Why is it hard to do algebra?

Many people find arithmetic hard to learn, but most succeed, to varying degrees, though only after a lot of practice. read more

I am not sure algebra is hard - people may think it is hard or at east that is the way they relate to it. One of the things that helps my students is actually understanding WHAT math is. read more

Math, like reading, is not a “natural” human activity. It is a cultural contrivance, and the cognitive apparatus to support it must be hijacked from mental systems meant to support other activities. read more

The thing that makes math difficult for many students is that it takes patience and persistence. For many students, math is not something that comes intuitively or automatically - it takes plenty of effort. It is a subject that sometimes requires students to devote lots and lots of time and energy. read more