I Want to Learn Math Again Reddit
Can you learn to be good at math or are y'all simply born with information technology ?
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I'm xvi and in form 11. I've taken simply the minimum amount of math required and only college level math at that. But computer science requires a lot of math, mainly calculus, advanced functions and physics. My question is this: tin can I still try difficult and learn all that stuff (I'd have to accept some grade 10 prerequisites) fifty-fifty in grade 11? Or are people just born with good math skills?
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I'm 16 and in class 11. I've taken only the minimum amount of math required and only higher level math at that. But computer science requires a lot of math, mainly calculus, advanced functions and physics. My question is this: can I yet endeavor hard and acquire all that stuff (I'd have to have some grade ten prerequisites) even in grade 11? Or are people just born with good math skills?
Man, if anyone e'er tells y'all that you weren't "born" with something and volition thus fail, I'grand telling y'all right now they're full of it.
Its truthful that in that location is such a thing equally natural talent in mathematics, and it might fifty-fifty be true that to achieve the greatest heights you must be such a genius.
Simply at the level you lot and me are talking well-nigh, its determination and guts that wins the day. The willingness to sit downward and not become upwardly till you've solved information technology- you take that, and you lot'll exist fine all the way to the edge.
There's no born with it. Its all difficult work.
Some people might be better by a tiny tiny scrap this itself does not save them time or effort(Maybe an hour) since it hardly matter. But by that tiny tiny scrap it will give them encouragement so enjoyment then they volition spend more time doing it, that'south how they get better. But talent vs difficult piece of work, hard work wins every-time.
Some people might exist meliorate by a tiny tiny bit this itself does not save them time or effort(Perchance an 60 minutes) since it inappreciably thing.
I have to disagree with this. I was able to easily understand every level of math up through the end of Calc i with minimal effort. I assure yous I saved far more than an hr over my classmates who struggled to understand the material. More like an hour or 2 per week, every week I was in class since middle school.
That existence said, even the people in my class with no innate math talent were able to grasp the material through hard work. So, fifty-fifty if a concept in math doesn't make immediate sense, yous tin still work through it if you lot want to succeed bad enough.
You'll exist fine. Merely keep at it. I am a Inferior working toward past B.Southward. ME and I accept learned most of my math the hard way: struggle through the reading and do, practice, do until information technology comes much more naturally.
I all the same struggle with some of the basics. I suck at geometry because I have never taken a class in it. I accept learned all of those things forth the way.
Good Luck 
Yous do well on annihilation when you lot practice a lot.
i think that anyone can practice math really difficult to learn it. In that location's a departure in learning and being adept. For example, there are some geniuses that are unique in that there mind tin see mathematical solutions and patterns naturally, and that you must be born with.
And then i guess my respond would be no. You can't learn to be good at math if y'all weren't born with it. it's like asking if you can make your iq much college than information technology e'er was. It's not impossible but most the fourth dimension you lot accept to be born with it.
I've never heard of people who can't learn math. Some people are built-in with or were raised well enough into having a propensity for numbers and mathematics. Some weren't. With that being said, the former has a distinct reward in learning mathematics but that in no fashion means the latter can't acquire math, they just don't exercise it every bit fast. People who "just tin't larn math" are people who were easily scared away from it or found they didn't learn as fast as other people which discouraged them or they found they learned other subjects and had more than fun with other subjects. People who aren't "born with information technology" but need to piece of work harder and learn to see problems the way other people see problems
From what you lot're saying, you're a year backside on your mathematics which is Aught. A year of math is aught in college. Your kickoff year courses won't even demand them.
if geniuses are the only ones who can learn math we wouldn't accept schools and universities
Co-ordinate to Malcolm Gladwell (Outliers), after 10000 hours of studying mathematics you will take your answer.
When I was in middle school, algebra was the hardest thing I ever saw. "How does that 'x' get over there!?!" I would exclaim. After long hours of study and dedication, I accept had an A in math ever since high school-I am a sophomore in uni now (also I had 2 years at a community college, calc I => Ii were both A'south)- I was also employed every bit a tutor, to tutor other students in my course(yes they were at my level) at that customs higher. This fall I volition exist employed as a grader for some class (exercise not know which one yet) in the math section at this academy.
So was I built-in with the talent? No...I sucked then bad, my grades would take amused anybody on this lath.
And now (via hard piece of work and dedication) I am able to offer help to - and remain in - the top 3% of my peers in this academy.
The answer for your question lies somewhere in the to a higher place paragraphs.
I have to disagree with this. I was able to easily understand every level of math up through the cease of Calc 1 with minimal effort. I clinch you I saved far more an hr over my classmates who struggled to understand the material. More similar an hour or two per week, every week I was in class since eye school.That being said, even the people in my class with no innate math talent were able to grasp the cloth through hard work. So, even if a concept in math doesn't brand immediate sense, you can still work through it if you want to succeed bad enough.
I'thou going to chime in hither to agree with the above. There actually is a difference in some people'southward power to learn mathematics. Some sit through a calculus lecture once and immediately sympathize and tin apply the concepts, while other re-read the book/lecture notes 15 times to accomplish minimal comprehension. Whether or not information technology'due south an result of how y'all were raised or genetic is irrelevant by the fourth dimension you get to an intermediate mathematics form because both are already set in stone.
(This applies more or less to all academic areas, and indeed, to near skill sets in the world. In this age of trying to make everyone experience smashing nosotros tend to downplay genetics and innate ability, but when it comes down to it some people are just naturally good at some things. It usually goes beyond effort, likewise, as the ones with innate talent tend to be able to create, synthesize, and work at a higher level than those who struggle.)
That said, difficult work volition certainly allow yous to learn these mathematics. Mayhap yous volition never make a significant contribution in the field, but few e'er do. Especially since you lot're computer science I wouldn't sweat it so much, because with piece of work and dedication you'll become what you need to succeed in that field easily. After all, this is the reason we accept classes at loftier school/university. If everyone had natural talent in mathematics, only the textbooks would exist needed, not the instructor. The instructor is there to clarify points that don't immediately make sense, essentially catering to that type of educatee.
Bottom line: don't fret.
Math isn't something you're born with, you work hard at it to gain proficiency at it. If yous were to go into your local university'southward math department and go around request the faculty how often they spent studying equally students I would incertitude very much yous would get anybody saying they didn't spend very much time to succeed.
If I thought people with math skills are just "born with information technology" I would have never made it into academy for my physics caste. At your age I was a mediocre student in math....at best. Withal, I've inverse the way I studied. Also the important thing that I learned that information technology's not simply plenty to just do all the questions for one section than move on to the side by side. You need to continuously refresh that data during the semester so that you're not cramming during exam time. Doing the above, I've done meliorate on my exams at university than I ever did during loftier school.
Cheers everyone, you've truly inspired and motivated me.
Neslte, I don't know about your state of affairs, but math in high school is a world autonomously from academy... I had very mediocre math grades all my life through 11 course and quit math. I took Calc my freshman year at uni and normally got the best grades in my class. In university, the professors appreciate thinking, not rote memorization of the mathematical procedures that high school teachers prefer (such every bit, getting no credit for a problem, although having the correct respond, but not using the method that they taught).
And neuroscience has a lot to say about prodigies of all kinds, including mathematical, so don't let talent issues concern you. Your neurons take the same connecting and long term potentiating ability equally Erdős's!
As a slight tangent, I might point out the danger of believe in natural ability.
In loftier school many students find they excel at mathematics (or any subject for that matter). Every bit such they don't often have to put out a lot of skull sweat to practice well in the subject. I would argue that the reason for this, is that yes in that location is mayhap some sort of innate ability, merely likely their skills are exercised in item activities such as actress reading, problem solving in actress-cirricular activities or games, exercising disquisitional thinking skills among peers, etc.
In high school, ultimately the cirriculum is aimed at the general population. Even "advanced placement" courses are withal essentially high schoolhouse courses and substantially aimed at educating the general population. Students with any kind of advantage at all, will naturally excel in such environments.
Bottleneck into undergraduate univeristy - starting time year. Now the majority of students in the class have enough motivation to be there that they are willing to pay notwithstanding many thousands of dollars just for a seat. Those people who have had an easy ride through loftier schoolhouse and all of a sudden find it isn't so easy. However many of them tin cram still come out somewhat close to the height. They cling to the notion they accept a "natural power."
Then comes the trap. Ordinarily information technology'southward around 2d year. You go through a 2nd bottleneck at this point. Starting time year is for many, a "sampler" year. Some find out they don't like math and don't pursue information technology further. Some but need first yr credit so they can apply to medical schoolhouse. Those that remain, are highly motivated, and usually the ones the excelled in the first twelvemonth form. Now your "innate" ability tin can't acquit you lot and very quickly you lot take to develop some effective study habits, or suffer the steamroller of college education.
That's my $0.02.
As a slight tangent, I might point out the danger of believe in natural ability.In high school many students find they excel at mathematics (or whatsoever subject for that matter). Every bit such they don't ofttimes accept to put out a lot of skull sweat to do well in the subject. I would fence that the reason for this, is that yep there is perhaps some sort of innate power, but likely their skills are exercised in detail activities such equally extra reading, problem solving in extra-cirricular activities or games, exercising critical thinking skills among peers, etc.
In high school, ultimately the cirriculum is aimed at the general population. Even "avant-garde placement" courses are still essentially high school courses and substantially aimed at educating the general population. Students with any kind of reward at all, will naturally excel in such environments.
Clogging into undergraduate univeristy - first year. Now the majority of students in the class have enough motivation to be there that they are willing to pay nevertheless many thousands of dollars only for a seat. Those people who have had an easy ride through high schoolhouse and all suddenly notice it isn't so easy. Even so many of them can cram still come out somewhat close to the top. They cling to the notion they have a "natural power."
And so comes the trap. Usually it'south around 2nd year. Y'all go through a second bottleneck at this betoken. First twelvemonth is for many, a "sampler" year. Some find out they don't like math and don't pursue information technology further. Some only need first year credit so they tin utilise to medical school. Those that remain, are highly motivated, and usually the ones the excelled in the first year form. Now your "innate" ability can't acquit you and very quickly you lot accept to develop some effective written report habits, or suffer the steamroller of college instruction.
That's my $0.02.
Hmmm, thanks Choppy, that's something I've been thinking about lately. I'g actually just virtually to enter second twelvemonth...would you mind mentioning what a few of those highly effective study habits are?
This past year all I've learned is that studying=doing problems, and that reviewing notes does not become you far as far as problem solving power. But that'south most all I know...
To some extent, the advent of "beingness built-in with it" may be due to a person's ability to accurately asses a problem, break it down, and apply the right procedures to solve it. Getting the "right" answers on homework and exams should not exist a student's terminate-all goal, but a side-outcome of having learned how to employ mathematical tools to problems.
Co-ordinate to Malcolm Gladwell (Outliers), subsequently 10000 hours of studying mathematics y'all will take your answer.
Gladwell is non a scientist. He wrote the book because he was "bored and got an interesting idea". The 10k hours dominion is out of thin air, based on something like 5 cases. Delight do not quote Outliers as a scientific source.
Next, to address innate ability. Yes, in that location is a minimum ability required to sympathize math. It is relatively mutual, and so no you don't need to be a genius. More often than not, based on what I've seen in tutoring students, if you empathize algebra and its mechanics you lot can cut information technology in computer science and calculus. If yous want to pursue mathematics in deep theory, which a calculator programmer commonly doesn't, then there is an even college intellectual talent required.
Yous exercise not need to be a genius to get a degree in a an (practical) scientific discipline. The dumber you are the more than work you will need to put in, until somewhen you can't proceed up. If you are excelling in highschool information technology means your ok in terms of ability.
At the risk of beingness burned at the pale, I'd like to betoken out that people savour excuses. They love making excuses and blaming their own shortcomings on things they percieve as 'out of their control'.
I know a lot of people in my math form and beyond that say that I get good grades because I'm a 'math person' or I have some sort of head outset or magical power or magic lamp or whatever that they don't.
Not the case at all, but if they admitted that the departure between my A and their F was not something they couldn't control (innate talent or what-have-you) but something much more ugly (like that they're lazy or inefficient at studying) that would shift their shortcomings onto them. It'due south much easier for people to believe they've been screwed in a genetic lottery than to believe that they possess the necessary talents but are willfully ignorant or unmotivated. Most people out in that location accept the potential to get decent mathematicians but their discipline and effort is lacking.
Also, WHY oh god, is a topic similar this fabricated every unmarried calendar week? Have y'all noobs never heard of a search function or do you believe that your input and questions are so radically unlike than the dozens or and so completed threads on the exact aforementioned topic?
Well said, bravo!At the risk of being burned at the stake, I'd like to point out that people enjoy excuses. They love making excuses and blaming their ain shortcomings on things they percieve equally 'out of their control'.I know a lot of people in my math class and across that say that I get skillful grades considering I'one thousand a 'math person' or I have some sort of head start or magical power or magic lamp or whatsoever that they don't.
Not the case at all, but if they admitted that the deviation betwixt my A and their F was non something they couldn't command (innate talent or what-have-you) but something much more ugly (similar that they're lazy or inefficient at studying) that would shift their shortcomings onto them. It's much easier for people to believe they've been screwed in a genetic lottery than to believe that they possess the necessary talents but are willfully ignorant or unmotivated. Nearly people out there have the potential to become decent mathematicians but their discipline and effort is lacking.
Too, WHY oh god, is a topic like this fabricated every unmarried week? Accept you noobs never heard of a search function or do you believe that your input and questions are and then radically different than the dozens or so completed threads on the exact same topic?
At the hazard of being burned at the stake, I'd similar to point out that people enjoy excuses. They beloved making excuses and blaming their own shortcomings on things they percieve as 'out of their control'.I know a lot of people in my math grade and beyond that say that I get good grades because I'm a 'math person' or I have some sort of head start or magical ability or magic lamp or any that they don't.
Non the case at all, but if they admitted that the deviation between my A and their F was not something they couldn't command (innate talent or what-have-yous) just something much more than ugly (like that they're lazy or inefficient at studying) that would shift their shortcomings onto them. It'southward much easier for people to believe they've been screwed in a genetic lottery than to believe that they possess the necessary talents but are willfully ignorant or unmotivated. Almost people out in that location take the potential to become decent mathematicians merely their discipline and effort is lacking.
Also, WHY oh god, is a topic like this made every single week? Have you noobs never heard of a search role or exercise you believe that your input and questions are so radically different than the dozens or so completed threads on the exact aforementioned topic?
I second that
This is a good article that talks about innate ability vs efforthttp://nymag.com/news/features/27840/
Interesting article. During my days as a college tutor -and even now in uni- i've come up to realize that many people whom are exceedingly smart even so have a hard time handling math topics even those of which I notice easy. I observe information technology mostly attributed to bad study habits.
Could it exist the "im smart so I don't demand to study" syndrome?
At the take a chance of being burned at the pale, I'd like to point out that people enjoy excuses. They love making excuses and blaming their own shortcomings on things they percieve as 'out of their control'.I know a lot of people in my math class and across that say that I go good grades because I'yard a 'math person' or I take some sort of caput showtime or magical ability or magic lamp or whatever that they don't.
Not the case at all, but if they admitted that the difference between my A and their F was not something they couldn't command (innate talent or what-have-you) simply something much more ugly (like that they're lazy or inefficient at studying) that would shift their shortcomings onto them. It's much easier for people to believe they've been screwed in a genetic lottery than to believe that they possess the necessary talents but are willfully ignorant or unmotivated. Most people out at that place take the potential to become decent mathematicians only their discipline and endeavour is lacking.
Also, WHY oh god, is a topic like this made every single calendar week? Have you noobs never heard of a search role or do y'all believe that your input and questions are then radically dissimilar than the dozens or so completed threads on the exact same topic?
Thirded
Not the case at all, but if they admitted that the difference betwixt my A and their F was not something they couldn't control (innate talent or what-take-you) but something much more ugly (like that they're lazy or inefficient at studying) that would shift their shortcomings onto them. It'southward much easier for people to believe they've been screwed in a genetic lottery than to believe that they possess the necessary talents but are willfully ignorant or unmotivated. Most people out at that place accept the potential to become decent mathematicians but their discipline and effort is defective.
And then true!!!
It can exist tempting to "pile on" the OP and similar posters, but please throw them a bone. Too often, kids are taught math by a "cookbook" method that emphasizes how to make calculations, and they are not taught how to dissect a trouble to figure out which mathematical tools to apply to it. This process implies a deeper degree of understanding (and it is absolutely essential for applied mathematics in engineering and similar fields) and it may be something that young students practise not capeesh. It'south as well like shooting fish in a barrel for kids to look at their performance and the performances of peers in HS, and wonder if they might be lacking in "talent" when in fact they have not been fairly educated in how to evaluate problems and use the mathematical tools at their disposal to solve them.
I pile considering I care :) Similar I said, there are at least a dozen other threads that address this verbal topic and I come across no reason why whatever newbie to our forum couldn't just employ the search button instead of request the same question three million times.
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