Tips to tackle math anxiety and recognise its everyday importance

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

National Mathematics Day, celebrated annually on December 22, honours the legacy of Srinivasa Ramanujan, one of India’s greatest mathematical minds. On this occasion, Dr. G. Srinivasaraghavan, Partner at Performance Engineering Associates, IIIT B shared insights on overcoming math anxiety and embracing the practical applications of mathematics in daily life. Math anxiety is a common struggle for students and adults alike. According to Dr. Srinivasaraghavan, math, like any skill, requires consistent practice. “Understanding math starts with focusing on first principles,” he explained.

Instead of memorising formulas, it is essential to understand why they were formulated and how they work. Relating mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios can make them less intimidating and more meaningful. "Math often feels abstract, but if you map high school concepts to everyday life, they start to make sense," he added. Simple exercises, such as asking students to think of solutions before introducing formulas, can build their confidence and spark curiosity. Dr Srinivasaraghavan emphasised that math is far from useless, contrary to popular memes. Its presence is felt in countless aspects of daily life: Estimating weights, calculating discounts and budgeting while buying groceries are everyday examples of math in action. Travel and time management involve basic arithmetic and understanding velocity to determine travel times and speeds. Cooking and baking often require proportional reasoning, such as doubling a recipe or dividing it in half, which applies the concept of ratios.

Similarly, sharing chocolates equally among friends or siblings calls for practical problem-solving and division skills, showcasing how math seamlessly integrates into daily life. "These are not direct applications of formulas," Dr. Srinivasaraghavan explained. "Instead, they are ways to understand the relevance of mathematical thinking in daily life." By making math relatable and encouraging students to connect it to their experiences, educators and parents can help build a stronger appreciation for the subject. On National Mathematics Day, let us all take a moment to embrace the beauty of numbers and the power of logic that shapes our world.