The best way to approach a math question is to initially ignore the answer choices and to come up with your own answer using the information provided in the question. By formulating an answer on your own, you can avoid being influenced in the wrong direction by incorrect but appealing answer choices.

Here’s the process for answering questions:

Following this method simply insures that you will actively engage with each problem. When you write essays, teachers often tell you to write an outline first, since a quick outline can help you organize your thoughts and actually save you time by letting you see where you need to go. Think of this method as providing you with a tiny outline for each math question. When you read the question and take a moment to make sure you know what it’s asking, you are building an outline in your head of how to solve it. In the long run, this will cut down on wrong paths and dead ends and save you time.