Here Are Twelve Math Myths You Would Have Never Thought About

1. Men, compared to women, have better mathematical ability

No research could point out the differences between women and men, in terms of mathematical ability. Often, men are unwilling to admit that they have problems so rather then saying they couldn’t do it, they often say they could do it if they tried when it comes to difficulty with math. In contrast, women are ready to admit that they just couldn’t do maths.

2. Math means logic, not intuition

Not many people know that intuition is the foundation of doing math as well as solving problems. Thinking intuitively is what mathematicians always do first. Everyone possesses mathematical intuition. It’s just that they haven’t learned how to use or trust it. More often than not, the first idea pops up in your mind is the correct answer.

3. Math isn’t creative

Just like art, music, and literature, mathematics also focuses on creativity. The art of creation is all about diametrical opposites, like working intensely vs relaxing, the dissatisfaction of failure vs the joy of discovery, and the sense of achievement when putting all pieces together. This process requires intuition, intellect, aesthetic, and imagination.

4. You must clearly know how you come up with the answer

Getting the answer and know how you get the answer are two totally different processes. You know how to solve the problem if you’re consistently right. There’s no need for an explanation.

5. There is one best solution to solve math problems.

In fact, a learner can use a variety of methods expressing originality and individuality to solve a math problem. There’s no best way. Students have discovered many interesting new techniques for solving different levels of mathematics, from calculus to arithmetic. Doing math is something very personal and individual. The best way to do math is the one that you feel the most comfortable with.

6. It is important to find the exact answer

More often than not, the ability to find an approximate answer is even more important than finding an exact answer. Talking about an exact answer’s importance takes you back to those early school years when you studied arithmetic. You were good if you found the right answer and bad if you didn’t.

7. It’s bad to use your fingers for counting

There’s nothing wrong with using your fingers when doing arithmetic. In fact, counting on fingers suggests an understanding of arithmetic.

8. Mathematicians can quickly solve problems in their heads

Learning new mathematical material and solving new problems are always challenging and take more time. Only with those problems that mathematicians have solved before can they do quickly them again quickly. Speed is not a criterion in terms of measuring ability. Instead, it’s the result of practice and experience.

9. Math means having a good memory

Knowing and understanding math means that you are familiar with rules and formula, something that can’t be gained only through rote memorization.

10. Math means working intensely until you solve the problem

Solving a mathematical problem doesn’t require you to work intensely without resting. It is about harmonizing both of these aspects. Resting gives your mind time to take in ideas and then develop new ones. There are times when returning to a problem gives you a new insight which helps you unlock the solution.

11. Some people possess a “math mind” while some don’t

There’s nothing such as a “math mind.” Believing in myths only leads to you lacking self-confidence while self-confidence is one of the determining factors in how you perform your mathematical ability.

12. There’s a magic key which can help you solve mathematical problems

There is no general guideline, rule or formula that can help you suddenly unlock all the mysteries of mathematics. If there’s a key, it is about overcoming the anxiety that you feel when learning the subject and about applying that same skill to everything else.