WHY is MATH SO HARD?!

[pitc9]

There was nothing harder for me in school than math was, omg... I thought it was going to be the death of me!!
I'm so sorry you're having a hard time with it.

[jennielynn1970]

I'm not a big fan of math.... I'm doing tutoring with a girl who is on homebound instruction right now, and she's taking Algebra 1. I can't believe the stuff I don't remember!! Luckily, there is an online tutoring program offered by the publishers of the math books. Did you try to see if there is something similar with the math book you are using?? Sometimes getting it reinforced through examples by someone other than the teacher can make it a little easier to understand.

Are there others in your class who are also having problems and would want to form a study group??

[Alysser]

Thanks for the support guys. I know I am not the only one who struggles with math. I know tons of people who do. It's definitely not an easy subject. About the tutoring...I am not sure I'd be willing to do that honestly. I've had tutors and private instructors before and they didn't really help me, at all. It may have been a long time ago but it'll be a waste of money if it doesn't help again. My teacher is nice but he isn't a good teacher at all. Last year in math I got a B- the first two marking periods because I had an excellent teacher. She really helped me if I didn't understand it. But now..I am not sure if he even KNOWS what he's doing. WHAT I can do is ask the extra help teacher(who is in our class and helps the real one)for help though. She's much better at math then my normal teacher. Thanks again for the help and support. I appreciate it.

[slick]

I still count on my fingers. What does that say????

[Barbara]

I still count on my fingers. What does that say????

I do too- and I studied math at university. Mathematics is not about calculating. Many mathematicians are bad in calculating.

I was never good in maths in lower grades because I always got the wrong results. I started to become good when it was no longer about knowing what 5 times 13 is but about algebra and especially vector geometry . I still love it but for my husband it was a torture at school and he still hates it. Both of us were able to make our way in life I still hope that you may discover the fun in math as I think it is such a rewarding discipline. And for that getting the basics right and start from there is the right way.

[Miss Z]

Oh, forgot to mention in my last post that even though lately I haven't been on PT an awful lot, if you ever get stuck with any mathematics then feel free to PM (or e-mail) me at any time and I'll try to help. I'm planning to take Further Maths at A-level soon, so I generally click with maths! I know the teaching systems vary enormously in the US to those here, but I reckon that the basic concepts will be the same. Anyway, just to let you know you have that option available whenever.

(That applies to anyone else who would like academic help with maths or any other subject!)

Oh, and I must say I agree entirely with Barbara about how maths can be understood. Fire 20 multiplications at me, and I'm pretty unlikely to figure them out quickly. I am pretty useless at mental arithmetic! Yet write down a multi-step problem for me to sit down and ponder over for a while, and I'll usually get it. The best mathmaticians can see the logic behind the question, not necessarily being someone just good with numbers.

[Chilli]

Alyssa, I'm in the same boat when it comes to Chemistry.. except worse. I just barely pulled a 62 for the last semester... not something to be proud of. I highly doubt I'll pass the class as a whole. Its also ruining my chance at a good scholarship. My grade-point average has plummeted down, and without a decent average, my 26 on the ACT is basically worthless.

If only I had the brains like my sister.. she's good at every subject.

Good luck, Alyssa! I know how stressful these things can get. Just sit back and take a breather every now and then, it helps. :] I wish I could be of better help to you.