Mathematics for students: Mathematics is a subject that sparks a lot of different opinions. Some students say, “It’s easy! I love solving problems,” while others may say, “It’s very difficult! I can’t understand it.” So, which is it – simple or difficult?
The truth is, math is neither easy nor hard on its own; it’s all about how you approach it. In this blog, we’ll break down math into simpler pieces, show you some useful formulas, and provide simple techniques to help you learn math with ease!
Why Do Some Students Find Math Easy?
For students who find math easy, it’s often because they have learned the right methods and strategies to approach problems. They don’t just memorize formulas but understand how and why the formulas work. When you understand the logic behind math concepts, it becomes much easier to apply them.
Why Do Some Students Find Math Difficult?
On the other hand, for some students, math feels overwhelming because they may not fully understand the basic concepts, or they struggle with complex problem-solving. Sometimes, the fear of making mistakes can also make math seem harder than it is. But the good news is that math can be simplified with the right approach!
How to Study Mathematics Simply
Here are some simple methods you can use to study mathematics effectively:
Break Down Problems Step by Step
A common mistake students make is trying to solve math problems all at once. Instead, break down the problem into smaller, manageable steps. This makes the process less overwhelming and helps you focus on one part at a time.
Understand the Basics First
Before jumping into advanced topics, make sure you have a solid understanding of basic concepts like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. These are the building blocks of all math problems. Once you’re comfortable with these, you can easily move on to more complex topics.
For example, if you’re solving a problem like:
(2x + 5) = 15,
first subtract 5 from both sides:
2x = 10
then divide both sides by 2:
x = 5
Use Visuals and Diagrams
Sometimes, drawing diagrams or using visuals can make math easier to understand. For example, when studying geometry, draw shapes and label the parts. Visuals help you see the relationships between different elements and clarify confusing concepts.
Practice Regularly
Math is a skill, and like any skill, practice is key. The more you practice, the more familiar you become with the types of problems and how to solve them. Start with easier problems and gradually increase the difficulty as you become more confident.
Simple Techniques to Make Difficult Topics Easier
If you’re struggling with certain topics, here are some ways to make them easier:
Use Real-Life Examples
Mathematics may seem abstract at first, but you can connect it to real life. For example, if you’re learning about percentages, think about shopping discounts. If an item costs $100 and there’s a 20% discount, you can calculate the discount like this: 20% of 100 = (20/100) * 100 = 20
So, the discount is $20, and the final price is $100 – $20 = $80.
Use Simple Formulas
Formulas are the foundation of many math problems. Once you understand a formula, you can easily apply it to solve different problems. Here are a few key formulas to remember:
Area of a Rectangle:
Area = Length × Width
Example: If the length is 5 and the width is 3,
Area = 5 × 3 = 15
Simple Interest:
Simple Interest = (Principal × Rate × Time) / 100
Example: If the principal is $1000, the rate is 5%, and the time is 2 years,
Simple Interest = (1000 × 5 × 2) / 100 = 100
So, the interest is $100.
Pythagorean Theorem (for right-angled triangles):
a² + b² = c²
Example: If the length of two sides of a right-angled triangle are 3 and 4,
3² + 4² = 9 + 16 = 25, so c = √25 = 5
The length of the hypotenuse is 5.
Perimeter of a Rectangle:
Perimeter = 2 × (Length + Width)
Example: If a rectangle has a length of 6 and a width of 4, the perimeter is
2 × (6 + 4) = 20
Area of a Triangle:
Area = ½ × Base × Height
Example: If the base is 5 and the height is 3, the area is
½ × 5 × 3 = 7.5
Distance Formula (useful in geometry):
Distance = √[(x₂ – x₁)² + (y₂ – y₁)²]
This formula helps you find the distance between two points on a graph.
Use Real-Life Scenarios
When you connect math with real-life examples, it becomes easier to understand. For instance, if you’re learning about percentages, think about discounts. If a $50 item is on sale for 20% off, you can calculate the discount:
20% of 50 = (20/100) × 50 = 10
So, you’ll save $10, and the final price is $50 – $10 = $40.
Practice Mental Math for Small Calculations
Strengthening your mental math skills can make a huge difference in daily problem-solving. Start by practicing simple additions, subtractions, and multiplications without a calculator. For example:
12 + 15 = 27
50 – 23 = 27
8 × 7 = 56
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re stuck. Whether it’s your teacher, a tutor, or a classmate, getting clarification when you don’t understand something is important. Remember, asking questions is how you learn!
Use Online Resources and Tools
There are many online tools and platforms, like Chatforinfo.com, that can help you learn math more easily. You can join discussions, ask questions, and find helpful blogs and tutorials that explain math topics in simple terms.
Conclusion: Mathematics for students: Math is What You Make of It Math can be both easy and difficult, depending on your approach. If you understand the basics, practice regularly, and take one step at a time, math can become a much