Why Mathematics Is Difficult ?
Mathematics is an exact science that underlies human life, it’s also the
basis for the development of modern technology and is important in improving
human tought, but it is undeniable that most people think mathematics is a very
difficult science. This is quite common, because the mathematical science has a
cumulative nature, requires a lot of energy and time, must have a strong
foundation and the understanding of mathematics is difficult.
The first reason why mathematics is difficult is the nature of cummulative
mathematics. Where in mathematics we must work accordingly and precisely,
mathematics is built on what was obtained beforehand and certainly we must
master the basics before starting a new topic, now we often have difficulty learning
mathematics where if we master one field it will it is very difficult to master the
next concept.
The second reason why mathematics is difficult is that it takes a lot of time
and energy. Mathematics is a science that deals with formulas, forms and concepts
relating to numbers, this makes it difficult for students to understand and process
mathematical problems, because mathematics can be quickly frustrating and
stressful. Unlike other sciences, there is only right and wrong in mathematics.
Mathematic is not something that can be mastered directly and instantly, we need
a lot of time and longer training to understand mathematical concepts.
The third reason why mathematics is considered difficult is that there
must be a strong foundation. Mathematics is a complex science that places
memorization and understanding as the main keys, but there are many cases
where we see people studying mathematics where they only memorize concepts and
formulas without really understanding them. Based on the essay written by Grace
Flaming in thoughtCo.com entitled Why Math is Difficult For Some Students, he
explained some of the things that made mathematics difficult and one of them was
many who switched to learning more complex concepts with shaky foundations. So
those who move to the next level with a foundation that was’t strong, , and the
results of each foundation that is not solid are there will be serious limits and real
potential for failure.
The fourth reason why mathematics is difficult is that mathematical
understanding is difficult. According to a survey conducted by Prof. Dr. Nat.
Widodo, M.S, from Gajah Mada University in 2010, he found several factors that
were the causes of mathematics were considered difficult one of them is because
they themselves consider that mathematics is difficult. For those who think
mathematics is difficult, mathematics causes fear and failure that weakens their
ability to achieve. This causes when they face mathematics their brain will freeze
and forget the things they know, so they give up faster when they don't understand
something. Negative thought patterns like this can result in low self-esteem, lack of
motivation and poor performance.
In conclusion, people consider mathematics difficult because the existence
of mathematics is difficult because mathematics is a cumulative science that
requires a lot of time and energy and requires a strong foundation to be able to
master it. But this doesn’t mean we cannot master it, but if we want to master
mathematics, it must be focus and not in a hurry. For this reason, it is necessary
to understand that mastering mathematics requires processes and effort.