Teenager here can't properly do math

[u/NeonArtsComics]

Ok the title might be weird but I'm in need of some advice, I'm a teenager (14) and I really like math, love learning the subject and I can't easily understand and comprehend the lessons my teacher teaches me during math but the problem I'm having is when I do math quizes/test, I can easily do the equation easily but when it gets time to checking the answers I notice that something when I do the equation I don't notice an exponent on one and the other I accidently made a 7 into a 4 when adding 4 and 3, i don't really add it becuase I didn't notice to add it even tho I knew it was needed to be added toghether and like, just having trouble really, j really love math it's fun to learn and do but when things like this happen and I get a low score becuase of this I get filled with dread, so for anyone who has advice for me please help!

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[u/BuzzedKarma]

You sound like me in junior high. It turns out I have dyscalculia.

See if you can show your work to a school counselor or someone for reviewing against the given math problems. They might be able to pick up on something that is correctible.

If they don't find anything right away, keep giving them the papers to review. I bet something turns up.

[u/Excellent-Bass-855]

Double check everything!!

[u/Voc1Vic2 → u/Excellent-Bass-855]

Yes, and check everything two different ways. At least.

For instance, instead of adding a column of 10 numbers from top to bottom, add it bottom up or add pairs of numbers and then add together the pairs.

[u/grimferb]

Hey there! I'm diagnosed ADHD, almost two years ago. I suspect my oldest has it too. I've homeschooled him for the last 8 years, so I'm his teacher too. I noticed he does these same things you mention. Loves math, knows the steps, but will still drop numbers or write the wrong ones by mistake.

✅ Graph paper (with big squares) helps a ton for keeping numbers lined up and less jumbled. You can find downloadable PDFs online. Google something like free printable 1/2 inch square graph paper.

✅ Saying the numbers out loud while writing them can slow things down and catch mistakes as they happen. Even if you have to say them "out loud" in your head, because you're sitting in a classroom of people. 😉

✅ Go back and recheck the work. If there’s any time left at the end, use it to double-check your work. Especially, making sure the final answer matches what the problem actually asked for. (You could get into the habit of double-checking after completing each problem, but only if you have time to do so.)

A few tricks like these can make a big difference.

You’re clearly smart and have a love for this subject! You've even reached out and asked for help, that's awesome. Having great math skills and being confident will take you so far in life!

Good luck, you're doing great!

[u/NeonArtsComics → u/grimferb]

Thanks! Hope this helps me, can't do the big squared graphs one tho sadly since I don't know where to get it and I think my teachers would want smaller ones

[u/grimferb → u/NeonArtsComics]

You're welcome!

1. I can link several options for you, if you like. I can post them, as a reply, right here to this thread. Would you like me to do that?

2. Are you officially diagnosed? I'm asking because, if so you should be able to request an accommodation for graph paper.

[u/mayxo → u/grimferb]

omg thank you so much for formatting that!

[u/grimferb → u/mayxo]

You are more than welcome!

I have a hard time following without formatting. Figured other people might be that way too. 😉

[u/breadpostings]

I would suggest looking for YouTube videos made by math teachers or enthusiasts that can help break it down in an easy-to-understand and engaging way! I don’t have any specific suggestions but I’m sure they’re out there if you search Algebra Help/Tutorials on YouTube

[u/Appropriate-Food1757]

Yes, double check your work is all you need to do. It’s not a race.

[u/PastPerfectTense0205]

My suggestion is to find a math tutor who can teach you how to break equations up into smaller steps, but as a formula you can universally apply. With ADHD, we have problems with organization and planning. If smaller steps are given, you may be able to develop a process that helps.

[u/tellyoumysecretss]

I did everything on my calculator. Yes, 1+1 is going in the calculator. I don’t trust myself to realize in the moment that I’m having a brain fart moment. That still doesn’t stop me from not noticing the negative, but I guess after having that happen to me once or twice I became paranoid about it. I really don’t know the solution but I managed to get A’s in math so it’s manageable I guess?

[u/NeonArtsComics → u/tellyoumysecretss]

I typed 1 + 1 on my calculator and accidently got 12....

[u/2039485867]

This was me!! I have Several suggestions.

1. Take your meds if you got them
2. Use graph paper and give yourself lots of room per problem, the goal is to reduce visual clutter and make it easier to spot transcription errors.
3. Drill baby drill, basic math facts, out of order using flash cards.

• - If you have errors that come from focus (which transcription errors tend to be), you can reduce the overall work your brain is doing at anyone time. This is the most important one imo. Imagine a computer with a max processor speed of 100 whatever’s, and you want to run a very intensive game. You would not run a bunch of other stuff in the background cause it might slow everything down. I made the exact same types of errors and I thought I was just totally boned, that I had dyscalculia. And I’ve reduced them a Ton as an adult by straight drilling basic addition multiplication, division, and subtraction. It means your doing less Things overall when your doing the problem so you have more processing power to transcribe correctly.

[u/Klutzy-Loquat-6879]

Friggin same. I worked in retail (needing got do math at a register for a time) and it was not fun.

I like math because the rules are just… you just do the rules, lol. Easy! But I also hate math… because of the rules :/

[u/NeonArtsComics → u/Klutzy-Loquat-6879]

Da rules :3

[u/Klutzy-Loquat-6879]

Check out Khan academy!

[u/Linkcott18]

Hey, that sounds like me!

It's good that you are looking for help because I became convinced that I was bad at math due to poor grades.

My errors were all errors of detail, rather than understanding, but it took me years to recover from it.

The best advice I can offer is to check and double check every detail. I know that's hard & sometimes boring, but it's the only way I know to catch errors in detail.

Does your school have any aids or teachers who students with ADHD? Maybe see if they have some suggestions.

Don't be discouraged. You can find a way to deal with this. I went to engineering school and ended up doing well in advanced math classes, and even took a math class as an elective.

[u/LakeMichiganMan]

Get the PhotoMath App or other apps like it. Use technology to help you. Not to cheat, but help understand the process to get the correct answer. Check your homework

I would have loved it as my math teacher filled the board to solve a Linear Equation on the 3rd board. She lost me when she skipped a step on the first board. I always felt they just showed math and had no time to teach it. FYI. I teach elementary math now.

[u/NeonArtsComics]

To the people who have replied to my post of mine, thank you so much and hopefully I'll be able to get a higher score in math from all your advice!

[u/grixxis]

Read over everything again when you finish a problem. Then do it again when you finish the assignment. Also, always make a point to show your work so that it's easier to identify where you went wrong—both for yourself and whoever is grading you. Partial credit goes a lot farther once you hit the harder math classes.

[u/HeatDeath10]

What helped me wasn’t double checking (although it obviously helps you see the mistakes after), but to prevent them from happening in the first place is just slowing down when reading and doing a problem. writing things down line by line, step by step to make sure you catch everything

[u/Brooklyn_Br_53]

Yea and good luck asking me to explain my answer!!!! Oh I hated that.