Why do I find mathematics impossible to learn?

Question

I have tried every conceivable method to learn mathematics and cannot get my head around anything further than integration. Even that I can only re-learn for about a day then I totally forget it. I am not like this with ANY other subject, why just math(s)????

Answer 1

It's not you're fault entirely, it all has to do with the brains wiring. I find that trig and geometry come quite easily, whereas you may be a piano virtuoso.
My father is a whiz at math, but he had to buckle down, and memorize formulas. It just seems to make sense to me. Don't fret. You've got the first step down, you can read. Just pour over it until you have it by wrote. Not everyone one can be Stephen Hawking. Take care.

Answer 2

It has to do with how you learn. Not every subject is understood in the same way. Nor is one person's way of learning in a subject suitable for every other person. You have to discover the best method for you.

I have a terrible memory and so for me I had to practice Mathematics over and over again until I reached the take off point where it all made sense on its own.

When I wanted to learn a new piece of mathematics such as say carrying out an integration, I would do dozens of them of all the same type until I felt certain that I would know them again...it can be very tedious but the rewards have been worthwhile and I went from being a failure in Mathematics to a University degree in the subject in 6 years once I found my way of learning in the subject.

It is also important to understand that there is often more than one way of tackling a topic and that some methods are easier to understand than others. I had great difficulty with completing the square in quadratics until someone showed me the trick as opposed to the theory.

Some people have a gift for making the subject look difficult and some have a gift for making it simple. This was true for me at school and at university.

Finally I suppose the key issue is whether you want to be good at the subject. It is so easy to give up.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

Actually, in reality when it comes to learning there are two very important points to consider:

1) All you need is a better point of reference. Something the topic may be 'like' so that you understand the differences and similarities of the new topic compared to the old topic.

2) Also, realize you are intimidated by the subject. Being intimidated usually triggers parts of the brain that are instinctual instead of intellectual. If you are constantly in the back of your mind saying "not sure I can understand this..." then you are preventing your brain from truly understanding it.


Ways to fix this:

1) Either take some time with your instructor or perhaps find another instuctor who may explain it differently, and can put the subject material in the necessary frame of reference you can grasp. Sometimes a simple change in the explaination makes all the difference.

2) To get over the intimidation realize that SOMEONE has learned it before. There is no such thing as a physical deficiency that says you "can learn math, but past Trig...forget it". You can learn anything.

There is no such thing as a subject you can't learn. There are subjects that you don't care to learn and subjects you don't like, but there isn't one you can't learn.

Answer 4

I'm quite good at maths, so i think i should try to share with you what i know. If you realize you get bored or just don't feel interested when it's time for maths, then you had better start making an effort to listen well. Try to take down little notes in the class to help you revise. Watch carefully when your teacher is working on the board and try to follow it step by step. Ask for help when you need it, you may have some friends who are good at maths and are willing to explain. Better still, you could try having extra classes with your teacher. If you have a math workbook, try to solve at least 2 related questions on what you've done everyday and soon you'll pick up. You can also try to work 1 question in class immediately after you have read your notes (you may refer to already worked examples) and always try to work step by step, explaining your points. Marks are awarded for steps and so try to use this to your advantage. You can gain at least half the marks if you really go step by step. Try other sources of learning, such as the internet and CD - roms on Maths for people your age and/or grade. Wish you the best of luck, hope you catch on quick.

Answer 5

i was always bad at maths and hated it, then i got this great teacher that showed me things slightly differently. if you can relate maths to something, then you will really understand it and come to like it. when i say relate it to something i mean get a practical example or reason for it. there is no point learning of formula and ways of doing math solutions if you don't know or understand what its for. the next time your teacher shows you an equation or mathematical problem, ask him to show you a practical use for it. this way you will understand the reason behind the method and therefore remember it and understand it much easier.
hope this helps. it did for me and i went on to get a diploma in engineering( lots of maths).

Answer 6

first of all nothing is impossible...i had this experience once with math.. i always freaked out when i had a test.. but then i realised it may be the way i study .. so i started focusing on understanding the material why and how.. rather than memorizing.. i started first reading extra ques. with their solutions.. and then i started doing some myself every weekend then every two days and so on ,, that way you will eventually break the wall between you and math ,, and you'll realise that you like it or enjoy it ,, it is said that in enjoying a subject and loving it you do better at it.. and you could ask your teacher and friends for help if you needed it .. good luck ..

Answer 7

I think it has a lot to do with the teacher. A teacher of maths who loves his subject very often passes that love on to his students. Try a maths Club or if you are old enough do extra maths at night school. I was in my forties before I got the hang of it!!

Answer 8

Mathematics is best learnt by doing. Practice lots of different questions on each topic. Sometimes it just takes a little time for the concepts to sink in, and to remember the 'tricks' that can give you a solution.
Persevere.

Answer 9

Everyone mind works in different ways, and a lot of the time if you are struggling it's because you are asking yourself questions which lead to doubts, subliminally.

Anyone can do anything, it's a matter or perseverance and effort. Success is 99% perspiration! Practise as much as you can, read form different sources, study with friends and be possitive.

Answer 10

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