APPRECIATING MATHEMATICS

                Many students particularly those from High School and college show poor performance in Mathematics. These students often say they hate the subject. Some say encounter with fractions is complicated while other say Algebra is not a practical subject. Some of them even hate their teacher for teaching the terrific subject.

                But what causes them to fail is their lack of interest about Mathematics. They do not appreciate the subject. They do not spend enough time to understand concepts. Some give plenty of hours reading notes but they do it with boredom. They focus on reading instead of practicing how to solve some problems, which is the key in mastering lessons in Mathematics. But instead of doing so, students will usually ignore you when you talk about Mathematical concepts.

                How important mathematics is?  Mathematics involves numbers and we encounter numbers all the time. You cannot go on with your life without even performing simple arithmetic. You always add, subtract, divide, and multiply. But he most basic of all is the fact that your life involves counting. So how can one say that he never need math in hi s life?

                Now, if I already master the fundamental operations, would that be enough? Definitely not. Try to recall some problems in Algebra. We have age problems, work problems and so on. These problems are related to our practical life but they cannot be solved by using simple addition and subtraction. There are also problems which are useful in business like this one: how many kilograms of rice worth P18 per kg should be mixed with rice which sells P20 per kg in order to have 40 kg of rice worth P20 per kg. This problem can easily be solved using systems of linear equation, another application of mathematics.

                Some students do not want to think deeply. They prefer memorization rather than application. Math is not difficult. It only needs thinking. In solving mathematical problems, one must learn how to analyze and understand. It is fun that even you do not memorize anything as long as you comprehend the concept in Mathematics you will be able to answer activities related to it. By learning to understand ideas in the subject and analyzing problems involved in it, you are helping yourself think critically. Take note that the more you think, the more you sharpen your mind.  Mathematics helps in preparing your brain in encountering other analytical problems. It helps you become more alert. It also trains you in analyzing situations. You may not apply the concept of calculus in buying the food you want to eat but it will make you smarter in making decisions.

                Mathematics helps problems easily. It is not an additional burden to students. You may not be good in it by now but sooner or later, it will just be a piece of cake for you. What’s the secret? Learn to APPRECIATE and LOVE Mathematics.