Board Exams 2026: 10 Best Tricks to Solve Tough Maths Questions Fast

1. Break the Question Into Smaller Parts: Big problems look scary because they contain multiple steps. Identify each step and solve them one by one.

2. Write What’s Given & What’s Asked: Most students get confused because they skip this. Writing the known data clarifies the approach instantly.

3. Convert Word Problems Into Equations: Under exam pressure, word problems feel tough. Translate every sentence into math symbols to make it simpler.

4. Use Visual Methods (Graphs, Diagrams, Rough Sketches): For geometry, mensuration, and trigonometry questions, drawing a quick figure reduces confusion and avoids silly mistakes.

5. Substitute Values to Cross-Check: For algebra and polynomials, substituting simple numbers like 1, –1, or 2 can help you verify quickly.

6. Learn Standard Shortcuts & Identities: Memorize formulas for - Quadratic equations, Trigonometric identities, Algebraic identities. These instantly reduce solving time.

7. Solve by Elimination, Not Just Calculation: Especially useful in MCQs. Remove impossible options first to avoid full calculations.

8. Check Units, Signs & Zeros Carefully: Most errors are in +/– signs, unit conversions, or missing zeros. Recheck these in the last 2 minutes.

9. Start With Easy Parts of Difficult Questions: Many questions have one simple step followed by a lengthy one. Secure the simple marks first.

10. Practice Previous Year's “High-Weightage” Questions: Patterns repeat. Solving similar types will make even “difficult” questions feel familiar.