Make it Real!

Math is a very useful and practical subject however the solving of math problems can start to become quite abstract as you go on in math. Usually In daily life we don't cross paths with a right triangle sitting all out there on its own, the variable x, or a negative number(let alone an imaginary one (i)). Which is why I say 'make it real' for you. Pretend x represents the number of x-ray machines, triangles represent mountains or ski slopes, and well 'i' that's a tougher one but it's a short hand for the square root of -1. When learning anything you want to tie it in with something you already know and understand. If you try to build on a foundation of half understood concepts that's where the abstraction seems like we were speaking English last year then we switched over to Greek and now it all looks like Hieroglyphics, right? So if you need to back up a few steps and fill in the gaps and make these ideas real for you. One last idea is don't be afraid to actually use math in your life. If there is something you'd like to figure out that requires math- go for it. If you get stuck ask your teacher for help.