Why Math Looks Hard: Unpacking the Struggles and How to Overcome Them

The Emotional Challenge of Math

Well, if you’ve ever felt like math is just way too hard, trust me, you're not alone. I’ve been there. As a kid, I used to dread math class—those formulas, equations, and the relentless pressure to solve problems under a ticking clock. Honestly, it felt like no matter how much I studied, math just didn’t make sense. And that frustration is a feeling a lot of people share. But why does math look so hard?

Why It Feels Overwhelming

I remember my first experience with algebra, and it wasn’t pretty. The idea that numbers could represent things was something I just couldn’t wrap my head around. That’s actually one of the reasons math can feel overwhelming for so many people. The abstract nature of the subject is one of the major obstacles. Unlike subjects that deal with real-world scenarios, math often involves abstract concepts that take time and effort to understand. For me, it wasn’t until I had a teacher who could explain math visually that things started clicking.

The Conceptual Hurdles

1. Abstract Thinking

Math requires abstract thinking—something that doesn’t come naturally to everyone. When you’re first introduced to concepts like algebra or geometry, you're asked to work with numbers or shapes that aren’t tied directly to tangible objects. For example, thinking about variables like "x" is something most people have to learn to do because it’s not something we naturally do in our everyday life.

My Experience with Abstract Thinking

Honestly, I struggled for a while with understanding that "x" wasn’t just a letter, but a placeholder for something that could change. I remember talking to my friend Tom about it, and he laughed because he had already understood it in the 7th grade. He told me to stop trying to visualize "x" as a physical object. That little piece of advice helped me move past the frustration.

2. The Fear Factor

Math is intimidating, and for many, this fear builds up over time. If you’ve been told that math is hard or that you're bad at it, you start to believe it. It’s this cycle of fear and frustration that makes math look impossible. In a way, expectation can be a huge hurdle. If you think you’re going to fail before even trying, math automatically seems much harder than it is.

The Psychological Barrier

A recent conversation with my colleague Sarah made me realize how much mental blocks play into math anxiety. She said she struggled for years with math just because her teachers didn’t help her feel confident enough to believe in her abilities. After she finally found the right study technique, it made all the difference. It’s fascinating how much our mindset can influence our ability to succeed at something like math.

Math’s Steep Learning Curve

1. Building on Previous Knowledge

One reason math feels so difficult is that it builds on what you’ve already learned. You can’t just skip a chapter in math without falling behind. It’s like building a house: if the foundation is shaky, the walls won’t stand. As you go deeper into advanced topics, each new concept often requires a solid understanding of earlier ones. If there’s a gap in your knowledge, it’s easy to fall behind and feel lost.

My Struggles with Missing Links

I once found myself stuck on a problem in calculus because I hadn't fully understood algebra back in high school. Honestly, I was so frustrated because the formula seemed simple, but I didn’t have the foundation to tackle it properly. I ended up revisiting basic algebra before the complex topics started to make sense.

2. The Pressure to Perform

Another reason math looks hard is the pressure students often face. From standardized tests to grades, there’s a lot riding on math performance. This pressure can make it feel like math isn’t just difficult—it’s a high-stakes challenge that you have to "win" at. This stress can make the subject feel more like a test of endurance than an opportunity for learning.

My Experience with Test Anxiety

Honestly, I used to freeze up during math exams. It wasn’t the difficulty of the questions; it was the ticking clock and the pressure of needing to perform. I had to learn to take deep breaths and approach each problem calmly. When I stopped focusing on “how much time was left” and started focusing on the problem itself, it became easier to work through.

Tips for Making Math Easier

1. Change Your Approach

Instead of staring at a problem and feeling paralyzed, try breaking it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Sometimes math feels overwhelming because we’re looking at an entire equation or concept all at once. Try focusing on one step at a time and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help.

What Helped Me Personally

I realized that having a study buddy or joining a study group made a huge difference. Having someone explain a concept in a different way, or hearing it from another student, gave me insights I didn’t have before. Honestly, group learning was a game changer for me.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice

Math is a subject that improves with practice. The more you work through problems, the more comfortable you become with them. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s true: consistency is key. Whether it’s solving equations, working on geometry problems, or understanding calculus, regular practice makes math less intimidating.

A Little Secret: It’s Okay to Struggle

If you’re struggling, don’t worry—you're not alone. I’ve been there, and many of us have. It’s okay to not understand everything immediately. The important part is to keep at it. Every step forward counts, even if it’s small. I remember one day realizing that a concept I once found impossible was now easy—and that was because I kept practicing.

Conclusion: Why Math Looks Hard and How to Overcome It

Honestly, math looks hard because of the abstract nature, mental barriers, and the pressure we place on ourselves. It’s not just a subject; it’s a test of patience, perseverance, and confidence. But don’t let that discourage you. By breaking down the problem, tackling each step at your own pace, and practicing regularly, math doesn’t have to be impossible.

You’ll get there. You just need to believe in yourself and trust the process. And remember, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.