip by yourself. Asking a friend to help you out can make this process quicker and easier.
- Depending on the fit of your door, you may not be able to attach adhesive strips along every edge of the door. If a strip gets prevents the door from closing properly, it should be removed.
- Adhesive strips are usually sold in different widths and thicknesses, which will allow you to choose the best size for the gaps along the edges of your individual door. Measure gaps with a tape measure or ruler.[2]
- Install door insulating felt. One of the benefits of this kind of felt is you can trust it to last for at least a year or two even though it's relatively inexpensive. Cut the felt into strips long enough to stretch along each edge of the door, then use nails or staples to fasten it around the edges.[3]
- The felt should be thick enough that it compresses when the door closes, but it should not interfere with the closing of the door.[4]
- Normal carpentry staples should work for attaching felt to your door, but for improved durability, you may want to use heavy-duty ones.
- When you replace insulating felt, you'll have to take out the staples before reattaching the new piece. This can create unsightly holes where the felt was installed.
- Add a weatherproofing door sweep. Unattached door sweeps slide underneath the gap at the bottom of your door, closing it off at either side with where the sweep thickens. Open your door, and at the center of the sweep (where it thins like a trough) insert the sweep under the door.[5]
- Some unattached door sweeps can get bunched up and make it difficult to open or close your door. In these cases, use masking tape to hold the sweep in place.
- Some door finishes may be damaged by tape. If you decide to use tape to hold your sweep in place, attach the tape to an out-of-sight part of the door.
- Cover door windows with insulating plastic film. Door windows can also contribute a great deal to draftiness. Apply two layers of double-sided tape side-by-side around the window frame. After about 15 minutes, peel off the backing of the tape and then press the plastic film insulation into place.[6]
- You can improve the insulating power of this plastic by inserting a layer of bubble wrap in the space between the window and the film.
- Most kinds of plastic film insulation require at least an inch or two (2.5 to 5 cm) of film extending beyond all sides of the window.
- Depending on the brand of insulation, you may need to use a hair dryer to bond the film to the adhesive. Always follow the insulation's instructions for the best results.[7]
- Weatherproof inside and out for improved efficiency. If you can apply a weatherproofing product on both sides of your door, in many cases this will double its efficiency. A second, outer layer of weatherproofing adhesive strips or insulating film can greatly reduce draftiness for relatively little effort.[8]
- Replace weatherproofing products as necessary. Over time, weatherproofing products will wear down and start to lose efficiency. At the start and end of every season, look over the weatherproofing materials used on your doors. Replace any that look old or deteriorated.
- If you notice cracking, discoloration, unnatural stiffness, looseness, or peeling, it's probably time for you to replace the weatherproofing material.[9]
EditInstalling Tension Strips - Measure and mark the length for the strips. Your tension strips will need to be as long as the top and bottom of your door. In some situations, your door may only have space for a tension strip along the top or bottom. After measuring the door, mark the strip at the appropriate length.
- Cut the strips and fold them if necessary. Use scissors to cut your tension strips at the mark(s) you've made. For V-seal tension strips, after cutting, you'll need to fold the strip in half lengthwise, usually along some kind of a seam.[10]
- Some tension strips are made from durable material, like heavy-duty plastic or metal. These kinds of strips may require tin snips to cut.
- Fasten the strips into place. Tack fastened tension strips should be pounded into place with a hammer at the top and/or bottom of the door. These can then be opened slightly with your fingers to make a tighter seal. V-seal weather strips often have an adhesive backing. For these strips, remove the backing and press the strips into place.[11]
- Opening the V-seal will cause the strip to rise off the ground so it touches the bottom of the door when closed, improving the seal.
- Heavy-duty seals may be difficult to open with your hands. In situations like this, use pliers or a prying tool, like a sturdy screwdriver, to spread V-seals open.
EditAttaching a Door Sweep - Evaluate the gaps around the edges of your door. If your door was installed in its jamb snugly, you may need to purchase an especially thin sweep. The best way to ensure you buy the right sweep for your door is to measure the gaps with a tape measure.[12]
- If you have a sweep already in place that isn't doing the job, you may need to remove this first. In most cases, sweeps can be popped free with a prybar.
- Adjust the door height if necessary. To adjust your door upward, simply measure the height your door needs to be raised to fit the sweep. Measure and mark this distance upwards for each hinge. Unscrew the hinges with a screwdriver and refasten them at the raised height.[13]
- For most doors, this shouldn't be a problem, as sweeps are designed to be thin at the middle to fit underneath doors.
- Attach bristle sweeps to the door bottom. Bristle sweeps usually fit easily underneath most doors. Certain bristle sweeps even have small wheels, which are ideal for uneven floors. Screw bristle sweeps into place along the bottom of your door with a screwdriver.[14]
- Use an integral sweep to seal large bottom gaps. Integral sweeps generally add a bit to the height of your door. Because of this, unless there is a large gap along the bottom, you'll need to adjust the height of the door or remove some wood from its bottom. Screw in the integral sweep to the bottom edge of the door, and under door drafts should diminish, if not totally disappear.
- If you end up shaving wood off the bottom of your door to make room for an integral sweep, make sure you seal it to prevent it from weathering or rotting unevenly.[15]
- Integral sweeps are also useful if you want the sweep to be less noticeable or if you want it to appear like the sweep is a natural part of the door.
- Most weatherproofing products are widely available at hardware stores and home centers.
- Before putting in weatherproofing, clean doors thoroughly with water and a mild detergent, like dish soap. This is especially important for adhesive products, which can lose strength when contaminated with dust.
- Follow the directions that came with your weatherproofing products for best results. Using these incorrectly could result in damage to your door or a poor seal.
EditThings You'll Need - Bristle sweep (or integral sweep)
- Door insulating felt
- Door sweep (unattached)
- Fasteners (like screws or tacks)
- Hammer
- Insulating plastic film
- Pencil (or suitable writing utensil)
- Scissors (or tin snips for metal/heavy-duty tension strips)
- Screwdriver
- Screws
- Tape measure
- Tension strips
- Weatherproofing adhesive strips
EditSources and Citations
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