How to Make Learning Mathematics Easier and More Effective

Have you ever visited a shop to buy necessary items? After making your purchase, you pay the shopkeeper, who then returns the change after deducting the cost of the items. Have you ever counted the change returned to you? How did you learn to do this? All of these activities involve the use of mathematics, don’t they? Mathematics is a practical subject that we use in our daily lives. It’s hard to imagine getting through our daily routines without it. This is why mathematics is included in the school curriculum from an early stage.

What Are Your Thoughts on Mathematics?

How do you approach learning mathematics? It's common to hear that mathematics is considered a difficult subject. Many students complain, "Mathematics is too hard. Many of my friends fail in exams. How can I learn it easily? Can you suggest some methods?"

In reality, we should never abandon a task just because it's difficult. If we avoid tasks that seem hard, we may find ourselves unable to accomplish anything in the future. Success doesn't come easily; it requires continuous effort. Persistence and practice can turn the impossible into the possible. I’m going to share some tips on how to make learning mathematics easier.

Don’t Hide Your Curiosity

While learning mathematics, you may have many questions and curiosities. For example: Why are we solving this mathematical problem? How is it used in daily life? Why is this problem solved in this particular way? Is there another method to solve this problem?

Don’t suppress these questions; ask your teacher without hesitation. Asking questions helps build long-lasting learning. The more you engage in questions, answers, interactions, and discussions, the easier learning becomes.

Be Clear About Mathematical Concepts

Mathematics lessons are structured in a sequence from simple to complex. If the basic concepts are not clear, understanding later lessons becomes difficult. For example, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are fundamental operations in mathematics. Without a clear understanding of these, it's impossible to develop the skills needed for mathematical simplification. These basic skills are essential at all times.

Similarly, memorize multiplication tables and understand different types of numbers (natural numbers, whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, irrational numbers) through regular practice. Also, get clear on fundamental algebraic concepts such as variables, constants, and terms. Once you have a strong grasp of these algebraic concepts, you can easily solve problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of algebraic expressions. In geometry, start by mastering the skills to draw points, lines, line segments, and different types of angles before moving on to constructing more complex geometric shapes.

Learn by Relating Topics

Many mathematical topics are interconnected. Identify these interrelated topics and build your learning on prior knowledge.

For example:

• If adding 50 to 100 gives you 150, then subtracting 50 from 150 returns you to 100.
• Similarly, if 2+2+2+2+2 = 10, then 2×5 =10.

If you need to divide 10 apples among five people, how would you do it? By distributing the apples equally, each person gets two apples. This can be understood by subtraction or by dividing 10 by 5. This way, understanding the relationships between addition and subtraction, addition and multiplication, subtraction and division is crucial. Did you know that even factors and least common multiples, prime factorization, and greatest common divisors are related? Try to explore these connections.

Connect Learning to Daily Life

Mathematics is inherently a practical subject. It shouldn't be understood only theoretically. Develop the habit of looking for how and where the concepts you learn in theory are applied in daily life.

Practice Regularly

Mathematics is a subject that cannot be memorized just by looking at or reading. What you learn today can be forgotten in a short time. To ensure that the mathematical knowledge and skills you acquire are retained, regular practice is essential. At least once a week, review each lesson to reinforce your learning.

Focus on the Process, Not Just the Answer

When solving mathematical problems, don’t be afraid of getting the wrong answer. Focus on understanding the necessary prior knowledge and the process of solving the problem. If your process is correct, the answer will be correct as well. Cultivate a positive mindset by telling yourself, “I can do it.”

Take Notes on Mathematical Terminology

Mathematics has its own vocabulary and symbols. Get into the habit of noting down the terminology and symbols from the mathematical topics you study. For example, if you are studying sets, what do symbols like ∪, ∩, ∈, ∅ represent? Write them down. You can also play games with your friends to find and understand mathematical words, their meanings, and symbols.

Use Information Technology

You can use information technology as a secondary teacher. By searching your problem on platforms like YouTube or Google, you can find various solutions. Choose what you need and learn accordingly. You can also find videos taught by your teachers. Watching these videos can help clarify topics that are unclear to you.

Make Learning Mathematics Enjoyable

When studying mathematics, try the strategies mentioned above. If you enjoy the subject, learning will be easier and more fun. These approaches will help make mathematics one of your favorite subjects.