“Maths is the worst thing ever invented
by man. What were they thinking? Language is too easy, so let’s make up some
creepy symbols and manipulate them to haunt every generation of kids.”
On January 21, 2014, on the Facebook
fan page of the renowned author, Chetan Bhagat, the above statement (from 3 Mistakes Of My Life) was published
posted on a Facebook status. This gave rise to a numerous positive and negative
comments from people throughout the globe. A few people appreciated the statement,
whereas a few completely disagreed with the statement.
Few people, in fact expressed contentment
stating even Chetan Bhagat actually thinks of those lines as they think! Whereas
a few more people stated that “mathematics occupies an important place in various
branches of studies” and the statement was not agreed upon.
Among the numerous comments that
followed the statement a comment indicated that “maths is a language of scholars”,
whereas there was another comment, which stated that Maths annoys that person a lot. There was one more comment, which stated that “maths
is like sweet and a few like it and a few people do not.” This clearly tells
as to how people are biased about this subject.
Even though the opinions vary among
people, I feel Mathematics is an important branch of study and have put across
my personal views herein.
Well! Maths is often considered a tough
subject of study. Too many calculations, formulas, method of working out and
such other things are really not a child’s play. The previous night of the
Maths examination is truly a nightmare for many. But, what about life without
mathematics? Learning only languages may help you to interact with people.
Even
in various subjects of study like geography, physics or chemistry, various numerical
calculations will be included and hence, mathematics can never be ignored. Apart
from the usual arithmetic study, students will also be subject to study of
algebra and geometry, with which mathematics is made interesting. Considering
all these aspects, maths can certainly be considered ‘magic’. However, by
following the below mentioned tips, maths can be learnt effectively.
- Practice maths
daily –
It is better to make it a habit. Students are required to dedicate at least two
to three hours on a daily basis for this purpose. Practice only makes better at
maths.
- Group studies can prove to be
effective.
- Compete with friends so as to decide who can solve quickly and
effectively.
- Memorize the formulae – The formulae should be memorized
well. It is ideal to make a chart of it and hang it against a wall, so
that they can have a glance at it every day.
- Consider it equal to any other subject – When the students think this
way, it will not generate any kind of stress. However, it is suggested to give
a little more importance.
- Be confident – Solving the math problems confidently
is extremely essential. Try to find new methods of solving a particular problem.
Understand the concept well, so that it facilitates easy calculation.
If these things are followed, maths will
never be a difficult subject of study. Children
can easily excel in it and score well!
The author Chetan Bhagat’s statement,
does not actually fit in the current competitive world. May be he feels that for
a writer it is not that essential as most of the time and efforts are revolved
around thinking on creative lines and putting across good language. However, considering
the needs of the current world, knowing at least the basic concepts of
mathematics is essential.