mathphobia

I do not have a maths GCSE; I'm very much below that level. I cannot express how ignorant I am, the only word I can use is inumerate. As far as mathematic books go, I haven't found ANY that start off with Primary Arithmetics in a structured way. For example most maths books do not explain that adding single digit numbers up to ten first by 'borrowing' from the other number in the sum, and then adding the amount left over, is the key principle and why you do it. I had no idea how to add single digit or double digit numbers a few months ago, in my head. And some books don't even introduce the place value system before getting onto the four basic operations; nor do they even introduce the number line and integers or negative numbers, and yet it's plunged straight into addition and subtraction! Grrr..

It is very difficult finding a structured introduction to arithmetics on the internet. I'm forced to learn from too many different sources instead of one consolidated framework. Trying to translate wikipedia is sometimes quite difficult, because I have to keep diving into a dictionary. And it's also rather inconsistant due to the fact that it's edited by many different people. I suppose what I am really looking for is a book with math lessons in it designed for the student, covering Whole Numbers and Place Value, Addition, Subtraction Multiplication and Division. Is there such a thing? Finding a maths book that offers just this is turning out to be a nightmare.

The only problem I am having is finding a solid book that offers a complete syllabus. It's all fine and dandy practicing things bit by bit but I still need the 'lessons' wether they have been written down in a book or taught. I still need to be able to look at tutorials and then practice. So far it's proved very difficult getting a complete syllabus for elementry arithmetics and tutorials for each topic..

I just found these amazing arithmetic books from the 18th century. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rays-new-intellectual-arithmetic/dp/0880620528/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245374281&sr=1-4 Take a look inside They even have the full set. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rays-Arithmetic-Series/dp/0880620501/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245374281&sr=1-3 Looks promising for developing strong skills.

Hehe, well, I finally discovered that what I need is Elementry Arithmetics, starting from Addition and Subtraction, and working towards Multiplication and Division. Fractions and what not should come later?

I have ordered these books http://www.amazon.co.uk/Understanding-Maths-Mathematics-Explained-Studymates/dp/1842850865/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245370135&sr=1-2 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adult-Learners-Guide-Numeracy-Chambers/dp/055010321X/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245370189&sr=1-3 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mathematics-Minus-Fear-Lawrence-Potter/dp/0714531154/ref=pd_sim_b_1 I am ideally looking for thourough practice with Whole Numbers and Place Values, which should cover the basic four operation Addition, Subtraction, Division and Multiplication. Or rather called Arithmetics (or numeracy?) :S I THINK this will form the basis for everything and having solid mental math skills is something I want above all else. Merged post follows: Consecutive posts merged [*] 2+12 = 12+2 = 14 (a) I can do this one. (b) Easy. © 1 second perhaps [*]eh, I THINK that the answer is 20 (a) barely able to © it took me a little time to figure out. [*] blank (a) I can't do this one. (B) blank © blank [*] (100+100) +20 +4+2 = (200+20) +4+2 = 220 + (4+2) 220+6 = 226 (a) can do. (b) fairly easy © fairly fast, but it depends on which way I do it. [*] blank (a) can't do. (b) blank © blank.

I have been following these units http://www.mathfundamentals.com/milestones.html which I really do like; but I am British and in order to pass british tests I need to work with our currency (£ the pound) and definitions, not American ones. I've been thinking of buying an abacus, but once again we do not use the abacus much in our curriculum here, much to my distaste: Using a virtual abacus has helped me so much. Another problem we have in Britain is the watered down subjects within our schools, and some things have dissapeared completely from the standard that was set years ago, especially in our math framework. Merged post follows: Consecutive posts merged Different levels of maths? I'd say primary year 1, or in America, Elementry school Grade 1 ... :/ And I think that what you've just suggested is cheating particularly for me. What you're asking me to do is jump to triple digit numbers with methods that don't explain how to get there, and won't build any mental brain power for me. Without knowing the standard ways numbers add up or subtract and understanding WHY and HOW, I don't think I'd buy into it.

What CAN I do? Well, I understand the Unit Ten Hundred and Thousand system very well, and can tell you what any number is. I know what a digit is or figure is, that the concept of zero is an absence of count, that a number is a way of telling how many units there are, place value is the value a DIGIT gets in a number from right to left, and a unit means ONE os something. Basic Group (Units Tens Hundreds) Thousands Millions Billions Trillions Quadrillions Sextillions Septillions Then I forget what comes next.. And that's about it. I've had minimal practice with adding single digit numbers, but I know the remaining count needed to make 10 for all numbers; which I thought was the basics of addition, making things up to 10 and adding the remainders? That's about it. Everything else I have hardly ever done in all my time at school. *sigh* Oh and I know how to use brackets! 65+74=(70+30)+30+5+4= (100+30)+5+4= 130+(5+4) = 130+9 =139 That's as far as I go without practicing double digit addition... and I'm not so fast at working it out in my head either..

Okay here goes. All my life I've avoided doing basic mathematics. I am completely inumerate. It all started at primary school when my family started moving around allot and I missed out on so much. At school I was often given work I couldn't cope with and I've developed a psychological block when it comes to adding or subtracting numbers. I just freeze up and picture myself in year 4 again in front of other kids, struggling to answer a question. Needless to say I played up in secondary school and truanted so often that my attendance was never above 63%. I consider myself lucky that I'm a person who devours fictional books, at least I can say I am literate. Over the years I've tried to help myself by buying self help mathematical books, attending numeracy courses, and through general research. The PROBLEM is no one really knows the extent of my ignorance, and therefore I always end up doing something beyond my level, even if it is basic. I'm DETERMINED to make maths work for me, I know it can be fun. But if I try again I want to make sure I start from the bottom. I want to know how to do addition, subtraction, multiplication and division without using a damn calculator! I honestly had a hard time adding 3+5 this time last year. On a different note, I've been dipping into the self help section again, I've only just realised (shock horror) there is a difference between numeracy and mathematics. I've also noticed how the curriculum today supports the use of calculators to do everything. This is not what I want. I don't just want to know all the clever methods and rules behind numbers, I want to know HOW and WHY. I want to be able to do it, not rely on a calculator. I want to understand maths, not just memorize. My uncle promised to 'tutor' me. He has a PHD in engineering and doesn't want to see me on the unemployment register (as a matter of fact neither do I). So far what we have done together has been an American version of math fundamentals covering Numbers and Place Values, and some basic additon, but I've called a halt because I just want a BRITISH turn on things. Dare I say it, I've been enjoying what we have been learning, but worry about the long terms effects of continuing with the American syllabus. Please, help me. I need advice about which sort of books to buy for people who are completely inumerate. I am however, not sure any of them will provide me with basic arithmetics. One seems to mention the calculator rather too early for my liking. The other two I am not so sure about. But anyway, could anyone offer advice to somone in my posistion? I'm desperate to begin correcting my ignorance, and as soon as I get started the better; time is precious. I will also add that if you just want to scorn me or generally take the ****, please don't bother posting here. My skin is as hard as bark.