The essence of math is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple
Stan Gudder
Most people's experiences and opinions on math are negative. Even if some people are fond of the subject, it is known to get boring sometimes, even though it isn't! Living in the modern age, the technologies we use are mainly based on math-related concepts, so we need to know some math to comprehend them.
Even if we do not need math in our jobs, we may need it for other things. Math is more than just about dividing, adding, multiplying, and subtracting numbers; it is about patterns as well! This is why jobs in the design and fashion industries also prefer employees to have good math skills.
There are lots of ways to learn including some unconventional activities such as playing with Legos. This can help stimulate basic math skills for adults.
| Resource for Learning Math | Description |
|---|---|
| LEGO | A New York math teacher, Alycia Zimmerman, uses LEGO to teach multiplication, subtraction, division, addition, decimals, and fractions in a fun and engaging way. |
| Puzzles | Many websites offer math brainteasers and puzzles to improve mental math skills and critical thinking. These activities combine calculations, figures, and numbers for interactive learning. |
| Cooking and Baking | Measuring ingredients, adjusting recipes, and calculating cooking times provide practical ways to apply math concepts like fractions, ratios, and multiplication. |
| Coding Games | Platforms like Scratch or Blockly introduce math through coding challenges, reinforcing logic, geometry, and problem-solving skills while teaching programming basics. |
| Outdoor Geometry | Activities like measuring angles in playground structures or calculating the area of gardens make math more tangible and connect it to real-world settings. |
Math and the Workplace
As we have already discussed, math plays a big part in several professions because of its ability to measure, maintain, and quantify.
The first example would be a career in finance, which would require qualifications in math to a certain level but may not necessitate a degree. Areas to consider within the finance field are:
- Actuarial work
- Investment banking
- Accountancy
- Retail banking
- Investment management
Other than the finance industry, IT, engineering, teaching, and becoming an operational researcher are some professions where employees are expected to have good math training for adults.
Furthermore, becoming an intelligence or defense officer, a statistician, or looking for jobs within the media, law, public, and business sectors are also options.
If none of these options speak to you, you can also search job websites to find positions in focus areas more suited to you.
But what can you do if you want to apply for new jobs that require you to learn math or if you're relearning concepts to improve math skills for adults? Are there techniques to help you let go of the fear of math? How can you study it from scratch? Will you need a certified tutor?
We will answer all of these questions for you, so keep reading:
Look at Math as Another Language
Math can be considered another language because it has its own rules, vocabulary, and ways of thinking. It is important to remember that math is globally consistent. Some countries may have different techniques to answer a math problem, but the principle is the same.
Therefore, math, unlike other subjects and languages, cannot be manipulated. But like any other language, you will have a hard time remembering the vocabulary (or equations) if you don’t practice it.
In math, all the aspects that exist are linked to one another:
- Arithmetic
- Reasoning
- Timetables
- Triangles
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Calculus
- Probability
Each of these concepts are interconnected. To master math, all you have to do is understand and appreciate how different aspects of math relate.
Math is a subject in which everyone needs help at some point. Whether you are in high school or college, looking to take entrance exams, or just wanting to brush up on your math basics for adults, there is always a reason to improve your skills because everyone is capable of studying math!
What Are the Best Ways to Learn Math as an Adult?
There are plenty of ways to learn math as an adult; you may have to choose between self-learning or hiring a math teacher. Here are some things to keep in mind before choosing between the two:
Self Learning Mathematics with Books and Online Resources
Suppose you want to study math by yourself – good for you! It is possible to do so, as many resources and textbooks online help you further your mathematics for adults. YouTube is an excellent resource to learn math as an adult and there are also many dedicated channels run by popular teachers to help you!
If none of that interests you, you can opt for fun math courses and find classes spanning from six months to a year with relative ease. Additionally, an online math tutor can assist you with mathematical concepts you may have difficulty understanding.
Platforms like TikTok or websites such as mathisfun.com and multiplication.com can offer games that are relevant to your math education and remind you that math is fun!
Another convenient option is searching for apps on your tablet or smartphone that teach you math. There's a huge variety of adult math apps, like Socratic, Mathspace, QuickMath, Sumaze, and many more. You can take lessons in your free time in a fun and interactive way.
These resources can help you feel more comfortable learning math and teach you more complex math concepts such as algebra and geometry.
Learning Math with a Teacher
Math may feel like a daunting subject, especially if you are learning it as an adult, but there are plenty of tips to make math easier to learn.
Do you want to get a second opinion but don't know how? Here are some ways you can find qualified math teachers to help you out:
- Opting for math classes for adults in local universities and schools
- Night classes in local community centers
- Hiring a private math tutor
Hiring a math tutor from Superprof can be very helpful as they will give you one-on-one classes, resulting in focussed sessions where your teacher will offer their complete attention. Personalized lessons won't just show you how to learn math as an adult but also provide you with secret tips and tricks to help you solve problems where you're stuck.
Superprof has a registry of qualified private math tutors to cater to students at different levels while ensuring a comfortable learning pace.
Additionally, if you want your sessions to be fun, check out the top ten math apps and tools for the younger generation here. Start learning math for adults online with Superprof.
Now that you know the best ways to start with adult mathematics, you're probably wondering how long it would take to relearn everything. Well, no matter which method you choose, the total duration will depend on how much math you already know and how much you plan to learn.
Coding Games
Coding is deeply intertwined with mathematics and this is one of the ways that people can potentially relearn math as an adult. Simple tutorials on the basics of coding can provide an overview but there is also the potential to see the fruits of your labors. Making a simple game, for instance, can be a fun way to learn math but not really feel like you're doing any taxing learning activities.
Resources for Adult Math Students
Those who want to relearn math for adults need to ensure they have optimized their workspace to begin the learning process and overcome the fear of math.
Learning mathematics requires more than just textbooks and time. To make yourself more efficient and in the right mindset when studying math, ensure your study desk is clean, well-lit, and well-organized, with minimum distractions. Creating an environment without distractions is the first step in learning math. You will not appreciate the benefits of learning math if your phone is constantly ringing and people are prying as you study.
Some excellent online websites dedicated to math lessons can be found, and these can give immense help for those looking to relearn math:
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Khan Academy | Free, comprehensive lessons and practice exercises covering all levels of math, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus and linear algebra. | khanacademy.org |
| Wolfram Alpha | A computational engine that solves math problems step-by-step, offering interactive explanations for complex equations and concepts. | wolframalpha.com |
| Desmos | Intuitive graphing calculator platform with lessons and activities to explore algebra, geometry, and other math concepts. | desmos.com |
| Brilliant | Interactive courses in math, science, and logic featuring problem-solving challenges to build critical thinking skills. | brilliant.org |
| IXL Math | Personalized practice questions on thousands of topics, adapting to learners' progress for targeted skill improvement. | ixl.com |
Learn Math with a Superprof Tutor
It can be a massive undertaking for an adult to relearn math concepts, but all you need to do is dedicate your time appropriately and keep a positive attitude. Remember, it is never too late to start something new, so hire a private math tutor today to begin your fun and interactive math lessons!
Most of these theories and practices are best used with a private tutor, so find one at Superprof – the best place to find private tutors in your area! They offer professional math tutors with years of teaching experience to any student a young or adult pro. Start learning how to keep up with math as an adult with the help of Superprof.
Check for online math courses here on Superprof.
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Thank you. At 55, math was always a struggle. Never had a teacher who could go beyond demonstrating their proficiencies. Your remarks seem reasonable and encouraging.
Not giving up.
Thank you. I do feel more encouraged to start down the math path again.
I didn’t do well in Maths while in school but I am now interested to learn it. You have provided important guidance on how one can learn mathematics an adult. Thank you very much for the help.