How to get the best out of your search

1. Be precise- when using a search engine you want to minimize your number of matches. The best way to do that is know exactly what you want to find. Make sure you are using the most specific words or phases as possible. Do not use phases that are long and use a lot of words. Stick to precise words or phases.

Example- Searching for Math games

Good searches- algebra games 9-12 (see algebra is a specific type of math)

Vague searches- Game for math classes in high school (too long and so many words)

2. Use math to search- you can use addition, subtraction, and multiplication to narrow your search. If you want to find two related topics on one page, you want to addition the words together.

Example-Searching for Calculus and Physics

+Calculus+physics

If you want to find one of two related topics you can use subtraction to narrow your search.

Example- searching for safety but not first aide

Safety-first aide

If you want to use a phrase to search use multiplication (use quotation marks).

Example- Search for Martin Luther King’s I have a dream speech

“I have a dream”

You may also combine the symbols to search as well.

3. Use an advanced search to minimize your search. This tool allows you to go beyond the general search and tapered your results down to a reasonable number.

4. Use search assistance for major search engines. For instance, after you have search for a topic downsize your search by using features that search within your search. Most major search engines have these and they are either at the top or the bottom of the page.

5. Change the search preferences to better suit your search. Many preferences just ask you about opening searches and languages, but by setting your preferences you are cutting out a lot of site that many not be in English.