Math: What do you think is necessary in order to become good at math?

[CincoDeMayo]

What is your key to success in math? How do you shape your studying methods in order to learn as much as possible while forgetting as little as possible?

I study intensively at the moment (120%), but I think that's far too much to be honest. I think the most important thing in order to become good at math is a) liking it and b) understanding why you're using that particular equation or function, etc. If you don't understand what you're counting (even if you actually pass; many friends have had all-nighters before tests and passed but forgotten it a week later) you'll probably never be able to use it IRL either, I think.

 

[Dorian]

My own secret?
Being naturally adept at the arcane arts of PEMDAS.

The actual secret for Joe Schmoe?
Having teachers at an early age who can ACTUALLY TEACH IT. You know, and NOT only having female teachers for elementary/primary school. Some people just don't learn well from females (myself included).

 

[Casual Shinji]

A calculator.

 

[fix-the-spade]

Non visual creative thinking and the ability to suspend logic.

Approach maths purely logically and it makes no effing sense what so ever the moment irrational numbers rear their massive ugly head.

Also, liking it.

 

[Kinichie]

I think the best thing for being good at maths is "Don't be an idiot".

 

[Daystar Clarion]

Why do you call it math? It's maths, as in mathematics.
Anyway, I suck at maths, I simply can not get my head around most of it.

 

[CrysisMcGee]

I'm great at regular math. Can do it all in my head. Never had a problem with it. Just use it a lot, memorize as much as you can.

But...I HATE ALGEBRA. And I doubt I will ever learn it.

 

[Zweiblumen]

I've always been good with numbers. Don't really know what's behind my understanding of mathematics, but to me it mostly seems like you need to know how to use each and every equation and whatnot that you might use, and where to use said equations and rules and stuff.

Then again I've yet to encounter any maths that I find complicated, possibly since I'm only 16.

 

[ostro-whiskey]

Maths is only interesting if it is practically usefull.

So you should probably punch Einstein and Steven Hawking in the face for all their quantum bullshit.

 

[Lazy Kitty]

Being able and intending to apply the math you learn for practical purposes, like proramming a physics engine.

 

[Outright Villainy]

Non visual creative thinking and the ability to suspend logic.

Approach maths purely logically and it makes no effing sense what so ever the moment irrational numbers rear their massive ugly head.

Also, liking it.

You think that's bad, we use irrational number to map waves in our physics optics course. So, irrational numbers in the real world? SAY WHAAAAAAAAAAAAA.....

To get a good grasp of maths, good teaching is essential. Learning something off gets you nowhere, you have to be shown each logical step. Why you went from one line to another, every time. That's why i hate college maths, it gets a bit bananas... *shakes fist at fourier analysis*

 

[SamFancyPants252]

left brainedness and functioning a functioning brain

 

[Plinglebob]

I think you just have to have a logical brain, or it just doesn't work.

I don't really think like that, so I've always had problems with maths. I hope to just get a pass in the end of year exams and be done with it. I'll probably never use it again, that's what calculators are for!

This man speaks the truth. Some people have an apitiude for Maths the same way others have it for music, art etc. A good teacher helps a lot but as long as you don't plan to go into a field that uses it a lot (Engineering or physics mainly) then the basics you learnt by the age of 11 is more then enough to see you through.

 

[CincoDeMayo]

Why do you call it math? It's maths, as in mathematics.
Anyway, I suck at maths, I simply can not get my head around most of it.

Just my brain being offline at the moment, as I mentioned I study at 120%. Of course I mean MATHS, not math!

 

[hermes]

I think the most important thing in order to become good at math is a) liking it and b) understanding why you're using that particular equation or function, etc. If you don't understand what you're counting (even if you actually pass; many friends have had all-nighters before tests and passed but forgotten it a week later) you'll probably never be able to use it IRL either, I think.

You answer your own question.

Maths are not just a brain game for nerds, they exist for a reason and have real life applications. Learn how it can be applied, and it will be a lot easier. Having teacher that teach you about that helps too...

 

[Quad08]

Too be good at math, you need to have a solid foundation/knowledge about the problem you are facing, espically about the basics.

If you don't understand why 1+1=2 or why 8x8=16, you are f***ed

 

[SmartIdiot]

Why do you call it math? It's maths, as in mathematics.
Anyway, I suck at maths, I simply can not get my head around most of it.

Just my brain being offline at the moment, as I mentioned I study at 120%. Of course I mean MATHS, not math!

It is called math when it's abbreviated, not maths. In order to be good at this subject you must realise that building blocks are the key. If you have any short-comings in simpler skills, the blocks near the bottom, that will have a knock on effect as you go on to learn more complex things, after all when you get beyond a certain point(advanced calculus, advanced algebra) math is just about combining techniques you've already learned and seeing how well you can work with it before your head explodes.

Oh and by the way. You won't succeed if you think you can study at 120%, there's no such thing.

Yep, no one likes a smartass.

 

[Batfred]

Some people just see the world in numbers. I don't mean all Neo style, but I see something and I start calculating stuff about it.

Contrary to that, some people I know are the opposite. They just don't have a clue at the most basic maths. Saying that they are brilliant musicians or artists and I can't draw for toffee!

Isn't there something about left and right brain dominance about this? Any med students wish to volunteer?

Too be good at math, you need to have a solid foundation/knowledge about the problem you are facing, espically about the basics.

If you don't understand why 1+1=2 or why 8x8=16, you are f***ed

Good point, but at uni we were taught how to make 1=2. It's complictaed and doesn't achieve anything other than a maths exercise, but it can be done. Therefore 1+1 can = 2, 3 or 4... take your pick.