Common Math Mistakes PU Students Make Without Noticing
Math in PU isn’t just about getting the right answer, it’s about presenting it the right way, using the right methods, and avoiding small slip-ups that can cost big marks. Many students who are conceptually strong still lose marks on board and CET exams because of unnoticed errors that creep into their work.
With proper awareness and smart preparation tools like Parikshe, PU students can easily avoid these silent score-killers. Let’s explore the most common math mistakes PU students make and how to fix them with the right approach.
1. Skipping Steps in a Hurry
Many PU students, especially those who practice CET MCQs frequently, develop a habit of skipping steps even in board-related problems. But in board exams, marks are awarded for every correct step. Rushing leads to lost steps, and lost steps mean lost marks. Use Parikshe’s topic-wise PU video solutions to see how each step is written clearly. Practice writing every step while solving to build exam-ready habits.
2. Mixing Up Similar Formulas
Whether it’s trigonometric identities, limits and derivatives, or geometry, many formulas in the PU syllabus look very similar. In a moment of stress, students easily swap or confuse them. Create a formula sheet and revise it alongside Parikshe’s formula-focused revision sessions.
Watching formulas being used in problem-solving builds stronger memory than just reading them.
3. Ignoring Units and Labels in Word Problems
In questions from mensuration, speed/time, or practical geometry, students often solve correctly but forget the final units—like m², cm, or seconds. It seems like a small error, but it can cost full marks in boards.
Practice application-based questions using Parikshe’s previous year board and CET videos. Make it a habit to circle or box the unit in your final answer during mock tests.
4. Sign Errors in Algebraic Simplification
In topics like matrices, quadratic equations, and calculus, negative signs are everywhere. A single minus sign missed while expanding or substituting can change the entire answer.
Follow along with Parikshe’s solution videos and pause before critical steps. Write neatly and highlight negatives while practicing. Visual clarity often prevents silent errors.
5. Not Reading the Question Completely
A lot of PU students jump into solving after reading only half the question. This leads to mistakes like solving for the wrong variable or using the wrong method. In all of Parikshe’s model paper solving sessions, the teacher starts by reading and underlining the key part of each question. Copy that habit. It trains your brain to slow down and avoid misinterpretation.
In PU Math, accuracy matters just as much as speed. Most students don’t fail because they don’t know—they lose marks because they don’t notice. With proper attention to detail and regular guided practice, these small errors can be eliminated.
Parikshe’s PU Channel provides chapter-wise video classes, previous year question discussions, mock paper breakdowns, and revision marathons—all in Kannada, designed to build accuracy, confidence, and clarity.
Subscribe to PUC@Parikshe and stop losing marks to avoidable mistakes.
