Math is stupid. I hate it.
Feb 25, 2008
“Math is stupid. I hate it. I’m never going to need this stuff.”
I’m guilty of having uttered each of these sentences in my life. Math was always a struggle for me, much to the dismay of my father. He was a virtual human calculator who dealt with complicated math equations in his daily life as a banker/financial advisor. Like most fathers, he looked forward to his children following in his mathematical footsteps. It wasn’t to be.
Now, in my day-to-day life words are of my most-used tools. Regardless of the profession that I chose, I still come upon math every day.
- In cooking: ¼ cup is smaller than 1/3 of a cup
- In Shopping: How much is 35% off of $29.99?
- In baking: Cook a 10 lb turkey at 45 minutes per pound…
- In Decorating: How much carpet do I need to cover the floor of my living room?
As it turns out, I did need this stuff. The teachers were right.
I wish that I had paid better attention in math class. Despite being a relatively good student, the further that I got in school, the less that math made sense to me.
Thankfully, my proficiency in other subjects was apparent (hello, writer’s craft), so I could get by without having top marks in math.
But that doesn’t mean that I ever gave up trying to get better math marks. I knew my multiplication tables inside and out, thanks to flash cards and a variety of unique learning techniques I may have been able to recite my times tables, but I never really understood them.
It’s been years since my father and I butted heads about math homework but unfortunately, not much has changed. Math is still a struggle for parents and kids because many kids still don’t get math.
It’s not because the curriculum is too hard, or the teachers are ineffective. Some kids struggle with math simply because the basic concepts of math are not relevant or meaningful to the student.
And when students don’t have a fundamental understanding of the concepts, they rely on memorization to get by.
Some kids get math naturally, and others don’t. Those that don’t have to work harder to develop a better understanding of math basics. If your child is not a natural math learner, then the struggle is trying to help your child find the link to the real world that will make math meaningful and relevant. It’s a process that can take years, but its one that is well worth it, because math doesn’t end when school does. Math has practical applications in everyday life. When the light bulb finally goes on for your child and math begins to makes sense, the struggles begin to slip away…
What do you do to make math meaningful for your child? We’d love to hear from you.
Comments(84)
Find this article online at: www.oxfordlearning.com/letstalk/2008/feb/25/math-is-stupid/
Brian - Feb 28, 2008
Hey, great article! Thanks for linking to my site. I'm the guy from mathmojo.
I feel your pain. I didn't learn basic math (like even long division) until I was in my thirties. Now I love the stuff.
And it's not for any of the reasons my psycho-nazi math teachers from hell gave me, either. It turns out that real math has nothing to do with what they teach in most schools.
I mean, who cares about math-for-grade-sake? Let me ask you this - What is math? What? You mean you had it for twelve years in public school and they didn't even help you understand what it is?!?!?! Ouch!
One decent definition of math is more-or-less the shorthand that your mind can best use to understand and manipulate the world.
Now who wouldn't want to be good at that? Not just quantities, either. But patterns. Like, believe it or not, you can use math to figure out when people are lying to you. If you make systems and patterns out of the things you notice, you are doing real math. The numbers are just like letters of a language.
It's too detailed to go into here, but if you check out brilliant (non-text-) books like "Playing with Infinity" by Rozsa Peter, you will get what I'm saying. Or read anything by Martin Gardner.
Check out http://mathmojo.com for more if you like. (Please excuse the shameless plug.)
You know what makes math meaningful? The fact that you brought it up in your blog-post, and that interesting people are going to come and read about it, and that they are going to try to actually communicate something meaningful to their children about it.
Hotcha!
Yours truly,
Brian Foley (a.k.a. Professor Homunculus at MathMojo )
torreyasha - Feb 29, 2008
i hate math i really hate thats all we do in computer class anything we do have to be with math r numbers!!!!!!
kim - Mar 3, 2008
I have a son who is 16 years old and in grade 10. He has a real problem with basic math, reading and writing. he is also visually impaired, but does have some useable sight in his left eye. I don't feel that his sight is what has held him back as he has visual aids all through school, i think no one has taken the time to teach him since he requires extra time. and now he is lost in the shuffle at school. instead of making him read or write, they did it for him because it was faster, and it has done him no good at this point.
math man - Mar 4, 2008
SO YOUR SAYING that after struggling through your whole life with maths and YOU LOVE IT thats redicolous and who cares i got a level 5 in maths on my sats papers last year i hate IT!!!!!!
kuba croft - Mar 4, 2008
Hey i got a level 5 in maths aswell wicked what was your english level.
math man - Mar 4, 2008
level 4 rubbish
Meredith, Ed Director, OLC Newmarket - Mar 18, 2008
I am the kind of person who NEVER enjoyed math, but was very good at it. All but my times tables - I never learned those, I think because I was never told why I should. Because of my dislike, I have always looked for ways to make things less 'math-like', so my feelings did not get in the way of my ability to complete things.
Looking at real-world examples is an especially good way to do this, because in the end, that is why we do math. Even something complicated like Calculus has real-world applications - that is why is was originally created, to explain something about the world in a concise way.
If you look on the internet, there are lots of concrete examples for how math describes the way the world works. My favourite example, at the moment, is a website created by CBS and Texas Instruments about the TV series NUMB3RS called WeAllUseMathEveryDay.com. It looks at the math applications from the episodes of the show, and relates them to the actual math students learn in high school. It is interesting AND fun (imagine that)!
I have worked with many math students, and most of the ones who struggle, do so because they have a block (as did I, once). Seeing math through the lens of the world, instead of the world through the lens of math, often makes a big difference in breaking down those blocks.
Zeen - Mar 31, 2008
No, you were right the first time.
Nicole - Apr 15, 2008
I am good at everything else! I would be a straight A student if I could bring my B - in math to an A. Sounds stupid right? ITS IMPORTANT TO ME!
victoria - Jun 3, 2008
Math is really hard for me I am in a magnet program this year and i got a really crazy teacher we got to our exams and now I am really worried about my final and I am not even very good at math
THE END of ARITHMETICS (kuba croft) - Jun 22, 2008
shut up peps arithmetics is stupid The END!
Prophetics - Jun 24, 2008
math is 4 stupid.
everything that can be defined by math can be defined by normal words.
People are just too lazy to speak. Thats why math exist.
violet ivory - Aug 17, 2008
lala, i only got 39/100 in math... lalala.. i hate math.
lalalala.. math sucks!
Thought Junky - Aug 22, 2008
For all of you who "hate" math. Give me an example of a question that you think is useless in real life and I'll try to tell you how it's useful in life.
To me, the most important thing about math is the thing that Math teachers often don't teach. Math should be about teaching you HOW to think, not exactly what the answers are.
Anonymous - Aug 29, 2008
Modal logic isn't enough to teach people how to think. Human beings cannot survive on that alone. Which is why there are a multitude of methods out there for human survival like Psychological research and medical professions.
Along with methods for understanding our universe like Philosophy for example. Math alone can't answer it all. We rely on many methods.
Super Sonic - Aug 29, 2008
But in order to use math, don't you need other methods that aren't mathelogical to produce some of the problems? For example; sentence problems involve the use of the English language. That's not math.
Math Hater - Sep 10, 2008
I hate math who needs it any way not me geez. Math is for suckers. I HATE MATH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8th grader - Sep 16, 2008
I HATE MATH!I mean its just useless and i'm failing because of it.It is ruining my life.Cause if i get bad grades a privledge is taken away.I HATE MATH AND I ALWAYS WILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Arisa Asakawa - Oct 1, 2008
Dang it. I hate math. It sucks. English is super easy but Math? Psh..
Mina - Oct 6, 2008
I don't hate math, I just can't ever understand it. For some reason my brain is damaged in the math understanding area of it :/
I doubt I'll be going to university because I can't pass the math course I need to get into the program I want. :(
brian - Oct 20, 2008
The Math basics are necessary, but High end level math isn't, like Algebra, Geometry, or whatever. I mean really, I want to be in Law enforcement, and I'm pretty sure you don't need to find the square root or something while your chasing a suspect, or doing paper work. That's what I fail to understand. The basic math is necessary, like adding up how much your grocery's will coast.
elena - Oct 29, 2008
maths is stupid i really hate maths i all ways have problems with maths i'm going to hate maths all my life
larissa - Nov 7, 2008
math sucks
Larissa - Nov 7, 2008
Math suck! and its stupid!! LALALA Miley Cyrus ROCKS!! BYE
larissa - Nov 7, 2008
HIIIIIIII
heat him at - Nov 17, 2008
Math is the WORST. His examples of how we use it are RIDICULOUS. Of course we need some basic math, but that's like saying we need to use advanced grammar techniques to say hello to someone. We don't. Just the basics will do. No one is saying that we don't need a basic understanding of it, but dividing polynomials rarely, if ever, finds its way into day-to-day life.
jake - Dec 14, 2008
welli study math alot and i dnt get good grades i have been with this problem like 7 years and no use iv lost hope....i mean i do pay attention in class and i do stuudy but theres no use!!!!
I HATE MATH BADLY~~~
fustrated - Dec 17, 2008
when it comes down to it: i hate math. it's not that i don't think many of the math concepts cant be applied to the real world it's just when it comes to things like quadratic equations, factoring, radians, radicals, unit circles... i dont see the point and i just dont understand it at all. im a slow learner in math and im in an advanced class because the career i want requires it. if i understood how to do math and if ppl would help me, maybe id like it more... but right now im failing so i hate it. my A average dies everytime all because im a SPED kid for math.
still fustrated - Dec 17, 2008
and another thing about my fustrated comment... i study alot, i pay attention while the math whizzes goof off or talk, they get the concepts instantly while i sit there confused and get stuck asking amillion questions... the teacher has given up on me ever passing. so yeah i think there's a good reason for why alot of ppl hate math. they whiz through the math like they're eating a box of chocolates... i don't know what im doing anymore and ive got a test friday. i hate failing i hate math i hate being stupid and im giving up on myself, this is hopeless. no matter how hard i try ill always be just another math failure. dont give me a moral like "if u study u pass" because it doesn't always work that way. im going to study now and fail thank you very much.
Joe - Dec 30, 2008
Hey Frustrated - math is tough. For many people, our minds just are not equipped to deal with it. We had no need for much more than simple math when we were hunter gatherers. You're not stupid and it isn't hopeless either.
The concepts can be hard, but once the light bulb goes on, you'll find it much easier. A great teacher helps - but that's likely out of your control. If you have an old brother or sister (or cousin) see if they can give you a hand.
These skills can come in hand in some odd places. I'm doing some mapping now and needed some radian math to figure out some distances.
Don't give up - try to get some help. You may have to back track a little to fully understand some older concepts - they all build on each other. Some of your troubles may be there (skill gaps they're called).
Good luck.
Kora. - Jan 6, 2009
Sad thing is, I used to be good at math. I always got A's and over 80% but now I'm in grade 10, and the things we're learning are starting to not make any sense. I've just lost intresting in looking deeper into the concepts so I always depend on memorizing. Horrible plan.
Kora. - Jan 6, 2009
And I'm also a bad editor lol.
chels - Jan 6, 2009
I hate math, u will never use it?? what r u ppl smoking?
kuba croft - Jan 7, 2009
i so hate algebra! i so hate math! i so hate school! why school, i mean i school is a jail to make kids feel bad get bullied by people just coz u dont want to be popular people call u a nerd when u r the most handsomest and a gentleman like person, i mean girls dont like me why? i am more better looking then the bully and popular kids i got a nicer personality then them i can fight, the only bad thing is i so hate math homework i mean history and geography is o.k but MaTh!
kuba croft - Jan 8, 2009
anyway in life i havnt got time for math id rather do love lessons(not sex) but love like kissing and dating, i mean isnt the sense of life to get a girl live, get children and die then your children will have children and so on...
i mean the sense of life is to continue your race/specie so that it lives always everyhwere every time, why counquer when u can unite?
math sucks - Jan 9, 2009
I really don't get maths, like it just doesn't make any sense to me. I suck at it.We just got our maths grades for year 10 back and I barely managed to pass and the suckiest part is that everyone else in my class passed with really good grades so I guess I am just plain stupid! I completely agree with frustrated. Its like everytine the teacher explains sth every single person in the class gets it except me.urrgghh,, Stupid stupid maths!
confused one - Jan 11, 2009
why focus on math...let others do it for you!!!
Kay B - Jan 25, 2009
I learned basic math in elementary school in the 1970s (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and in high school we covered square roots and geometry, but I never learned anything beyond that. No Fractions (that I can remember), no Algebra or Trigonometry, Calculus. These days "Basic Math" included Fractions, Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry". I used some math in a former job as a printer, but it would take me a long time to figure out the work-related math problems and I'd often over-estimate or under-estimate, so I always needed help from my supervisor. My other jobs, and there have been too many to count, involved more English and grammar skills, where I excelled. Letters and words make sense to me, numbers jump around, and when added with symbols and letters, are horribly confusing, and I just don't understand much beyond division and can barely do fractions. I can spell words like "Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy" (being a former Medical Transcriptionist), but for the life of me, I can't figure out the math when someone says "2 1/4 yards of ribbon are cut into 8 pieces, what is the length of each piece after being cut?" DUH! I have no idea!
confuse! - Jan 31, 2009
i love math but math hates me. I'm doing my best to get high grades. I'm doing this so as not to disappoint my father. And now, I'm very confused with what course would i take in college. accounting is my first choice. But i think, it would be a burden if i would take this course. I know I'll try my very best to graduate but WHAT IF after all the sufferings, still i will not pass? OH NO! WHAT A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT! and i hope i will achieve this dream of mine.
*WHAT CAN YOU SAY? ANY SUGGESTIONs or COMMENTS? I WILL APPRECIATE IT and surely you can help a lot! Thank you!
ANSWER PLS! - Jan 31, 2009
i love math but math hates me. I'm doing my best to get high grades. I'm doing this so as not to disappoint my father. And now, I'm very confused with what course would i take in college. accounting is my first choice. But i think, it would be a burden if i would take this course. I know I'll try my very best to graduate but WHAT IF after all the sufferings, still i will not pass? OH NO! WHAT A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT! and i hope i will achieve this dream of mine.
*WHAT CAN YOU SAY? ANY SUGGESTIONs or COMMENTS? I WILL APPRECIATE IT and surely you can help a lot! Thank you!
nevets - Feb 4, 2009
My program requires some basic math.
Basic also means like algabraic equations, distrubitive properties and all these forumalas with fractions...
Apparently this is easy stuff, but to me, its such a burden on my logic.
Why do we suddenly add these numbers? So the equal sign stays the same but now we change it? Bedmas doesn't apply here? Where did that number come from?
I can understand the usage of the most convoluted english, I learn French and Italian on my own and know more than students in a course, I understand economics and world issues greatly...but for math, I'm almost SPED.
I HATE MATH...
Kay B - Feb 12, 2009
I'm 40+, going to attend a few classes at the local community college in the Summer, and possibly go full time in the Autumn. They've enrolled me in Remedial Math because I struggle with any math beyond multiplying fractions. Words, I understand. Numbers with symbols and lots of rules and formulas, I DO NOT understand. Math does not suck. We would not have many wonderful inventions and things to improve and save our lives without Math. It does make sense to many, but for not for all of us. Many of us are the more creative types, we are "picture learners", and we can make sense of words because they describe something to us. But we can use our imagination with words. With math, it's numbers, the big chaotic mess of formulas, rules, and the confusion of what it all means that send us to the edge.
My Academic Adviser told me that Algebra was not mandatory to earn my Associate's Degree. After I pass Remedial Math, I can have the option to enroll in Visual Basic computer language instead. I checked out a book on Visual Basic, and frankly, that computer programming language makes more sense to me than Algebra, Trig, Calculus, etc.
Cheers from the States,
Kay
Thess - Mar 5, 2009
Wow, you guys here are complete math haters eh?
I just happen to drop by this page cause it's kind of like part of the thesis paper I'm making (which is due a week from now XD Procrastinating, yes.)
Well, anyway, I think it's natural to hate math when you get frustrated the moment you don't get the EXACT answer. That's what makes math sucky. =_= It has to have an exact answer.
But then again, if we try to make this as a challenge, it would be cool. (but then again, not. XD)
There are just people who are gifted with math. D:
What I can suggest to the math haters: Try to be positive with your perspective in math. Because the more you think you ABHOR math, the more you'd suck at it. ^^'
Wil - Mar 7, 2009
I'm a college student and I hate math too. I am taking a math course for the third time and if I flunk it my life will be over because I won't be able to continue at my college and finishing college is my dream. Its expensive (paying for tutors, like I have money for that), time consuming, and frustrating. Why is this algebra crap so necessary anyway? I'll tell you why - because these snotty academics who make the rules know that students flunk math more than they do other subjects, so they have to retake, and all of this is more tuition money in the college's pockets. Those people are pigs - ruining the lives of students (there are hardworking students who drop out of college and get decent jobs because of the challenges of college math), - all for a subject that logically should not decide whether or not someone is allowed to continue their upper education.
The only thing I hate worse than math are snotty academics.
savannah - Mar 11, 2009
what i don't get is why we need to know polonomials and bionomials and parabola's and stuff like that i understand like 35% of $29.99 but seriously i've asked my parents they don't use those i'm in 9th grade and they haven't even taught use square roots yet.
McKenzie - Mar 12, 2009
Math is so stupid. i dont see why we need it, life isnt that hard unles your going to be a lawyer or something.
Courtney - Mar 12, 2009
This in McKenzies twin. (seriously were twins) and i agree with her, she usually has good points
jessie - Mar 20, 2009
I LOVE MATH GO MR.BEER
Maria J - Mar 24, 2009
um... the daily things that you encounter that involve math such as cooking, shopping etc. all require simple math. Everyones knows that. Its the other stuff that is completely useless, unless ofcourse you are some sort of math freak and intend on having a career that involves intense math(blah)
=]
Clara - Mar 25, 2009
math is so FLIPPING HARD!!! i cant stand it...well its not tht hard if the teacher teaches it to me...but just looking at notes nad trying to figure it out..NO WAY!!! slopes and y-intercept aree the absolute bane of my existence!!!! i am usually pretty good at math...but these past few dayz i have been crying when i do it!!! I HATE MATH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Math is trouble - Mar 27, 2009
Ahh...I could just imagine how perfect my life would be if there wasn't math involved. I wouldn't be so behind on my credits. I would be graduating on time. I wouldn't have to be ridiculed by my teacher every day because of math. I hate math. I WISH that there was something to help me get it. My teacher is lousy at explaining it. If I could just get it, life would be a bit better for me. Or if math could disappear off of the face of earth....hmm..
Math Hater - Mar 27, 2009
I HATE MATH! I HATE MATH! I ****** HATE EVERY ******* THING THAT HAS TO DO WITH MATH! JUST LOOKING AT IT GIVES ME SERIOUS HEADACHES! **** YOU MATH **** YOU!!!
slumdog millionare - Mar 30, 2009
i use to hate math but now that im good at it...i love it
c - Apr 2, 2009
pen is mightier than the sword
HOMEWORKISCOOL - Apr 4, 2009
I USE TO HATE MATH BUT I LOVE MATH NOW. I LOVE SCHOOL! HOME IS THE BEST <3
mered bell - Apr 5, 2009
ok. math is awesome. it is a logical side of life. that doesn't mean it is fun, but is is here whether we like it or not. people who hate math have no lives... and thats a fact..... mathematicly
Max - Apr 9, 2009
If you weren't born with the Math gift, then you are screwed. Forget about undertanding Math.
I just hate Math! It's ruining my life and my desires >_>
I think your language's grammar is more important than this. There's people who are very good at math, but aren't capable of even writing a little phrase without making errors. That's pathetic.
mr. t - Apr 13, 2009
i will answer all your questions using logic.
1.well if you learend BASIC math youd know this.
2. ask cashier to scan product.
3.In baking: Cook a 10 lb turkey at 45 minutes per pound…(stupid what the crab says this?) ( have person who said this use a dam calculator.)
4.get professional to input carpet.
most math questions in test are stupid and will never happen. math teachers should start giving real life examples.
lejla - Apr 22, 2009
i know math is not my subject to its ruining my life but ... if i try harder it sometimez works but the worst thing is that we have a techer which cant explain it !
mathismyenemy - May 3, 2009
I'm sitting my AP Statistics exam this Tuesday. I'm so unprepared, and the more I cram, the more I loathe the subject.
Don't try to tell me I'll need it in real life, because yeah maybe I'll need fractions and arithmetic to get me through my daily chores but certainly not a lesson on how to randomize experiments. STUPIDSTUPIDSTUPID.
math ruined my life - May 4, 2009
because of math i cant get into university.
[edited for language]
MathIsMyWorstEnemy - May 12, 2009
I swear, It's the only subject that I struggle with! I hate math and all the brainiacs that won't shut up! (No offense...) but really, I am able to grasp the concept that you desperatly need math but it's too darn difficult.
Mary - May 12, 2009
I'm severly depressed and one of the reasons is because I cannot finish graduate school or get my teachers certification because of math. I just don't get it and I'm terribly afraid of it!!!! What can I do???
still calculating - May 13, 2009
I am from a third world country, and I have all the reason to hate math but I don't.
This is actually what my thesis is about.
- I got beat up at home when I wouldn't get my homework problems right
- I got bullied by teachers
- I didn't have books with meaningful examples
-I was a bit lazy at times
-I even had a teacher who could solve the test question she set for our exams....
However, I hold a healthy respect for the subject.
I think to answer the question asked...
Maths can be horrible if you fail, have a bad teacher, get teased about being good at it, get pressure from parents to pass, or are generally lazy. I think the best thing for parents is to know what is happening in your child's life.
If its their learning style, appeal to it, get books with lots of jokes and pictures, even if they are not on the curriculum. Take your kids to friends with jobs in industries that use math...PLIZ don't wait for the school to do it cause in my experience thats a sure reciepe for an E....
And for all those who are failing hang in there, life could be worse...really,
You could be in a third world country
:D
Qinetix - May 16, 2009
Well i dont rly hate math , but i really hate geometry how this thing goona help me? i kno but still some parts of geometry are kinda lame and usefull i think
Qinetix - May 16, 2009
Btw i wished school wasnt realy hard >:3
qinet - May 16, 2009
well i dont rly hate math BUT **** GEOMETRY AT WATHE **** IT GONA HELP US IN LIFE? **** IT ****! **** **** ****! i hate geometry only some parts of it i love
Meritt - May 26, 2009
Hi my name is meritt.I also have problems with math.Iget some bad grades in math cry too!Got my reportcard i had a B- for math atleast thats good kinda!
I HATE MATH!
meritt - May 26, 2009
I HATE MATH!!!!!!!
Meritt - May 26, 2009
Well i go to Oakdale school& i hate math but my best thing in math is multiplication &
kinda divison.
Chris - May 29, 2009
It is as if this story was made up to make us feel better about math. Besides, all of his examples of where in life he uses math can be managed with measuring cups, calculator on your cell, etc... This is not even a real testimony I am sure.
Frustrated - Jun 4, 2009
i dislike math a lot but i wont say i hate i the problem is that i just get a little frustrated i will get it but i think it is only this unit we are doing
Math hater - Jun 7, 2009
Math is stupid, im never going to use it in my life.
Math hater - Jun 7, 2009
oh yeah, math is the most boaring subject i ever took.
Anonymous - Jun 22, 2009
I'm sorry, but this article was ridiculous. Of course we need basic math for everyday life like buying food at the store, measuring simple things, etc. But that's BASIC MATH. Things everyone already knows how to do. When will I ever need to find centroids of a triangle or know how to graphically solve a system using a standard form quardratic? It's ridiculous. I hate math. My exam is tomorrow, I tried studying and I ended up pulling my hair out and ripping my notes to pieces. It's no use. Math is a waste of paper.
mathandchess - Jun 25, 2009
The last post is quite right to say that there are so many things we learned in math that we do not need in real life. That is why in British Columbia, the math is divided into 3 sraids and they serve different purposes. But with that said then if a student hates math from kindergarten then can we say this student shall just give up math?
If not everyone can be a musician and like music then why would everyone liks music? But math is the basic science and foundation for all other subjects, so give up on math practically means to give up on the studt from grade 8 to grade 12. So without getting into the argument of how useful is math, ask yourself, do you want to quit education from grade 8 and on?
The only thing I can say is to put more efforts into math then you will start to enjoy it.
CJ - Jul 2, 2009
The examples you provided... that's REAL math. Not something you'd learn from the ridiculous advanced math courses we force our kids to take in school. Even I could teach that to a five-year-old:
In cooking: ¼ cup is smaller than 1/3 of a cup (THAT'S WHAT MEASURING CUPS ARE FOR)
In Shopping: How much is 35% off of $29.99? (THAT'S WHAT PRICE TAGS ARE FOR AND STORE PERSONNEL)
In baking: Cook a 10 lb turkey at 45 minutes per pound… (COOKING IS BEST DONE WITH ONE'S INSTINCTS, COMMON SENSE, AND SENSE OF TASTE)
In Decorating: How much carpet do I need to cover the floor of my living room? (THIS IS WHERE ARCHITECTS/ENGINEERS COME IN)
Regardless of which "angle" you choose to look at it, algebra and many other branches of mathematics have been and always will be, worthless to the average human being: nothing more than props for math geeks to flaunt their intelligence.
This was an honest, albeit futile, attempt to get us to appreciate something (math) we've hated since birth until kingdom come. It's too late for us. Thanks anyway! :)
bill - Jul 2, 2009
Math is hard and boring like seriously when you hear the word it just makes you want to crawl up into a hole and die or go play Play station
Aaron - Jul 11, 2009
You forgot to mention one thing: probability theory. Anyone gambles? You need math right there, unless you are contend with losing all your money. Of course, the Casino worked out their math to make sure they always earn money. But at least if you are good with it, you can use it in poker and win money from your poor friends who don't know their math.
Of course, calculus is also very useful for maximizing the damage of your video game characters.
And people should not complain about algebra until they see the statement: "Let G be an group."
~~~lady~~~ - Jul 14, 2009
when i was in high school i realy hate math too.. but when i was in college, it changed, i realized that math was not realy difficult, you just need to LISTEN to the teacher and UNDERSTAND how he/she came up with that answer.
MATH is not realy difficult.
you hate math because your mind implicated that you realy hate math and your senses was affected that is why, you don't have any interest in math already!
Anthony - Jul 16, 2009
Listen to me, maths is important UP TO basic division and multiplication. Trigonometry, pythagoras theorem, vectors etc, they're all just silly, useless little play tools.
Lily - Jul 23, 2009
Anthony, I completely agree with you, my grade 11 math teacher said we would never use the pythagoras theorem and functions ever in our lives
joan - Jul 27, 2009
I beg to disagree with you!!! Math is fun and I love it. Look around you and you'll see how important mathematics is. It's just a matter of understanding. It sharpens your brain guys... Try to love it and you'll surely appreciate its importance in your life. It's all around you folks...
MathSucks - Jul 30, 2009
I freakin hate math too! I really worked hard on it, but it seems that I will never EVER get it. It's true that a good teacher would make a difference, cuz I know that I had stupid math teachers my entire schooling life that would confuse and make me skip class on purpose! I'm having a hard time with it. Imagine, you alone the dumbo among a whole bunch of Pure Math geniuses.
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