How to Read a Math Textbook The way you read a math textbook is different from the traditional way students are taught to read textbooks in high school or college. Students are taught to read quickly or skim the material. If you do not understand a word, you are supposed to keep on reading. Instructors of other courses want students to continue to read so they can pick up the unknown words and their meanings from context. This reading technique may work with your other classes, but using it in your math course will be totally confusing. By skipping some major concept words or bold-print words, you will not understand the math textbook or be able to do the homework. Reading a math textbook takes more time and concentration than reading your other textbooks. If you have a reading problem, it would be wise to take a developmental reading course before taking math. This is especially true with math reform delivery, where reading and writing are more emphasized. Reform math classes...