Any suggestions that can help me improve my (lousy) math-skills?

Question

Hi
I never was good at mathematics. I can understand core principles "by overview" (what the idea is behind the approach to solve a math-question).
But when you ask me to calculate a difficult math-question I have a hard time understanding what I must do next to solve it.
My main issues are with dividing, ratios and percentage.
I dunno why this is. My father and mother both are great with math.

Whenever I get difficult questions that I dont seem to understand. and I cant solve it. I just turn lazy and I just get this sort of sleepy ffeeling in my head,
as if it is just too much for me (lol)

Now I undertsand math is very important.
Most college educations require math to some degree.
So My question is:
Do you know any tricks or do you have any suggestions (any)
that could help me improve my math-skills?
Do I have to go back to like 7th grade and redo all them books?

I really dont know how to overcome this.

Answer 1

Most people have not learned math in such a way that it is easy for them to implement. Part of the reason is ignorance. The old methods of education from way back when they first started educating children, were primitive and sloppy and have not really been upgraded. Basically, they teach by rote and let you develop your own strategies. Most people simplydo not. This is the primary difference between people who are good at math and those who are not. People who are good at math successfully developed their own strategies. The rest did not and stopped trying soon after they got out of that class.

The other reason is we all use calculators now. At best, people understand the underlying concepts and then use a calculator.

However, that is not to say that better ways of doing math have not been invented, because they have.

A good example of this is Scott Flansburg, who has come up with a number of novel ways of simplifying the structure of basic math. Get ahold of his book from Amazon.com, Math Magic, Number Secrets of the Human Calculator.

Answer 2

you need to be very careful of the books you pick practice alone won't help, it's just a catalyst for learning and improving faster and not the actual learning most efficient and effective way to learn and improve is following: 1. read theory, you don't need to memorize, just read the text and if you can try to understand the basic idea behind the concept 2. Carefully inspect solved exercises to obtain basic examples of how that bit of maths works in practice 3. try to solve few problems When you feel stuck, then start again from step one and you will see things differently this time, since you have a different view and a better grasp on things. Occasionally you do need a teacher or someone to ask, since math books aren't always clear on the subject.

Answer 3

Most of maths is based on ratio/direct proportion.
If you can find a way to understand this (and it isn't rocket science) then you half way there to working out how to solve most mathematical problems.
As an example; If a man has been walking for 50 minutes and travelled 9km, what is his average speed in m/sec (metres per second).
Don't worry about remembering formulae, just apply common sense and deal with the direct ratio!
Write down what you know already and then what you want to find out.
i.e. 50 min. 9 km
1 sec ?
What you do to one side you must do to the other.e.g. halve the left and halve the right - he travels 4.5 km in 25 min.
Back to the question in hand........
In 50 min he does 9km so
In 1 min. he does 9/50 km which = 180m
So, in 1 sec. he does 180/60 = 3 metres
His average speed, therefore, is 3m/sec

The same applies to conversion, perhaps currency exchange rates. Write down what you are given and then what you want. Multiply or divide both sides until you have what you want.

Percentages can be done in exactly the same way, just remember that the original represents 100% - write down what you've been given and then what you want. Scale (multiply or divide) accordingly.
You sound intelligent to me so I'm sure you will be able to cope. Please take my advice - I don't know of a student that it hasn,t worked for.
Good luck and don't worry so much. You're probably a lot better at maths than you give yourself credit for.
.

Answer 4

First, just relax and take breaks while studying :-) From my personal experience, I know math is not always easy. There are many formulas and concepts, notes, tutoring, etc. Its best to ask questions when you get a chance-write down each step for a problem. Most importantly, remain positive and encourage your self. Don't give up when you get a problem wrong the first time. Math doesn't always make sense but, practice helps. Once the brain has been conditioned to remember formulas, you can complete a problem! If you stress, try to do something that is relaxing and calm. Clear your worries, thoughts about a deadline in school, your chores, etc.

Answer 5

Practice, practice, practice. Go back to the basics with your problem areas. It's like a house - it will only be solid if it's built on strong foundations.

Get a school text book with answers. Do loads (and I mean hundreds) of easy questions on your problem areas until it 'clicks'. Check each answer and redo any you got wrong until you really understand them inside out. If you get stuck, go over the examples in the book again.

Understanding is the key - once you get that, maths is easy. Dividing, ratios and percentages are all related and are just different ways of doing fractions. Once you understand them, you'll never have to remember how to do them again - you'll just know automatically same as you know how to add two numbers.
Post some specific questions that puzzle you and you'll get some help on here.

Answer 6

If you find is is 7th grade where you lost interest and understanding, then it is 7th grade you go back to! It is surprising how simple it will appear now, but after looking through the books and taking it step by step again,(now that you are! older and more motivated) you may even develop a love for the subject! One missing link may be all that is holding you back and your mind is telling you that nothing that follows this missing link makes sense. Youre present lack of apparent skills is in fact a reflection of your unwillingness to accept an illogical result.

Answer 7

Yeah.. I used to be like u before. Am also born in a family that adore mathematics, I don't like it but am not really bad at it. The thing is I dnt like it. But later on, I realised that ALgebra is really interesting when you count things and make elations between numbers and numbers of things.. u see, it's fun! Geometry and Trigonometry are also fun as long as u memorize the rules well and know how to use them. It's a matter of practising more than usual and try to make it what u like...I f u try to love Mathematics n simplify it for urself, it'll be great!

I admire this quote that says:

"If you can't do what you love, love what you do"

Wishing u the best of luck...

Answer 8

As far as tricks go I don't believe there are any. There are several methods of learning how to remember things. Perhaps you could do a search for how to memorize techniques or something like that. If all else fails try this site. It will help you brush up on your skills.
http://www.free-ed.net/free-ed/Math/default.asp
This site will help with some tricks.
http://mathforum.org/t2t/discuss/message.taco?thread=690&n=70

Answer 9

NOt neccesarily you dont have to repeat 7th grade there are some Sections in stores that sell the basic evaluation sheets that review it. And math is about memorization so learn the language and you will go places.

Answer 10

to overcome it your just going to force yourself through problems until you understand how to work them. Being lazy is going to leave you with nothing. Work at understanding them and pretty soon it won't be such a chore. All you need to do is give a little effort.