Question

why do many people find Algebra hard?

Answer 1

Every person has their own special ability. And that depends what their ability is. Some are good at writing, some are good at drawing, and some are good at algebra. For instance, me. I dont have a brain fit for algebra or any other kind of mathematics. But im good at other stuff, so its all good.

Answer 2

What is hard ???

Answer 3

Math is cumulative, and I think too many people realize that too late. They can do problems like
2+x=5
by eye and think they can get by without learning the methodology.
of course by the time quadratic equations come along their ability to eyeball problems is insufficient, and they just feel they "don't get math"

Answer 4

at least that's what happened to me...

Answer 5

I also faced troubles when I used to do it. If I'd some intuition about it, then I wouldn't have faced troubles.

Answer 6

Teachers are to blame for skipping sections in math books and avoiding the difficult problems that help students think more deeply.

Answer 7

in my opinion, people find algebra hard because they don't put in the effort and time trying do it. Even if they invest the time, they might be investing it in the wrong place. I had trouble because the lack of motivation to learn the subject. Once I seen how useful math is in other field such as physics, I spend the extra effort to learn it.

Answer 8

And also teachers are guilty of not explaining concepts properly and completely.

Answer 9

Other students are home schooled and get no teaching at all.

Answer 10

don't blame the teachers , you can learn on your own, there is alot of resource on the internet

Answer 11

I don't think that it is exclusively the teacher's fault, though. Many of them are forced to go by a specific curriculum. Also, the students may not be highly motivated to learn algebra.

Answer 12

Easier said than done as far as "learning on your own". If a student is already scared of math, how can they possibly be motivated to learn it when they have a phobia for it?

Answer 13

Imagine being scared of heights, then being forced to bungy jump. That's what happens when students who have math phobia take tests.

Answer 14

don't make up excuse, you have to put in to get out. you can't expect to win a race without practicing. Practicing make perfect.

Answer 15

do your homework, ask question if you don't understand, put your pride down and use logic. ask if you don't understand

Answer 16

The height example is unsuited to the argument because acrophobia is innate, while a fear of mathematics is learned.

Answer 17

I disagree with @MrMoose

Answer 18

@Hero Are you arguing that a fear of math is innate?

Answer 19

Yeah

Answer 20

Then how are teachers supposed to overcome it?

Answer 21

I see:
1) apparent lack of relevance (in early math it's like, who cares how many apples Susie has? I wanna go home and play Call of Duty)

2) the fear that a student gets when faced with a blackboard full of numbers and letters seemingly thrown together randomly

3) lack of diligence in the educational system (depending on the country)

4)a failure to appreciate the logic *behind* the actual rules of algebra, and firm understanding of those rules (attribute that to teachers or students, either way it leads to the student falling behind, which as I mentioned is bad for appreciating math as a cumulative subject)

...that's some stuff that comes to mind offhand, I'm sure there's more

Answer 22

and I agree that fear of math can be innate without having the proper prior understanding of the basics, as I actually failed algebra because I gave up when I saw a bunch of gibberish on the board in 8th grade. True story.,

Answer 23

It is more likely that a student arrived at the fear of math on their own rather than someone else introducing them to that fear. When someone shows you something and you don't know how to do it, the fear originates in your own mind. And from there, it grows.

Answer 24

@TuringTest
1) I agree, that is why math should be integrated (Pun intended) with physics
2)only a result of falling behind
3)elaborate on "diligence"
4)true

Answer 25

This is not a Math Problem

Answer 26

Actually, it is. It's related to math, and students have a problem with it. Therefore, math problem.

Answer 27

@Hero Maybe we have different definitions of "innate."
Mine is:
something you are born with (in the biological sense of the word)

Answer 28

instead of wasting time crying about it , go do some math and you will be good at it.

Answer 29

Diligence and falling behind are perhaps related, but I meant to emphasize the various sources of this falling behind.
I have known many students to scrape by algebra I, from whence they proceed to fail Algebra II because the teacher gave them a passing grade for some stupid extra credit work

Answer 30

You are not born with fear of heights. Babies are not aware of anything to be scared of heights. Fear of heights is also "learned"

Answer 31

and I think this actually is a math problem, as it perhaps enlightens us as to how to better teach on this site those who feel helpless

Answer 32

In my opinion, 'learning' as taught in the modern school system is basically finding the best way to temporarily memorizing something, applying it on an exam, and then forgetting it all (I'm sure we've all perfected our own ways of 'beating' the system). Algebra is something that builds and builds upon rules. It's unlike learning a language or listing the organs in the human body in that it requires more than simply memorizing words or lists. You actually have to understand it as if it's a living system, a series of reactions and relationships, you can't just 'scrape by'.

I feel like that's the reason why people have difficulty.At least, the main one.

Answer 33

Wow...my story perfectly matches up with @TuringTest
Does that mean that i can actully be really good at math?

Answer 34

Can we all agree that whatever this fear is, that it is caused by not knowing the previous knowledge required to understand the subject?

Answer 35

@GOODMAN absolutely, I didn't get good at math until I read an algebra book all by myself in 10th grade. I started in chapter 1 and did every single problem. That gave me a good solid basis :)

Answer 36

good mathematician always practice, spend couple hours reviewing and learning everyday, if you don't use it you lose it

Answer 37

tru dat

Answer 38

I was one of those weird students that just paid attention in school. I didn't have to read an entire algebra book. I would go to class, start listening to the teacher, then start working ahead. The teacher would start explaining and then I would get it within five minutes and start doing problems on my own.

Answer 39

@ GOODMAN - Hey, guess what? I also failed Algebra II. It was the most difficult (or at least, most frustrating) class that I have ever taken. But it was a good experience, because I had to relearn a lot of concepts that I wouldn't have touched otherwise, and taught me how to really /learn/ things.

So.

Answer 40

@TuringTest this is why I am grateful that I never took an algebra class (I tested out after reading the textbook.) I never had to deal with the memorization that @wach talked about.

Answer 41

@Hero I was like that in geometry but not algebra for some inexplicable reason. Oddly enough, now I prefer algebra to geometry. Don't know why...

Answer 42

if you think algebra is hard than calculus will be a nightmare.

Answer 43

You're lucky that you were allowed to "test out" of anything @MrMoose. Most schools require you to take it no matter what.

Answer 44

sometimes it's the depends on your professor...
I failed algebra on 2nd sem...but when i retook it I get the highest grade a student can get...

Answer 45

@Hero I tested out in 6th grade, so it wasn't exactly a requirement. :P

Answer 46

I was bad at math already, and my math teacher jumped me into Algebra 1 because of my A that i recieved by doing extra credit. Being happy that i was, i rushed home and told my parents. They were proud, and so i went on to Algebra 1 clueless about the concept. I nearly failed. I had a C both semesters. I would cry every time i would get a failed test. Which was nearly every time. I passed on to Geometry my 8th grade year. I reieved a B and C. Still, I would worry, and be sad, i wished i could be good at math. I spent all my time on math, and found myself failing in other subjects due to the lack of interest in them. Finally, I went on to Algebra 2. I was stuck with the worst teacher, and he gave us homework every night about something he didnt even teach. I failed that year. Now im stuck in summer school. I feel like a complete failure. No matter what i try, it will never work out.

Answer 47

this is asking for a opinion and not in regards to estimation or facts therefore it is not a math problem at hero

Answer 48

@mathman12 It is a math related problem.

Answer 49

@GOODMAN for that reason I do not like the way teacher give the opportunity to pass a class with extra credit work. eventually you run into a teacher who only cares about test scores and then you have to face the fact that you didn't actually learn the material, just scraped by with some report on ancient Egyptian mathematics or something

Answer 50

@mathman12 I think this conversation is fruitful enough that I'm not going to pull the plug on it.

Answer 51

sorry @MrMoose

Answer 52

@TuringTest Why are you sorry?

Answer 53

I meant my comment at you, not mathman

Answer 54

ohh

Answer 55

@Goodman - I felt the same way, because I was in AlgII while all my friends were in Calculus. Don't feel so alone. What worked for me, though, was relating math with something that I actually enjoyed - art. I cinched Geometry because of that, but most times it's /insanely/ boring/nerve-wracking to listen to subjects that you either have no attachment to or are perpetually scared of.

Answer 56

oh no I'm confusing usernames lol

Answer 57

A teacher's duty to me is to make students understand the concept, and I agree with @TuringTest about teachers making students pass with extra credits.

Answer 58

I agree with TuringTest on that - definitely. It's a really lazy way of trying to save face, as a teacher (some school districts 'grade' teachers based on the grades of their students, so a lot of people get 'free rides')

Answer 59

@zepp What about the fact that once you are in a class like, say, algebra 2, the holes in your knowledge will be too great for you to understand the concepts that they teach?

Answer 60

I thought zepp agreed with me that you *do* need to actually learn the stuff, not just pass the class

Answer 61

"I try, where possible, to go a little bit beyond that and to make them see through the equations."

Answer 62

Walter Lewin?

Answer 63

Yep

Answer 64

nice

Answer 65

But he's not you run-of-the-mill algebra teacher.

Answer 66

there is resource on the internet , don't rely to be spoon feed by your teachers, If they are not doing a good job, and you want to learn. You can research on it.

Answer 67

He actually isn't even a mathematics teacher at all

Answer 68

"But my goal is to uncover several very basic things that they will remember for the rest of their lives."

Answer 69

Khanacademy is an awesome resource, as well.

Answer 70

@mathman12 wouldn't it be better, though, if you didn't have to?

Answer 71

I know, but that's what a teacher should do, normally.

Answer 72

It would be better but it is only the truth, not all teacher do good job

Answer 73

as a person who struggles in math...i will answer your question. because some guy decided one day to mix the freaking alphabet and numbers.in a more simple format. IT SUCKS.

Answer 74

@zepp But what if it becomes impossible because of the failures of their previous colleagues?

Answer 75

I think it's difficult to make math palatable to people who could care less.
Standardized testing.
Poor teachers.
....and standardized testing.

The focus on CONCEPTS must be the primary focus....not sequence and procedure.

Answer 76

you can't put all the blame on them, student have to put in the effort too.

Answer 77

@MrMoose That's when Internet comes in handy :)

Answer 78

I find the standardized testing a waste of time. I dont see the use in it and the importance given to it.

Answer 79

@GOODMAN I feel the same way, but you still need to elaborate as to exactly why you think it is useless

Answer 80

Standards for education (at least as represented in testing ) are really .. low, anyways, at least in my experience.

Answer 81

@mathman12 we are however trying to see how all teachers can do a better job. I do agree that students do need motivation. If you have motivation you can learn anything.

Answer 82

Well, what is it for anyway? Beside the competition in school. Honestly, I even see some of the teachers cheating on it with us. Its illegal, but nobody says anything. Why is it that its so strict? Why do they need to have competition against each other.

Answer 83

@wach In my school district passing on the algebra end of course was a 33! :P

Answer 84

@MrMoose - I remember one of the questions tested on a standardized test from high school was 'x+3=1'. Unfortunately.

Answer 85

In my opinion the teacher argument and the standardized testing argument is focused FAR more on procedure than it is concept. Concepts will take you much further in understanding mathematics than learning steps A, B, C, D. This is how it was when I was in high school. I was lucky to have good math professors VERY late in HS and early in college to drill concepts home where I was finding myself asking "WHY didn't ANYONE tell me this before??!"

Well, when your Algebra II teacher is a football coach... start wondering.

Answer 86

@GOODMAN The given answer is so that education policy makers can better allocate funds, asses which systems (and teachers) are working the best, et cetera.

Answer 87

@qpHalcy0n What happens when he used to be the wrestling coach?

Answer 88

@GOODMAN - Those tests are weighted far heavier than they should. They're actually very important, as they go into determing a school's rating, and how much funding departments will receive from the government. Which is a shame because no one takes them seriously out of the sheer ridiculousness of what's tested. :l

Answer 89

If it is such an important thing, then why arent we studying harder for it? Sure when we were in elementary school, we would start studying for it from the beginning of the school year till the end. But now in highschool, nobody even speaks of it, let alone even study it, until the week of testing. Isnt the highschool testing important than the elementary one?

Answer 90

No, I think if you believe that standardized testing is a way for the government to dole out funds where they should be then you're living in a universe that isn't this one.

...it's how you trim fat.

Answer 91

@wach The problem with standardized testing is the amount of fudging the numbers that goes on. Remember the 33 percent passing rate? That was because the test was supposedly harder (I didn't take it), so that more students would get low grades, so that the district could show a trend of improvement (presumably by a combination of teachers learning how to teach the test, and the test getting easier every consecutive year)

Answer 92

Passing grade is 60% here :D

Answer 93

but still, people fail :/

Answer 94

@qpHalcy0n It does an exceptionally bad job of doing so then. Where I live, there is something called "social promotion." It is essentially, "hey you failed, but we don't want you to bog down our test scores next year, so you can go to the next grade without knowing anything."

Answer 95

Totally agree @MrMoose