Well, I think I used to be "bad at math". Mostly I hated math classes.
Later, I found my niche in mathematics, and by the end of High School, I was rated in the top 1% in the nation on the SAT math section, meeting the MIT requirement (didn't go there, though.)
Now, I'm an Engineering major, and minoring in Math and Physics.
To me, it's the early math classes that are make-or-break. A lot of people see algebra, then after that, they just don't care about the subject itself. They are only interested as far as their grade is concerned.
Then, there are those who actually take what they learn, absorb it, visualize it, etc. once you hit classes like calculus, it really comes into play just how incredibly universal math is.
The ones who didn't absorb it, however, are left feeling like they had missed something. So they just assume the other people were "born with it", like it was more about luck than interest.
/rant/
For instance, if I was to say "Fourier Transformation" and show it to you, tell you what it did, what would you think of it.
On one hand, someone uninterested would think "blah blah, breaking a signal into its components, yada yada...BOORRRIIIING." But an interested person would realize that if you were to, say, chords on a guitar, you can use this to see and change each note, edit each note, create your own sounds, etc. Thus, you get an audio engineer.
It may not sound interesting to some, but it's the basis of almost every modern electronic device. It's partially responsible for the surge in the digital age. MP3 and JPEG, the biggest game-changers in digital media, are mostly Fourier Transforms.
/end rant/
The big thing here is the difference between people who think it's useful, and those who think it has no application in their lives. That's really the main difference. There's room in mathematics for logical thinkers, abstract thinkers, visual thinkers, verbal thinkers, etc. The trick is, you need to tackle it as though it's interesting and useful, like a puzzle of sorts. Otherwise, it becomes one of those "ugh school" subjects, and you don't carry that way of thinking with you.
I remember one of my math teachers for a theory course was making fun of engineers once because he said they can only do math not explain it's fundamentals lol. That is what you do when you're a math major lol.
I think it could be both, but not always.
When you're not naturally good at something and struggle more than others, I think you tend to shy away from it and focus less on it. But I do think that even the ones that aren't "very good" at Math, can be good, if they put in more effort. They may have to put in more effort and frustration, but I think a good amount of people who think they are "bad at math" can actually get through it.
Not everyone is meant to be a doctor, mathmaticisn, etc though. We are better at something than others. I think its better to follow what you're good and passionate at.. No point in continuing with a major you end up feeling miserable for following.
Some people really do have learning disabilities also though.
I freakin love math (haha) and never understood why people didn't like it or couldn't understand it... school is hard in general for a lot of people, lots of people grew up with sh*tty teachers, in the ghetto schools are basically to set kids up for prison, they don't care what you learn, just show up, and these kids don't worry about learning they got so many more stresses than the priveleged kids. So I am very grateful, to have had gotton to go to great schools, with teachers that cared. So my answer is: as little kids they didn't have teachers, or a parent who took the time to introduce them to learning, in a peaceful, fun, exciting way, it was more"do this or you'll get in trouble" So many kids have learning disabilities, it's a fear of messing up so they don't even try. There is a whole art to learning, with time and patience anyone can learn something new, no matter what age... Of course they have to have the want to learn, maybe it's just not a subject that is revealant/useful for them... Like for me I hated science, UNTIL, I found a passion for nature and biology and animals. Before I thought- what's the point? when will I use this? I think schools are backwards... they should start off finding what the kid likes then really dig into that subject and all these things will come out of it, math, science, history is in almost everything... I did most my learning outside of school! I wish the system was... less like a system, haha, LIFE is learning, we don't need regurgitated crap from books, we just need stimulating experiences, out in nature, we need more student debats too, kids should find their voice in school, not be silenced... teachers always tell students "be quiet"..
ok sry I don't mean to be mean and yes that's fine if someone grew up in a bad area and didn't have opportunities but what is your argument against people who do grow up in good situations but still don't care? Also the whole second half of your comment are you talking about high schools and how they aren't creative or anything? I do kind of agree with you but that's kind of more on the student to figure out how things can be used and what not not your teachers their jobs are simply to teach.
learning disabilities, stresses at home, no want to learn..they have little hopes for their future, no money for college, not smart enough for scholarships, they will just work minimum wage or a hard labor job all their life, school is pointless to them, not everybody is meant for college, why sit in school all day when you could be working? These jobs do require some basic skills/math skills, but most the stuff they teach in schools is useless, it's prepping you for college classes, not life
most students don't care about what they're learning, while they may be somewhat interested, most are thinking"I better remember this so I can get a good grade on my test/this class/high gpa/ get into good college/ and get a high paying job". They're not learning for themselves, they are learning to carry themselves higher up in the system/the food chain, some people don't care about good jobs and high status, you can still succeed in life w/o college, some of the most brilliant people weren't
ugh some people actually do enjoy the learning and knowledge of college too
what is your problem I never said I can't understand others situations it's fine if not everyone loves school just you go around saying nobody does and I was just telling you there are people who do.
Some are probably bad, quite a few people maybe. But you're right some are just lazy. I always thought math was easier than physics or chemistry because once you understood the concept you could slove all probelms they throw at you almost without thinking. While physics always involves hard thinking even if you got the idea
And probably when it comses to solving differential equations in the first college math course all people who are not going into engineering/computer science/physics are probably thinking "Why the hell am I supposed to know this"
Most people don't need this kind of more complicated math, so they have motivation to study for it
majority are lazy. I used to hate math as a kid all the way up to high school and so I wouldn't try and just thought I was bad at it. but in college and once I started teaching it, it was a breeze. I also noticed many of my high school students thought they were bad at math but in reality they just didn't try = lazy lol.
are you a high school math teacher?
i taught for a year...part of a program I was in.
oh just wondering how much math you've taken.
i took up to calc I, it was all I needed for my pre-med reqs
haha yeah I thought I was good at math until I started getting into the next like tear of math students if you wanna say that who are in my advanced calculus proof based class and are all like future math grad students. I was always good at math compared to like high school students, good at math compared to average college students, and decent at math compared to math students in my major but now that I'm seeing like next tear of high end math students I just like can't compete lol.
lol I get what you mean. some of my friends are engineering majors and they deal with quiet a bit of crazy math and then they are the math majors, theyr in a world of their own lol I don't know why they would do that except that actually love it lol. calc one was more than enough for me lol...im always amazed by how people could do all that crazy math advanced math, but for afar lol...science is my forte lol
I'm a math/stats major lol. Honestly many of the classes are not too bad except for that one I mentioned which is crazy.
thats really impressive! your going into a really intense field not many people would ever consider! not that bad? lol I hated stats in hs. I almost died taking my ap stats test ugh...i guess if you like it, it makes a huge difference. non science people always think that stuff I do is difficult, but I think its fun lol to each their own :)
well I used to like math and wanted to be teacher but then when I had first stats class in college I had a wonderful professor who convinced me to change my major to math so I could eventually do career in statistics. Unfortunately to get into masters program for statistics a pre req is advanced calc so I'm pumped this will be like my last math class I have to take.
That's awesome. Good luck with that!
Opinion
12Opinion
I hear people say they hate math, blah blah blah. Why? I don't freakin know. Math is the best and it's fun because you challenge yourself to get the right answer to a problem. I think they're lazy because the questions probably freaks them out, and how complicated numbers look,
I'm glad you see math in the fun simple way lol.
Yes, some people are lazy and unappreciative of the opportunity for education. There was a time when only the privileged could access education. They owned their own libraries, read voraciously and some were self-taught. The rest of the population had to get lucky to either become an apprentice or inherit a living. The unlucky masses struggled in poverty.
So, math does take practice. Seems anymore people like to glamorize a cool factor around not liking school and not doing homework. People barely even lean how to write halfway decently either. Oh well, those that do put in the practice have their choice of careers and lifestyles and, if they choose to, they can have some pretty wonderful lifestyles.
I sure hope you're not implying that people don't deserve education.
Just because some people don't appreciate public education doesn't mean we should limit access and that wouldn't happen anyways. People who don't appreciate education may not even finish high school and if they do they are unlikely to continue utilizing public education, so they will exclude themselves.
oh sry
People are bad at math. That is all.
One of my friends and I, we're HS Juniors, spent an hour in a B&N once, looking in the test prep section. The entire time he and I were making fun of how easy the college math books are. Plus, after the SAT, one person at my testing site was complaining about how hard a question about the perimeter of triangles was.It doesn't really take time to master algebra, trig, or geometry. It's just calculus that's really hard because you have to memorize a lot of equations for limits and stuff. Also, polar coordinates can be a bit difficult to get at first. Took me about two days to learn how to use them.
finally someone f***ing gets it. Yeah Calculus is a step up from that. Sadly then you have a whole tear of math subjects called analysis which is even harder than calculus because you go back to calculus and explain why every theorem and rule hold true lol. Not fun.
When I majoring in Computer Engineering.. There was a lot of math involved. I HATED it. I always needed a tutor for when it comes to math. Excluding Trignometry - I like it. It was straight forward and easy to understand, plus you got to use the calculator for the most part.
I mean seriously? They ask you to find x and 4=y... No.. Just no...
I can't get the concept of it. I can do like the first steps to a concept, but when it gets more in depth.. - That's when it gets incredibly confusing!
ugh don't most people in computer science have pretty good knowledge of math? At least on par with like most engineering majors?
Yes, a lot of them do to say the least. Some of them, myself included just like the subject and not the math that is involved.
ooooppps I misread computer engineering as computer science lol my bad.
I LOVE MATH. Your right it takes much more time than other subjects and normally take home homework everyday. When you understand most of it, everything comes to you easy. The whole trick is understanding the first parts.
The way they have everyone learn math is understanding all the tough parts first. So If you can make it through the first week or two, everything should come to you well.
BTW, if anyone needs help with any homework like Algebra, Geometry, Trig, Pre-calc, or Calculus I'd be glad to help
I think anyone can do it. Some people let their natural talent take them as far as it can, but once they hit the wall and need to put in time and effort to continue progress they give up. Some people's talent takes them farther then others. It's just a matter of persistence and dedication. If your talent takes you far, and you're persistent, the sky is the limit. If you have no talent, but you're persistent, the sky is the limit. The key is persistence.
Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.
there are some that don't get it and are really bad at math. they don't see the logic behind it because they aren't quite logical thinkers, maybe they're more artsy or something.
me for instance, I love math. I was lazy regarding math up until 7th grade, but even then I had times when I liked it. I was never bad at it. and even when I'm lazy now, I still like it and am good at it. but a friend of mine, I explain it over and over to her btu she simply doesn't get it. she tries so hard, but no results. she's a hell of a painter though. so it's all about the ability of thinking logically.
I'm seriously terrible at math, ever since elementary school. And now I'm getting algebra which makes me cry. I don't feel like studying up on it because first of all it doesn't interest me and secondly because failing to comprehend it demotivates me even more. I feel like sitting down with a bunch of 6-year-olds and have them teach me! I should just memorize ALL the tables and powers, but I don't take ballet lessons either, because I don't have any motivation to do so :P
Lol, and I'm a programmer! Everyone always said programmers are math geniuses. But nothing I make goes near any mathematical problems, fortunately.
I think people misunderstand math because they don't understand the purpose. I can show you a trig function, or an integral and explain what the concept means but that doesn't give it use. Unless I can present the problem in a way that solves a problem you are having its pointless. People do better at math when they understand its application. In the real world you almost never have to use trig or calculus, or even algebra most of the time.
you aren't serious about that last sentence are you? lol.
I'm serious. Outside of my classrooms and labs, I don't think I've had to do anything involving trig. Maybe once when I helped my brother set up a transit, but how many people know how to use one of those? Everything in the real world is dumbed down for people. You can coast with nothing more than basic arithmetic. How often do you really need the quadratic formula outside of a classroom? Sure its useful when calculating pH, but not many people are doing those types of problems every day.
I know tons of calculus on a daily basis. Now granted they have computers and programs that they use and stuff but they're still using high level math.
The average Joe really doesn't need any of that stuff. I have a friend who does water chemistry for a living. You'd think there's some fancy math in that but no. If the pH is too low, he adds base. He doesn't have to use any buffer equations or pH equations. He reads it on a calibrated meter and adjusts accordingly. I show him the math that makes all his stuff work and he just gives me a blank stare. He just wants to know how to do his job; you can apparently figure that out w/o the math
ok so one example of your friend does not describe all jobs lol.
No, but it is an example of a seemingly technical job that has been reduced to too much of A? Add a little B and remeasure. It's been simplified so that the average employee can do it. I'm not a fan of dumbing down either, but its a reality of the business world.
Haha I am bad at math when it comes to dire situations.
My dad is a math teacher/wiz..me? I didn't get the math genes lol
But if I actually sit down and really work out a problem, I am normally good at figuring it out.
however I love every other subject...
I think you're shortchanging yourself. Many people who are good at math are not necessarily people who are pro at quick algebra but are good at analyzing math and being able to come up with solutions eventually.
I guess I am good at basic math. Like figuring out simple everyday stuff. BUt you add algebra and monomials an equations and matrixes etc...okay so maybe I like math a little but I am definitely not all about it.
haha "being able to come up with solutions...eventually! " far far into the future. like the problem is loong gone and then, and only then will I figure it out haha!
I rock at history, science, art, sports and language classes, but the math classes that they teach in high school is extremely difficult. I honestly can't wrap my mind around the concept, but when it comes to looking at math from a philosophical aspect I totally get it lol
except for the fact that math can actually be applied and used in the world :P
sure, I use it for art... but what are you really saying?
oh by the way physics is science and it uses math :P
I am not taking physics you prick
damn I'm just kidding it's fine I really don't care what people think of math to be honest.
okay, if you are kidding than its fine :P besides, its not that I think less of it- it's that I illegitimately cannot understand it.
Bad at math. Trust me.
Just like there are people who are bad at cooking, picking out clothes that match, spelling, being nice to others, working on cars, flying airplanes, farming, painting, etc.
If you couldn't paint a water color of my flower garden for me, I would not think you lazy. Get it?
Never understood why some people find math hard. It's always been my best subject. It's a fundamental subject for many others. It's pure logic. It may be a combination of bad teaching methods and laziness, but I think some people just have difficulty with logical problem solving.
It depends I guess. For me, my brain was not wired to do Math. Even simple ones. It just doesn't come naturally to me like how English Lit or History does, which is the total opposite for other. I could be good at Math if I did Math questions every single day because it takes me a great deal of time and effort but even then I wouldn't be great. My friends and family members don't even need to practise and they are just amazing at it.
Peoples brains process information differently. For instance I am very good at math but I can't spell if my life depended on it, thank God for spell check. in college I went through all of the calculus courses, to analytics, and statistics. as well as having four rounds of physics. I aced all those classes. When it came time for me to do the most basic English courses I never did well, and was lucky to get C's.
Its a combination of both.
I think for most people, math is really easy up till some point and then its really hard. A lot of people act like 'well that's it'. I studied pure math for a few years in university, I knew of _one_ guy who had not hit the 'its really hard' wall yet. You can keep going.
But its much, much harder then really any other subject.
Most people assume if they can't just read something and know it, its beyond them.
Some people are not good with numbers,its true but of course some other factors like laziness and effort also affect their performance.I am not bad and not good in math either,just average.I never failed and never get excellent result when I was in secondary school.
I'm alright at maths, I just have little motivation to do it because it's of no interest to me, I know that sounds silly to say in an environment where math is used every day but I just don't enjoy it, I prefer something a little more exciting and I like to use my imagination, to create. Math bores me so I become disheartened to pay attention to it, I'm not sure if that comes under lazy or not.
I'm legit bad at math! Math takes me forever and I take plenty of time to do it and even go to the teacher after hours for help. I had a friend who would spend hours on math almost every day and still do bad, but I know other people who would rush through math and still do better than most. Some people may be lazy, but math is hard! =P
Being good at math I think is spatial reasoning and effort. I don't think I'm that spatially inclined, because I have to really put the hours in to get good at math. I know people that can just understand mathematics with ease, I'm not that kind of guy, though I do get the same grades as them because of the amount of effort I put in practicing it.
I feel ya man. I'm the same way but I'm somehow getting through my math.
Just like anything, I believe that there are generally two types of people... talented/effort-ed. Some people "naturally" catch onto the math language, but others need to put in a tremendous amount of hours in (the majority). BUT, if you look at the data also... The U.S. does and has lagged behind a number of other developed countries in Math & Science (and that says something).
{An article about the study can be scene at NYTimes(dot)com and the article title is: "U.S. Students Still Lag Globally in Math and Science, Tests Show"}
For being a high GDP country and for the standards the U.S. is held to, we should NOT be rated as low as we are and I believe this should provoke the question you're asking...
exactly. I hate how people think I'm like personally attacking them or something. That was actually what I was thinking of when I first wrote this question and how the US is far behind other developed nations in math so it's not just a personal thing and some people in US are better.
i am horrible at math! I spent 12 hours just doing math one day and still never finished it. I don't grasp the concepts of it even when I study or go to a tutor. problem is I'm premed and need to get into calculus :s
r you studying in the US? because you could take stats instead. and also, the only math you get tested on on the mcat is that in physics and chem. lol push through it! I did :)
calculus can be easy if you have a professor who doesn't have high expectations imo. Also please don't act like stats is way easier maybe intro stats but once you take higher end stats stuff it uses integrals and lets of theory and is up there with math.
thanks and good luck to you too!
@ QA I never meant that stats was easier, it just for some people its easier to understand than calc. for me calc was easier to understand, stats was very difficult for me and for my med school you can choose either so I went with calc, that's all.
I think it's a bit of both. Or it is for me anyway. lol I just generally dislike it.(If you had asked this question like a month ago I would have said 'I hate it' but after my guy friend helped me with it, I don't really hate it anymore.)
I just can't do it, I'm more into the creative areas and can write really well and be creative but math is like a foreign language to me... I don't want to do it nor can i...
It takes me longer to learn it but I know if I applied myself I could be better, not great but better. It just doesn't click with me. Even when I had a tutor I still wasn't amazing at math.
I think anyone can be good at math, but the US sucks at math.
but I guess I can say that because I'm really good at math... lol
Are you European? I have a friend who's Romanian and really good at math just thought I'd throw that in there.
American born.
parents are European and asian
define really good at math?
high scores, quick thinking, right answers.
so when you say the US sucks at math you're saying I suck at math? lol. Europeans are really smart at math at least the one's I see at my University and most Asians are very hard working that combination is unfair. :P
The US has an international ranking that I determine suckish. Hard work aside.
I know I was not denying your statement the US does suck at math I was just wondering if you thought I did and when I asked before for you to define good at math what I really meant was like what math have you taken.
oh lol just graduated with ap calc. I don't think being good at math has much to do with which math they study. you can be good at any math subject, that's the good thing about math. its logical, has pattern, formulas, etc
You say this now and it is true to an extent but I don't agree with your statement. Any basic math yes you're right about meaning high school algebra, geometry, pre calc, or any calculus or diff eq class. Then once you get high enough though math moves away from simply solving equations to beginning to prove why all mathematical statements work through complex description. I've seen many math people and others who are good at math up until proof classes then they no longer
it takes practice. not being able to solve certain problems doesn't make them bad at math. I think you missed my point.
no I got your point and it is true just it gets harder later on and while anyone can be good certain people's brains can pattern things together better than others.
I'm bad at math. It's always been my worst subject. But, I do think I've given up a bit since I'm bad at it. It's a waste of time to me.
I think it's a little bit of both. Not many people are born Einstein. But people get lazy and not try hard making the problem worse.
I am dyslexic so math has always been hell for me, and homework itself was majorly frustrating, which is why I'd spend about 10 mintues then give up.
I think like other subjects, the more you study and practice the better you will get and the more you will understand it. However, some people are just good at some subjects and bad at other subjects.
Im bad in math I truly feel like I am. I could sit there for an hour on one problem and still not understand it.
I'm horrible at math, it's not due to laziness. It just takes a while for me to grasp the concept. Some people are just bad with it while others are just lazy.
Math's is a hard subject which requires a lot of practice so people jus make excuses to avoid doing it. But for people like me, out brains just shut off when it comes to maths.
Both are true possibilites for having difficulty with math.
Well I'm really bad at math. But I'm not lazy. It's just harder for me to learn it.
I'm very good at maths, so I see where you are coming from because I'm the girl that gets run to to solve even the smallest equations.
I spend barily any time on math abd I have a 97 in math I'm not a brainiac cause I have a b- insocial studies people are just lazzy they don't put in the efort in class o it takes them longer in homework
math is one of the few academic subject I'm great at.
math is an inherent trait, I don't think people are lazy, they probably can't grasp the concept of math as well as others.
I think really bad I tried to teach my friend a simple algebra problem to solve x and she she didn't get it how did sheget to algebra 2?!
there are lots of people who are just bad at math, but there are lazy people too
Lazy in caluclus I said I didn't know how to do problems but I never read the book to understand
I think they are that bad I mean how can you be lazy with a calculator
I'm seriously bad at math.
Bad until I got the concepts
If you don't know they're story, don't judge.
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