For nearly two years now, I’ve been harping on the same old message: Whether you like it or not, math is necessary. In other words, suck it up, cupcake. You’re going to have to do the math.
And yet, I still hear the same thing over and over again: I’m no good at math; I hate math; I just let my husband/wife/child/parent do math for me; I’ve never had to use the math I was forced to take in high school; etc., etc., etc.
That’s why January will be devoted to brushing up on your math skills. Week by week, we’ll look at a few areas of math that tend to trip people up.
Week One: Integers
How do you add, subtract, multiply and divide negative and positive numbers? And what’s the point of those stupid things, anyway?
Week Two: Fractions
I’ll remind you how to find a common denominator, perform various operations, and visualize fractions so that you can manipulate them easily.
Week Three: Percents
Do you remember how to convert fractions to percents or find a percent off or even the percent change? If not, relearn it.
Week Four: Statistics
If the recent election had you tied up in knots, perhaps a little statistics refresher is in order. Finally figure out the difference between a mean, median and mode. And learn what makes a good sample size or how to spot sample bias. It’ll be just enough info to help you analyze the news.
Week Five: Word Problems
Everyone’s favorite! Not. Here’s where I’ll show you how to dissect a problem in real life — so you can feel confident and eager to find a solution. We’ll also consider when estimation is a good idea (lots more than you might think) and when you should reach for a calculator or an online tool.
But wait! There’s more! I also have a few promises for you.
1. No grades. This is what we call low-stakes learning. As grownups, you aren’t required to study for tests or memorize formulas. At the end of each post, I’ll throw in some problems that you can choose to solve or not. But you won’t be graded or evaluated in any way. This is just for fun. Promise.
2. No trains or cantaloupes or pizzas. Stupid word problems make me crazy. Everything I offer will be grounded in reality, not constructed for a particular answer or to make a point.
3. No required algorithms. I’ll show you why these things work, so that you can find your own way to a solution. Don’t get me wrong — I’ll include a step-by-step process in most cases. But you might get alternative methods, too. And I’ll always encourage you to look for your own way.
4. No assumptions about what you do and don’t know. If we need a fancy vocabulary word, I’ll define it. If we need to follow a process, I’ll show it to you. I won’t talk down to you, but I won’t expect you to know everything.
So is it a deal? Will you join me in this New Year’s Resolution? If so, grab a No. 2 pencil (or crayon, fountain pen or stylus) and let’s get to work. Meet me back here on Wednesday, and we’ll talk integers.
What questions do you have about the topics I’m going to cover? Ask them in the comments section, and I’ll try to include them this month. If they don’t quite fit — or there’s not enough time — I’ll answer them here.