I have always believed that math is only hard because people keep telling you it is.
When you have a good use for it, there's a high chance you will actually be able to do it. It's when it's in unreal situations (If it takes 10 men take 4 days to fill a bath, how long does it take how many men to fill half a bath in 3 days type stuff) that it's meaningless to many people.
When I taught maths years ago - I was introducing algebra to 13 year olds. Let me tell you, 13 year olds can DO algebra using any letter you like EXCEPT X!!!! As soon as you put an X on the board - 99% of brains freeze solid- you could see this look of panic suddenly cross their faces. "Why did you have to suddenly make it hard Miss?"
So I used to spend a lot of time explaining that X is just another letter of the alphabet and getting them used to using any old letter at any old time but knowing that in an exam, they will see X used a lot.
I think this is because any movie or show which involves 'brainy' scientists or mathematicians usually throws a few math symbols and copious Xs around in to the background.
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