Mixed Practice Sets
Learn
Real standardized tests do not organize questions by topic. They mix everything together: fractions next to geometry, word problems next to data interpretation. Mixed practice sets train your brain to switch between different types of thinking, just like you will need to on test day.
Why Mixed Practice is Different
When you practice one topic at a time (like only doing fraction problems), your brain knows what to expect. But mixed practice forces you to:
- Recognize what type of problem you are facing
- Recall the right method or formula from memory
- Switch mental gears between different topics
- Manage your time across varied difficulty levels
Using Error Logs with Mixed Practice
Mixed practice is the perfect opportunity to test your error logging skills. For each problem you miss, record:
- Question type: What topic was it? (fractions, geometry, etc.)
- Error type: Was it a concept gap, calculation error, or misreading?
- Context: Where in the set was it? Were you tired? Rushing?
- Pattern check: Have you made this type of error before?
Recommended Mixed Practice Schedule
| Frequency | Set Size | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 10-15 questions | 15-20 minutes |
| Bi-weekly | 20-25 questions | 30-35 minutes |
Examples
Here is an example of how to log errors from a mixed practice set:
Sample Mixed Practice Error Log
| Q# | Topic | My Ans | Correct | Error Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Ratios | 6 | 8 | Setup | Flipped the ratio |
| 7 | Decimals | 2.4 | 0.24 | Decimal place | Rushing at end |
| 11 | Geometry | 28 | 14 | Formula | Forgot 1/2 in triangle area |
Pattern Analysis
Looking at the log above, this student can identify:
- Geometry formula errors are recurring (need to review formulas)
- Rushing errors happen at the end of sets (need better pacing)
- Ratio setup is a weak spot (need targeted practice)
Practice
Complete this 12-question mixed practice set. Time yourself (15 minutes recommended). After finishing, score your work and log any errors.
1. What is 3/5 + 1/4? Express your answer as a fraction.
Show Answer
17/20 (Common denominator is 20: 12/20 + 5/20 = 17/20)
2. A rectangle has an area of 48 square inches and a width of 6 inches. What is its perimeter?
Show Answer
28 inches (Length = 48/6 = 8. Perimeter = 2(8) + 2(6) = 28)
3. Solve for n: n/4 = 15
Show Answer
n = 60
4. The ratio of boys to girls in a class is 3:5. If there are 24 students total, how many are girls?
Show Answer
15 girls (3+5=8 parts. 24/8=3 per part. Girls = 5x3 = 15)
5. What is 40% of 75?
Show Answer
30 (0.40 x 75 = 30)
6. Evaluate: -8 + 15 - 3
Show Answer
4 (-8 + 15 = 7, then 7 - 3 = 4)
7. A bag has 4 red, 3 blue, and 5 green marbles. What is the probability of picking a blue marble?
Show Answer
3/12 = 1/4 or 25%
8. Find the mean of: 12, 18, 15, 9, 21
Show Answer
15 (Sum = 75, divide by 5 = 15)
9. Convert 5/8 to a decimal.
Show Answer
0.625
10. A shirt costs $25. It is on sale for 20% off. What is the sale price?
Show Answer
$20 (20% of 25 = $5 discount. $25 - $5 = $20)
11. What is the area of a triangle with base 10 cm and height 7 cm?
Show Answer
35 cm² (1/2 x 10 x 7 = 35)
12. Simplify: 4² + 3 x 5 - 10
Show Answer
21 (16 + 15 - 10 = 21)
Error Logging Template
After completing the set, log your errors using this format:
- Question number:
- Topic:
- My answer:
- Correct answer:
- Error type:
- What I will do differently:
Check Your Understanding
Reflect on your mixed practice experience:
- Why is mixed practice more challenging than single-topic practice?
- What additional information should you record when logging errors from mixed sets?
- How can you identify patterns across different topics in your error log?
- What was the hardest part of switching between different question types?
Next Steps
- Complete one mixed practice set per week
- Review your error log before starting each new mixed set
- Look for patterns: Are certain topics always harder when mixed?
- Celebrate progress: Compare your error rates over time
- You have completed the Error Log Habits unit! Return to review any lessons as needed.