Why is math so difficult?

[Jennylim]

Does anyone think upper secondary math is difficult to learn? If you think so, why?

I hope to find out, if one thinks Math is difficult, what's in his mind when learning math, why he couldn't understand or accept certain concept or remember what was learnt.

[Welton]

I doubt you can find out anything that specifically pin point to the causes (if any). .

To me, it is just individual... Some are good in art, some good in languages, some good in music and some good in maths and science..

Just like there is people who is good as comedian (like the bold fella from Malaysia who just won the funniest people in the world), for instance.

If I really want to find a possible influence, it will likely be the language background. It has been proven in decades that those Chinese students in Malaysia who can speak, write and read in their ancestral language often do better in mathematics than those students who can't recognize their own name written in their ancestral language.

Of course , there is always exception. Just like one of the ex-Prime Ministers of Australia who is a white male, he is so well versed in Mandarin compares to the thousands of the Chinese Malaysian immigrants there ..

[Alena]

Does anyone think upper secondary math is difficult to learn? If you think so, why?
I hope to find out, if one thinks Math is difficult, what's in his mind when learning math, why he couldn't understand or accept certain concept or remember what was learnt.

The question intrigues me cos Maths is truly a fascinating subject and area of study.

I see Maths as everywhere: when we try to cross the road, shop for dinner, which smartphone to purchase, etc

I think the 'difficulty' element in Maths is a perception lol. Cultural and personal elements may also have some element of influence. Somebody once commented that when a student in UK (his observation) scores poorly in maths, he/she reasons it out as that Maths is not his thing, not his fault that he was not made for maths; whereas a student (especially the parents!) in China will most likely peg it to a lack of practice, so more drills!

I harbor this belief that almost anybody can find maths interesting but he/she must start right and early enough. Once the building blocks are in place, his confidence will grow as will his sense of satisfaction in being able to touch down on the correct answer.

[opulant]

...I harbor this belief that almost anybody can find maths interesting but he/she must start right and early enough . Once the building blocks are in place, his confidence will grow as will his sense of satisfaction in being able to touch down on the correct answer.

I was the no. 30 out of 32 students in class position when I was in standard 6 primary school. I remember this vividly.

I guess I didn't start right and early...my building blocks are definately not in place also. Well, I was ok in maths later, and confident that maths is my cup of tea.. in both theory and application.

[Alena]

[QUOTE=opulant;608354]I was the no. 30 out of 32 students in class position when I was in standard 6 primary school. I remember this vividly. I guess I didn't start right and early...my building blocks are definately not in place also...
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LoL...good to hear that maths turned out to be your cup of tea... Still, generally, the 'right and early enough point' varies with each individual.

Of course, there are always the late bloomers and exceptions to the rule...

[Dervish]

Maths was my favorite subject in school. Used to excel in it but these days... after the age of calculators, I'm having issues deducting 9 from 88.

I used to know someone who could mentally add up 5 sets of figures up to four decimal point in the squeeze of a lime. He refused to touch his calculator.

[opulant]

I think he is now being kept/displayed in the museum. I guess this is his last residue value after calculator is incorporated as a feature in handphone ..