im 14 years old and im finding it really difficult to do simple subtraction,division well everything to do with maths except algebra and multiplication. i get really upset and frustrated. it was only recently i found out how to do multiplication. i no some of you may be thinking that im stupid or something for not knowing these simple things at 14 but i dont no why i find it difficult i struggle alot in maths when im at school or at home (when doing courework) what is even really upsetting is that my predicted grades for GCSE in maths is F my parents are really upset with me because of my predicted grade they are always telling me about other children or teenagers they know that have done well at school and i also struggle whenever i go to the shops i cannot figure out the total costs in my head with the things i want to buy.
2007-11-07 06:32:03 · 5 answers · asked by Little Wing 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
Maybe you should look for a good tutor someone who you can learn from. And really practice makes perfect. Just keep trying. Try to make learning fun by finding math games to play. Maybe a learning center would help.
2007-11-07 06:37:31 · answer #1 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hang in there....
Math difficulties are just as real as reading difficulties. We know that some school children lag well behind their peers in reading skills, and we also know that some students fall behind their classmates in math. Both reading and math are skills that are progressive - meaning that each new lesson builds upon older lessons - you have to have a good grasp of the fundamentals before you can begin to learn and understand the more advanced skills.
Unfortunately, we don't fully understand why some students fall behind in math - most likely it's a combination of many things. One thing we know is that mathematics represents a certain kind of thinking that's significantly different from other kinds of mental processes. The brains of some people are just naturally more adept at some skills than they are at others. Combine "styles of thinking" with bad or impatient teachers, unreasonable expectations, and a million other influences, and we wind up with differences in math ability that can be seen, not only on classroom tests, but in daily life (like your experiences about struggling when you go shopping).
The solution to your difficulty is not to shame you into working harder or paying more attention - and certainly not to feel ashamed because your basic math skills need additional development. The successful solution would be to work with a trained and qualified educational expert to help you identify your specific areas of weakness, and for that individual to design a study program that can help you get caught up.
Because math skills are so important in our technology-driven society, it is important that you (and your parents) devote yourselves to getting the assistance that you need. It sounds like your problems are a lot more serious than a student who needs a good yelling at - so maybe it's time to change the approach and work with an educator who is specially trained to assist those with math disabilities.
Good luck to you, and again - hang in there!
2007-11-07 14:49:35 · answer #2 · answered by NotAnyoneYouKnow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since you said you just figured out how to do multiplication, that suggests that you have your own way of thinking about math and that the standard way doesn't work for you. It probably means that you will just have to practice and practice until something in your own mind clicks.
As far as thinking about totals in the shops, try rounding all the prices to keep things easier. If it's really bothering you, carry a small calculator and add them up.
2007-11-07 14:36:51 · answer #3 · answered by ecolink 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont let it get you down. dont let it discourage you. dont let that make you think that you cant do it. the reason that i say this is because i have been the same way all of my life. i didnt get it when i was in second grade but i get it a little better now but not like most people. i am 23 years old and finished algebra, trig, and intuitive calculus counting on my calculator and my fingers. i multiply add and subtract on my fingers and have got pretty good at it but for some reason i cant memorize it. i love math, its my favorite subject but it just takes me a little longer than everyone else. just take your time- do the problems your own way, whatever works for you even if it takes longer. good luck and get those grades up!
2007-11-07 14:53:20 · answer #4 · answered by KareBear 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey dont worry to much im not so good at maths try and concentrate more in the lesson and ask your teacher for extra help or go at break and lunch and have a word in them go on my maths . com that has loads of lessons you could learn and there is questions to answer im sure oyu will do well eventulally explain this to you parents as wlell and see if tehy cn help you best of luck kirstii xx
2007-11-07 14:39:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋