Many people don’t like math. And that is completely understandable. Math can be hard. There are complicated rules and expectations, and if math doesn’t immediately click in your mind, it can be extremely frustrating. However, figuring out math problems can be a rewarding experience.

Find Joy in the Journey

Math is typically taught as an application of formulas; however, it’s more about figuring out how to solve problems. If you start appreciating the path math takes you on rather than just trying to get the right answer, you will start to enjoy math more. Don’t be afraid to try new things and to take risks.

Be a Detective

This goes along with finding joy in the journey. Math is about patterns and making connections. Decide to see math as detective work rather than drudgery and you may actually have a bit of fun.

Be Ok With Being Wrong

Many people hate math because they are afraid of being wrong. Until you figure out how the formulas and equations work, you might make mistakes and become frustrated. However, as soon as you allow yourself to be ok being wrong, you may find that math is clever and fun.

Learn to Appreciate Math

You know that little device in your hand that is full of unlimited knowledge (and which you use to look at cat videos)? Without math, your smart phone would not exist. Math makes travel, astronomy, air conditioning, architecture and even sewing possible. Even if you don’t feel like you will be the next Albert Einstein, you can still learn to appreciate math for how it benefits your life.

Find the Steps

Every math problem requires a process to solve it. When you stare at a problem, it may seem daunting if you have no idea how to get from A to Z. But just like the alphabet, math has a prescribed pattern to follow. Don’t hate your teachers for making you show your work – it just familiarizes you further with the math process.

Try to Make the Problem Relatable

We’ve all run into those crazy problems that go something like this “Johnny needs to buy 35 watermelons. They cost $7.50 each. There is a sale, however, that for every five watermelons you buy, you receive the sixth one half price. How much will all 35 watermelons cost?” While we highly doubt that we will find you shopping for 35 watermelons all at once, find a way to make the problem relatable. What if you were buying movie tickets, train tickets, or even gasoline for your car?

Mountain Heights Academy offers a personal learning environment. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about looking silly if you don’t know the answer, because you get one on one tutoring. Your teachers are also available to answer any questions you might have with your homework, during office hours, or by appointment. They are there to help you tolerate (and maybe also enjoy) math.