How can i understnd this crap?

Question

Math is so hard for me to understand i can only multiply

Answer 1

don't worry I usuly get D's in math

Answer 2

I am sorry you are having difficulty in math. As someone else said, it is like understanding a foreign language. And although I know you won't believe me, math can be a lot of FUN. Mathematics is really just about solving puzzles.

I hope that you can find some questions to ask here, because I would like you to see how much fun it can be to solve an interesting but hard math problem.

But as someone said, math is a type of language, and it doesn't make sense, unless you know what at least some of the words mean. Then you think about what you understand, and what you don't understand, and try to fill in the missing parts.

Sometimes it may take years before you REALLY understand WHY you do things a certain way, just like a baby at a hot stove. But it is important to learn WHAT first, so that you can learn WHY later.

I had a REALLY hard time with long division. And my teacher called my dumb, and made me sit with the kindergartners. (How embarrassing!) But later, I studied math at college and even did it for a job.

I hope that you don't have a mean teacher like that!
I realized later that math gets easier with practice. And the more you practice the easier it gets. And then it starts to become a fun challenge, just like sports!

But first you have to start with easy problems. And have someone who can show you how to check your own answers to find your own mistakes.

But first you have to give yourself a chance, and believe you can do it. And even if YOU don't believe you can do it , I DO!

So write me about your difficulties.

And someday you will wonder how you ever could have thought math was hard! (And I don't expect you to believe that right now either!)

Answer 3

I had the very same problem---in fact, when I went to college, I had to take high school math over again(and you get no credit for that). My luck was a very good and patient tutor. In math all you have to do is follow the rules. Math is nothing but fixed rules. Work them this way: everytime you solve a math problem, put the approbiate formula out of the book above the problems, then follow the instructions on how to solve the problem by following it according to the formula on the dot. I'll give you an example:

-2+-2=x(the answer is -4)Rule:negative plus negative equals negative

-2 X -2=x(the answer is +4)Rule: negative times negative equals positive
-2 X +2=x(the answer is -4)Rule: negative times positive equals negative.

Follow the rules and solve a math problem according to the instructions in the book. Put the formula above the problems assigned as homework. You will be amazed. By the time the first math test came along I knew my rules and my formulas for the subject and didn't have to study. It works.Good luck

Answer 4

Math is hard--you have to understand difficult things to progress. I teach math, and when my students struggle, I have them keep working at it. Asking questions to people trying to teach you is vital. Also, you have to change your perception--math IS hard, but it's a challenge that is solvable, not an impossibility.

To understand math in a math class.
1--take good notes (pretty much copy what the teacher writes down)
2--ask questions (good ones sound like "I'm not sure how you got from step 3 to step 4 in example 7), and make sure you understand
3--try every assigned problem--check the answers if they are in your book AFTER you have tried them
4--ask for help--teachers, tutors, friends, parents, geeky looking guys off the street (well, maybe not so safe), etc are willing to help with math problems. You know someone who can do this..use that great voice and ask.
5--don't give up. If you don't get it the first try, try it again. Eventually, you will go "aha" I get this.

I hope you are having a good summer. Good luck with math.

Answer 5

Realize that math is much like a foreign language. What is the problem asking you? Don't try to even begin an answer until you understands what is being asked of you. Then use the methods your teachers have given you to slowly work on a solution. Slow down and think about what the numbers and symbols are saying.

Answer 6

eh, my guess is that your starting algebra or something like that. As weird as it might sound, many of the concepts for algebra are like simple math, you just have to learn to apply them. Something like x=4-2, would be like asking the question "what is 4-2?" and of course that is 2 so x=2. now, something slightly more difficult like 2y+x=4y+7 would be solved like so:
2y+x=4y+7, minus 2y from both sides so that x is alone, x=2y+7, there's your answer. If a value is given for y, lets say 4, then its 2x4+7=X so its 15=x and there's your answer.
Now, i don't exactly know what level math you are in, i'm merely guessing at it, but if you have more complicated problems and need help feel free to message me about it, I'm fairly good at it.

Answer 7

I really, know how you feel ,

i used to hate maths and was useless at it .
And afraid to appear stupid by asking .

If you have a good , interested teacher .
you will sail through .

I discovered later in life that math was not as difficult or obscure as i first found,
.
it was very useful, when in business, to do my own accounting .

Don't struggle with it, get some patient person to explain , little by little .

Answer 8

Ask questions and do hw.

Seriously just work problems all the time. hundreds.

Pretty much all math up through algebra is learned by your hands, gotten only by working tons of problems. Trust me if you have to actually use your brain, you haven't worked enough problems.

Answer 9

Ask a teacher to get someone to help you tutors are expensive but student help is free. Don't feel bad math is not my long suit either

Answer 10

Work lots of homework.
When I was in Calc One I did every homework problem five times.
Memorize the theorems and definitions so you can spit them out without stopping to think about them.

Answer 11

You can seek help here and on the newsgroup alt.algebra.help.

An important step is to adopt a more positive attitude towards math. (crap?).