MATH MADE EASY

Sometimes school experiences leave you with incorrect assumptions about math.  There are many misconceptions that can lead you to believe that only certain types of people can be good at math.  Lets dispel some of these common myths. Anyone can be successful in math when presented with opportunities to succeed, an open mind, and a belief that you can be good at math.

 

 

Men are better in math than women

Simply not true!  Numerous research studies have debunked this myth.  In fact, studies suggest that men and women on the whole possess an equal aptitude for math and science. Despite such evidence, questions of gender differences persist, in part because men still outnumber women in science and math careers. Researchers have concluded that early experience, educational policies and culture also strongly affect success in math and science.  A cultural shift is needed. Men are not better in math or science than women - if you buy that myth, you better keep your receipt!

 

Math requires logic, not intuition
Few people are aware that intuition is the cornerstone of doing math and solving problems. Mathematicians always think intuitively first. Everyone has mathematical intuition; they just have not learned to use or trust it. It is amazing how often the first idea you come up with turns out to be correct.

 

Math is not creative
Creativity is arguably as central to mathematics as it is to art, literature, and music. The act of creation involves diametrical opposites - working intensely and relaxing, the frustration of failure and elation of discovery, satisfaction of seeing all the pieces fit together. It requires imagination, intellect, intuition, and aesthetic about the rightness of things.

 

You must always know how you got the answer
Getting the answer to a problem and knowing how the answer was derived are independent processes. If you are consistently right, then you know how to do the problem. You don`t always need to know how to explain it.  It helps to be able to put things in your own words to solidify understanding, but it`s not always vital. 

 

There is 1 way to do math problems correctly
A math problem may be solved by a variety of methods which express individuality and originality - but there is no best way. New and interesting techniques for doing all levels of mathematics, from arithmetic to calculus, have been discovered by students. The way math is done can be very individual and personal and the best method is the one which you feel most comfortable with.

 

You must get the answer exactly right

Be willing to be wrong - take a guess. Try. Experiment a bit. A missile is off course 99% of the time, but it constantly corrects it's course - you should too.  It's how we learn, and remember.  Also, the ability to obtain an approximate answer is often more important than getting exact answers. This requires actual thinking, estimating and asking ourselves, "does my answer or thought processmake sense?" Feelings about the importance of the answer often are a reversion to early school years when arithmetic was taught as a feeling that you were "good" when you got the right answer and "bad" when you did not.

 

Its bad to count using your fingers

There is nothing wrong with counting on fingers as an aid to doing arithmetic. Counting on fingers actually indicates an understanding of arithmetic - arguably more understanding than if everything were only memorized.  Like an abacus, attached to your hand!  Yup. 

 

Mathematicians do problems quickly, in their heads
Solving new problems or learning new material is always difficult and time consuming. The only problems mathematicians do quickly are those they have solved before. Speed is not a measure of ability. It is the result of experience and practice.  So keep practicing!

 

Math requires a great memory

Knowing math means that concepts make sense to you and rules and formulas seem natural. This kind of knowledge cannot be gained through rote memorization.

 

Math is done by working intensely until the problem is solved

Solving problems requires both resting and working intensely. Going away from a problem and later returning to it allows your mind time to assimilate, relate, and compare ideas and develop new ones. Often, upon coming back to a problem a new insight is experienced which unlocks the solution.  Cool right?

 

Some people have a "math mind" and some don't
Belief in myths about how math is done leads to a complete lack of self-confidence. But it is self-confidence that is one of the most important determining factors in mathematical performance. We have yet to encounter anyone who could not attain his or her goals once the emotional blocks were removed.  Yes, you can be good at math too!

 

There is a magic key to doing math
There is no formula, rule, or general guideline which will suddenly unlock the mysteries of math. If there is a key to doing math, it is in overcoming anxiety about the subject and in using the same skills you use to do everything else.