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Anxiety About Maths? Here's How to Ace the NBT Math Section ✏️

Let’s be real — the NBT Maths section (Quantitative Literacy) gives a lot of students sweaty palms 😰. If you’re someone who’s never felt like a "math person," this part of the test might seem extra scary.


But here’s the truth: the NBT isn’t trying to throw you into wild calculus chaos. It’s checking how well you can use everyday maths in everyday situations. And that’s something you absolutely can learn to handle.


Let’s walk through it step-by-step 👣.


a pen with math questions


📚 What’s Really in the NBT Maths Section?


This section is all about real-life application — not abstract equations. You’ll see:

  • Percentages & ratios

  • Basic algebra & number patterns

  • Financial maths (VAT, discounts, interest rates)

  • Interpreting graphs, tables & data

  • Measurement (time, distance, volume)

  • Rates, proportions & probability 🎲


Think bus schedules, receipts, and budgeting — not complicated theorems. The NBT wants to know: can you think mathematically in practical ways?



😬 Why So Many Students Struggle


  1. Low confidence – The “I’m not good at maths” mindset holds many students back.

  2. Poor time management – You don’t get much time per question, and panic leads to silly errors.

  3. Lack of exposure to NBT-style questions – The style feels unfamiliar if you haven’t practised.


But the good news? Every single one of these can be improved with smart preparation.



📝 Tips To Tame the NBT Maths Section


🔢 1. Start With the Basics


NBT maths is about solid fundamentals — not tricks.


✅ Focus on:

  • Fractions, decimals, and percentages

  • Ratios and proportions

  • Interest calculations

  • Graph reading


Once you’re confident with these, the rest feels a lot easier.


💯 2. Practice With Real NBT Questions


Get your hands on NBT-style books or mock exams. Actually do the questions — don’t just read the answers.


⏱️ Practise under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.


👀 3. Read Carefully


NBT questions can be wordy or designed to confuse you slightly. Slow down:

  • Read the question twice

  • Underline important values or instructions

  • Highlight units (R, %, km, hours, etc.)


That alone will help you avoid mistakes.


✂️ 4. Use Estimation


Sometimes, close-enough is good enough.


Example: 27 items at R9.85 each? Estimate: 27 × 10 = R270. That’s fast, and in many cases, perfectly acceptable for the NBT.


🧘 5. Stay Calm and Move On


If a question’s taking too long — skip it. Come back later if you can.


🎯 The NBT rewards smart time management, not perfection.


📊 6. Get Comfortable With Data Handling


Bar graphs, pie charts, tables — these show up all the time. Practice interpreting what they say before calculating anything.


Often, the answer is just about observation, not math.



✨ Final Thoughts: Believe In Your Ability


Look, maths fear is real. But it’s not permanent. The more you practise in the right way, the more that fear turns into confidence.


This section isn’t about tricks — it’s about clear thinking and steady preparation. With consistent effort, smart strategies, and belief in yourself, you’ve got everything it takes.


📲 And don’t forget — the Go Study Now app can help you build your foundation and practice NBT-style maths problems daily.


✅ Preparation beats panic every time. Let’s go get it! 💪


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