Practice makes a man perfect

Mathematics is a subject which is all about numbers. Maths is included as a subject from the lower classes itself. This subject of numbers is constructive for us all life long. All what we learn in lower classes are the essentials which are very valuable. The great mathematician Grothendieck introduced the algebraic geometry and many such concepts of mathematics. One thing that we are always told is that if we practice maths we will score good marks. This is true to a great extent. Practicing mathematics is very important. Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, surface area sums, linear equations form the base of maths. Statistics and data handling sums are interesting and marks scoring. Lot of research work went into formulating these sums. Research forms an important part of mathematical formulations. One should keep practicing mathematics as much as possible.

If you love solving tricky sums and can handle all type of sums easily then your mind is really sharp. Developing mathematical skills is not a one day job. Lot of practice is needed to develop this skill. Training the brain is essential for developing mathematical skill. Indulging in activities that test the mathematical ability of the brain is important. One should keep researching about the new types of sums. Various mathematics based games helps in developing this skill to a great extent. Training the brain for mathematics can be fun. Various computer games help in training the brain easily. Mind games such as minesweeper are played on computer help us in getting hold of probability. On the other hand internet based games such as poker, Sudoku, and puzzles involves the use of numbers and by playing these games one can easily develop arithmetical skills. It is therefore rightly said that practicing mathematics is important and it indeed makes a man perfect.

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The Fear of Mathematics

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Arithmophobia, math anxiety, math phobia–call it what you will but MSNBC estimates that 1 in 2 Americans experience the fear of mathematics. If you look at a math problem, get sweaty palms, and have the urge to give up almost immediately, then you probably have this phobia. Experts attribute this fear of mathematics to be perpetuated by math avoidance, misconceptions, and poor performance. This math avoidance encourages, not prevents future anxiety just as an actress with stage fright would not get better by avoiding acting roles.

Managing math anxiety starts with clearing up misconceptions regarding math.

Myth #1: Math is only used by mathematicians and elite scientists.
Painters use geometry to balance shapes and vantage points. The sales associate puts together metrics to measure performance, and figures out how many calls to make, the average order value, and more to determine their success. The cook measures the precise amount of flour, yeast, baking soda, salt, and other agents to give the proper leaven for the bread to rise and cuts the recipe in half if feeding fewer people. Math is used every day, and when learned, it can prevent big headaches rather than cause them.

Myth #2: Math is an innate trait.
Math is learned just as walking is. Some learn faster than others, but hard work determines mathematical ability more than genetics. The talented pianist is not born to play piano, but must spend hours practicing technique and rhythm, just as a math problem must be worked through in various forms for the brain to understand and apply the concept.

Myth #3: Math takes too long.
This myth is partially true, but when looked at, seems to be more of a problem of math not being relevant. Math is a universal language spoken in various mobile devices, computers, cars, televisions, iPods, and more. When math is understood it can be enabling and build confidence that spills over to other subjects.

If these myths are not tackled then math will be feared, avoided, and more feared creating a perpetual, negative spiral.

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When Numbers and Letters Combine

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Math is confusing enough. Why are there so many formulas filled not just with numbers, but with letters too? Algebra and geometry, two separate disciplines, are well-known for mixing letters and numbers into the most basic, fundamental equations. Numbers like Pi, E and number-rich formulas (E=mc², anyone?) make math seem even more like a foreign language, an incomprehensible subject, an insurmountable feat. But Andrew Grothendieck didn’t look at it that way, and anyone can learn how to master some his tricks and his approaches to the world of mathematics.

Grothendieck was a pioneer in the fields of algebra and geometry. Well-known in academic and mathematic circles, Grothendieck was a strangely reclusive math hero, who spent his entire life studying his favorite subject. Grothendieck was also a man of strong political and social convictions, which may have contributed to his eventual refusal of all prizes and rewards in the world of academic math. What Grothendieck stood for mathematically is much simpler to grasp: study the numbers, play with the numbers, have fun with the numbers. Math doesn’t have to be scary-in fact, it can be kind of great.

Understanding math is the first step toward having fun with it, and there are few people who understand math as well as Andrew Grothendieck. In algebraic and geometrical equations, the letters are actually representative of numbers. Some of the letters, like Pi, have a specific and known numeric value. Most of the numbers, such as the popular x and y, represent unknown variables. Using algebraic formulas to discover these unknowns is a little bit like solving a mystery-and it is kind of fun to have that kind of power over numbers.

When numbers and letters combine in a single problem, things start to look more complex than they really are. Remember that all the letters are really just numbers, usually secret numbers that are just waiting to be discovered.

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Recreational Mathematics at Its Best

Addition, division, subtraction and multiplica...

If you’ve already been won over to the simple beauty of a correctly applied and aptly resolved mathematical problem, you don’t need any further explanation for how math can be used recreationally. You may already know just how enjoyable it is to seek out and solve problems in a structured format that isn’t being shoved down your throat by a teacher. If you are a part of that crowd, or are interested in joining it, here are a few ways to spend some time having fun with math.

Cut the Knot is one site that offers a number of different games and learning tools for users who are interested in devouring more knowledge. While the site features some fun tools for people who are getting involved in simple geometry and arithmetic, the truly fascinating portion of the site resides elsewhere. A few sections of note include the following.

“Eye Openers” are visual exercises that challenge you to accomplish tasks as efficiently as possible. Here, games like the chocolate bar breaker force you to break apart a rectangular bar of sweets into the correct number of segments with as few total breaks as possible. Pattern finding equations that translate numbers into words and letters, geometrical games that force you to mimic lines, and other visual games all prompt users to learn through entertaining application.

The “Social Sciences” section takes practical application to a new level. By walking you through stories which take real life problems, including some significant historic story based issues, these games show the real value of math in the real world. Practical application rarely has such a sense of reward as when you save the (imaginary) world with them.

The Fallacies section is great for those who love neck deep conundrums. It features a number of paradoxes, and prompts users to use math to find appropriate solutions, or explore alternative solutions or presentation methods which fix the fallacy appropriately.

There are other sites with great games, too, but Cut the Knot is one of the most stable and long lasting out there. We encourage you to explore these and other options.

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