Ask A Scientist Mathematics Archive

Author:      kevin meyers
Why is Algebra so hard to understand?  My teacher says it has something to
do with the fact it is not something you can just grasp, hold and see.  It
is abstract.  I do not trust her.  What do you all think?

Response #:  1 of 3
Author:      gregory r bradburn
I think that different things are difficult for different people.  There is
nothing inherent in algebra that makes it difficult.  Please keep trying! 
Sometimes, when learning a topic, there is one key concept that is missed
and when you get that concept a lot of things make sense very quickly.  Do
not give up!  Ask lots of questions.  Try to ask questions that are general
-- i.e., do not ask how to solve a specific problem but how to solve this
TYPE of problem.

Response #:  2 of 3
Author:      billrob
Another suggestion that might be helpful is to talk over problems with your
friends and try to find specific "hurdles" rather than considering an entire
problem a mystery.  Mathematics is LEARNED, not taught and problem sessions
with your friends can be very helpful in this respect.

Response #:  3 of 3
Author:      jlu
Well, maybe some things about algebra take a little time to get used to. 
When you ask why algebra is hard to understand, what is the first sentence
in your textbook that gives you trouble?