How to Manage Being Bad at Math

Did you miss the boat when everyone else was learning math? You’re smart--you just don’t have a good sense of numbers. Problems with math can be a learning disability. Don’t worry; you can still manage despite it. It just takes an extra effort.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yardstick
• Calculator (one that's easy to use)
• Beginner’s knowledge of Excel

1. Make a list of the situations where you need math the most. The list could include things like tips in a restaurant, figuring out how much wallpaper to buy, measuring pictures to hang them and changing quantities of ingredients in recipes.

2. Find a trusted friend or relative who is good at math and also very patient. Ask her to show you in very simple terms how to do the things you need to know. Keep a notebook with the information because you won’t remember it.

3. When calculating tips, take the amount of the bill. Move the decimal point one place to the left. That will tell you how much 10% is. To give a 20% tip, double that amount. To give 15%, just take half of the 10% amount and add it on. You can do it on the calculator, but it’s worth learning how to do in your head.

4. When you need to know the decimal equivalent of a fraction, use the calculator. Do the first number/division sign/the second number. The answer is the decimal you need. You can use it for adding numbers when you don’t know how to add fractions.

5. Pay attention to estimating. Three eighths of an inch and three eighths of an inch makes six eighths, which is two thirds of an inch, a little more than half an inch. You can do it with large numbers too. See what amount a number is close to.

6. Learn how to do basic functions in Excel like adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Then you can keep track of lists of items that you are working with. Excel can do formulas too, but you’ll need help with that.

7. Don’t let your math deficit get you down. Think about all the other things you do well.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have important documents to send that involve numbers, have someone check before you finalize them. You may not see a mistake.
• Depending on the nature of your learning disability and your age, practice could help you.
• Don’t sign any papers involving money without letting a trusted person see them. If you don’t understand how interest is compounded, for example, you could get into big trouble.
• People who don’t have a problem with math don’t understand how frustrating it can be, and how challenging it can sometimes be to compensate. Take responsibility for doing all the calculations you can.

Resources

• Info on math learning disability
• Chidren's math problems at school
• Fun math activities