Is it true

[oranphil]

Is it true what people say to me that maths s easy and all it is a logical puzzle because i am so bad at it?

[Royston]

Is it true what people say to me that maths s easy and all it is a logical puzzle because i am so bad at it?

 

Well these 'people' are being silly by making sweeping statements about a subject and the level of difficulty. It depends which branch, what level and of course individual ability.

 

Even if you're naturally gifted in a certain subject, e.g maths, it can easily be thrown away by not practicing. By the same token, if you're quite poor at a subject, but work hard and practice (practice being the key to mastering maths) then there's no reason why you can't be good at it, or at least be comfortable with the subject.

 

You'll soon find out what your strengths and interests are, and that's the subject/s you should pursue.

[ajb]

As a practising mathematician I can tell you in general mathematics is a difficult subject. To me that is part of the appeal.

 

 

Very few people I know are "gifted", for most of us it is a lot of hard work. I am sure if you are motivated and willing to put the time and effort in you will do ok.

[oranphil]

Thanks for the advice i agree with the first statement a little more

[Mr Skeptic]

Math is about as hard as you want it to be. If it is too easy, you can always do more advanced maths.

 

I'd say that lower level maths is "simple", not "easy". It is simple enough that a calculator can do it, but for a human it is a lot of computations. We're not really made for maths.

[ajb]

It is simple enough that a calculator can do it, but for a human it is a lot of computations. We're not really made for maths.

 

 

I'd say because of our imagination and curiosity we are ideally made for mathematics. What is true is that we may not be so suited to long calculations, thankfully computers and software can make life a little easier. However, it is people who program them and as such only so much credit should be given to the hardware. (which of course have been made by people who do deserve credit).

 

To the original post I'd say that anyone provided they are interested and willing to put the effort in can be come accomplished in any branch of mathematics they chose. But as it is a huge diverse area of human endeavour there are plenty of things that one will miss in a lifetime of work.

[the tree]

Who the hell said that maths is easy?

[Royston]

Gauss ?

[the tree]

If you think someone who's been dead for more than 150 years is telling you things, I don't think you should start listening.