Maths, Mathser and Mathsiest

He walks past me, stares at me in the eye, challenges me, scares me at times and yet I can’t do without him. I am referring to one of my oldest handsome dudes called “Mathematics”.

Mathematics is one of the most important subjects. Mathematics is a subject of numbers, shapes, data, measurements and also logical activities. It has a huge scope in every field of our life, such as medicine, engineering, finance, natural science, economics, etc. We are all surrounded by a mathematical world.

However, the very word “math” brings shivers down the biggest champions called students. Generally, when a question is posed as to “who likes math?”….the response is not a very positive one. Wonder why so many of us dread maths. This handsome hunk called math is used in our everyday life, without math perhaps the universe also exist so beautifully and with so much accuracy. 

Well, personally I am not a lover of math, however, I do have a heavy crush on this handsome subject. 

The concepts, theories and formulas that we learn in Maths books have huge applications in real-life. To find the solutions for various problems we need to learn the formulas and concepts. Therefore, it is important to learn this subject to understand its various applications and significance.

History of Mathematics

Mathematics is a historical subject. It has been explored by various mathematicians across the world since centuries, in different civilizations. Archimedes, from the BC century is known to be the Father of Mathematics. He introduced formulas to calculate surface area and volume of solids. Whereas, Aryabhatt, born in 476 CE, is known as the Father of Indian Mathematics.

In the 6th century BC, the study of mathematics began with the Pythagoreans, as a “demonstrative discipline”. The word mathematics originated from the Greek word “mathema”, which means “subject of instruction”.

Another mathematician, named Euclid, introduced the axiom, postulates, theorems and proofs, which are also used in today’s mathematics.

History of Mathematics has been an ancient study and is described by each part of the world, in a varying method. There were many mathematicians who have given different theories for many concepts, which we are applying in modern mathematics.

Is Math a villain?

Now while, most of us show our displeasure for maths, we do have many takers for the subject as well. There are a lot students who love maths, they just can crack any problem related to math, the chapters and concepts flow like a fluid in their veins. Honestly, as a child I was petrified with maths, I remember some bitter occasions of getting punished mercilessly. 

Speaking to some of the students and people around, I did get to learn a few things, that’s being shared. 

Math is considered dull (as it doesn’t excite them as languages and science)

The fear of numbers

The fear of going wrong (they feel discouraged)

Too very complicated

Not having a good teacher

Unable to memorize formulas or concepts

Some of us tend to mistake the above challenges as Dyscalculia. Let’s understand that Dyscalculia is a learning difficulty and not a dislike toward math.  Dyscalculia affects the brain areas that handle math and number related skills and understanding. 

Is math and mental health related?

The answer to this question is “yes”. Some of the effects on students are listed here below:

Enhances children’s ability to concentrate.
• It stimulates children’s interest in maths.
• Improves the self-confidence of the child.
• Helps with the application skills in maths.
• Helps to reduce mistakes in problem-solving.
• Strongly associated with better memory skills.
• It stimulates both sides of the brain.

Math is good for the brain as it can create and reinforce new connections to improve memory, increase creativity and strengthens logical thinking.

cognitive impairment is a concern for more and more people. That is why, in recent decades, methods have been devised to strengthen the brain and prevent dementia, with mental gymnastics exercises becoming especially popular. Research shows that Mathematics improves memory, agility and mental capacity.

The positive impact on mental health definitely seems great, then how do we befriend or not dread math? 

Here are some tips that are shared to learn math.

Stay attentive and focused

Understand the concept

Keep practicing and solving

Check for mistakes and errors

Share your knowledge with others

practice previous years question papers

Conclusion:

No matter what kind of stories were put in to our heads, like being unfit to learn math, or not so smart to learn math etc etc.. The time has come to change your perspective and take a second look at this subject which is harmless. Don’t we all love to count money, you see now that is your love for math as well, cause if you had no idea of math then how would you count your money or estimate your wealth? If we have a better understanding of the mental maths concepts, they are more likely to approach maths with a positive outlook. Then let’s look a little more gently at this beautiful subject and transform happily towards it.