Mathematics is hard. It’s not something everyone can understand, and there are so many different ways to approach it. Some people naturally have a knack for numbers and fractions, while others struggle to see the point of it all. In fact, some people might find mathematics terrifyingly difficult. So much so that they choose to avoid it as much as possible and live in fear of anything numerical or algebraic. After all, how could anyone find love in the world of quadratic equations and imaginary numbers? There are many reasons why mathematics is difficult. We’ll go through some examples here that should help you see the light if you’re struggling with your math homework right now!
It’s All Symbolic Math
Lots of students cite the fact that mathematics is symbolic as one of the reasons why it’s difficult. After all, who can understand the difference between the square of 4 and the square of 5? This is where the symbolic nature of mathematics is important. It’s a language of its own, just like Spanish or German that we need to learn and understand. Once you’ve got a grasp of the symbols, the rest is easy. It can be frustrating at the start, but it’s not different from any other language. You just have to practice, practice, and practice some more until it becomes second nature. Symbolic mathematics can also help you check that your answer is correct. If you solve a problem and come up with 30 as the numerical answer, you don’t know for sure that you’re right. But if you solve the same problem and the answer is 30, then you know for sure that you’re correct.
It’s Confusing, to Begin With
If you start off with math, there’s so much you have to learn. You can’t just dive in with one subject or formula; you have to start from the beginning. You’re given a whole list of things to remember and learn, and they’re all different. And they don’t necessarily have any sort of order, so it all feels like one big mess. This is why it’s a good idea to start with something simple. Once you’ve got the basics down and the concepts are becoming clearer, you can move on to something more advanced. You’re not going to understand advanced mathematics just because you’ve been given a brief introduction to some of the symbols you’ll come across. So just take your time, and you’ll soon get to grips with it.
People Confuse Mathematics With Calculation
Calculation is just one aspect of mathematics. It’s the part where you look at the numbers and work out how to work with them. It’s the stuff you do when you’re doing your homework, working out how much to pay for something in a shop, or using a calculator. If you’re not interested in the symbolic side of mathematics, then you might find that this is all you need to do. You don’t need to worry about equations or what any of them mean; you just need to know how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. But if you want to do anything more complicated than that, then you’ll need to understand the symbolic stuff too.
Math Requires a Lot of Concentration and Focus
When you’re doing mathematics, you have to be totally focused. You have to concentrate on the problem at hand, and you shouldn’t be thinking about anything else at that moment. It’s a lot like meditation, in that way. It’s a very peaceful, quiet activity. This is another reason why it might seem difficult to you. If you’re always thinking about other things or feeling stressed, then you’ll never be able to concentrate on any mathematical problems, even if they’re straightforward. You can try to make it a bit more relaxing. Turn off your phone and computer, find a quiet room, and sit down with a pen and paper to work through your calculations.
Why Many People End Up Not Knowing Mathematics
- Falling Behind in School:
Sometimes, missing a few classes in high school or primary school can set you back several years. It’s not that you can’t do math; it’s just that you got left behind in a few classes, and the resulting confusion makes you feel like math is just not your thing. Often, the key reason people feel they can’t do math is this struggle to catch up.
- Needing to Understand the “Why”
When faced with a math concept, some people want to grasp the logic and patterns behind it. If they can’t, they find it hard to memorize the steps for solving equations and such. So, they spend a lot of time trying to understand the foundation and fall behind in the process. This leads them to believe they’re bad at math or perform poorly on tests.
What You Can Do:
What I’ve learned in Engineering School is that understanding the concept is crucial in math. However, it’s challenging if you can’t handle the computations (like solving equations). On the flip side, computations are useless without understanding the concepts.
In my experience, it works best to start by mastering computation, understanding the steps needed to work through a problem. Afterward, you can seek going into the understanding of the concept behind the equations.
Additionally, if you miss a few classes and struggle to catch up, don’t stress too much about the current topic. Wait until the class is done and ask a classmate for help in understanding what you missed. You can’t grasp a topic ahead if you’re struggling with the one that came before, especially if it’s building on that foundation (which is often the case with math topics).
So, rest assured, the two main reasons mentioned above are why many people believe they’re bad at math. Those who genuinely struggle with math, despite their best efforts and without these reasons, are a small minority.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with your math homework, the problems might not be with you. There are lots of reasons why mathematics is difficult, and it may just be that you’re not used to the way it’s presented. Once you get used to the symbols, the language, and how it’s taught, you’ll be fine. There are lots of ways to make it easier, too. You can use online resources to find out more about different mathematical concepts, and you can join a group where you can share your problems with other people. Math might seem like a difficult subject, but it’s actually a lot of fun once you’ve got the basics down. So don’t despair; just keep at it, and you’ll soon see improvements.
