Do you struggle with basic calculations and measurements? If yes, you’re not alone as children and adults aren’t always fond of mathematics. But since math is an integral part of everyday lives, you have to navigate your way through it and learn to improve your skills. Being competent in it will help you have a higher chance of acing future opportunities, may it be at school or at any type of career you decide to pursue.
Honing Your Mathematical Competency
It’s not impossible to learn and understand math. You can make it less frustrating with the help of these tips:
1. Review And Understand Math Concepts Every Day
Mathematics consists of various formulas, rules, and theorems. To solve any problem, you need to understand different concepts first. Even when you’re able to memorize the formulas, you can’t solve any problem if you don’t understand the concept behind it.
For example, finding the area of a quarter circle involves two formulas—the perimeter and area. If you want to easily find the area of a quarter circle, you need to familiarize yourself with how the figures are derived.
Furthermore, understanding the concepts behind every math formula can also help you in absorbing additional information as you move forward. Once you’re able to comprehend clearly, it’d be simpler for you to be more interested in improving your skills.
For new math concepts, make it a habit to review them every day. It can be frustrating and confusing to jump directly into new ideas, so you need to slowly work your way through. Solving problems every day is a good way to improve your ability.
2. Listen Intently During Your Class
If you’re a student, always pay attention during your classes. As your teacher explains the lesson, they’ll introduce you to a wider math terminology. With a wider knowledge of these, you can understand the subject deeper.
If you’re already an adult and still want to improve your skills, you can check out basic math classes being offered in community colleges. There are also online courses you can take if you’re interested in furthering your knowledge.
If you’re a parent, consider enrolling your children in international schools because these institutions offer top-notch faculty and a global education network, allowing your kid to be immersed in a more optimized curriculum benefiting them academically.
3. Practice Consistently
Practicing could improve your mathematical skills without you even noticing. If you can, try to apply math in anything you’re doing. For example, when you’re shopping at the mall and you see a bag or a pair of shoes on sale, avoid using your calculator to find out how much discount you can get.
With arithmetic skills such as addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication, you can solve basic math problems in your head. Make use of every opportunity to practice your skills consistently to help you maintain your proficiency.
Practicing with every chance you could get will lead you closer to improving your math skills. Next time you’re waiting in line to pay for your coffee or lunch, try mentally calculating your total bill. When at work and you’re making your monthly report, use your math skills whenever you need to get the total of any amount involved.
4. Learn Math Online
The internet is another good starting point to improve your math skills. Numerous websites offer free classes and tutorials. You can also download math worksheets you can answer in your free time. What’s good about this approach is you can learn at your own pace and apply it in any way you feel most comfortable with. Online calculators can also be used for guidance.
You can also check the websites of community colleges and other universities offering free online courses and interactive course books. Several streaming platforms also have instructional videos easy to follow, and you can practice your math skills while watching or listening to these.
If you’re practicing a particular formula or concept, you can look for problems to solve online. There are usually answers to each problem and if you don’t get it right the first time, don’t get discouraged. Just continue practicing and studying the concept again if you can’t understand it.
5. Ask Help When You Need
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to understand math on your own, there’ll be certain problems harder to solve than the others. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you hit a bump along the road. You can reach out to your teacher and let them know what seems difficult for you to understand. You can also approach your friends and family and ask them to help you out. Start by telling them which areas you find difficult to comprehend and then listen to the advice they’d give you.
If you have the means, you can also hire a math tutor since some people find it easier to focus during one-on-one classes. A skilled math tutor can explain concepts and formulas in a way you can easily relate to. They can also provide a different perspective to help you broaden your understanding.
Applying Math In Real Life
You’d know your math skills are improving when you can already apply them in real life. At school, for instance, you no longer struggle to understand your lessons unlike before. It’s also easier for you to pay for your lunch because you already did the calculations in your head.
At the workplace, you can survive one monthly report without having to use your computer or a calculator to solve basic math problems. It’s only then you’ll realize how much math is being used in almost everything you do.
Math is tough, and almost everyone gets frustrated or annoyed because of it. However, it doesn’t mean you have to get stuck with a little understanding of it. Improving your math skills is possible and it’s easier than you think.
These tips and tricks above should help you understand math better. Remember, consistency is key, and practice would make you better. With improved math skills, you can perform better at school, at your job, and even while doing your hobbies and other activities.