Math Made Easy: ‘Regular practice can help overcome all problems’

Math tends to look frightening to students, especially when dealing with quantities that compare –from fractions up to calculating the complication of interest. However, if taught properly, such concepts could be simplified and comprehended clearly. Based on the expertise shared by Srirupa Mukhopadhyay, who teaches Math at Apeejay School, Nerul, below is the list of strategies required by the students to get a strong grip on the chapter Comparing Quantities.

Understanding Fractions and Percentages

A foundational step in understanding mathematical comparisons involves converting fractions to percentages and vice versa.” In making this easier, students should have already built a foundation in converting fractions into decimals,” the educator shared.

For example, to convert the fraction 1/4 into a percentage, they first solve it as the decimal 0.25, which in turn equates to 25%. Using simple fractions with which students are familiar, they can practice this conversion through repetition until the process becomes second nature.

Grasping Different Interest Types

“Comparison of quantities, especially in financial aspects involves interest calculation. Students need to know the difference between simple interest and compound interest from the very beginning. Simple interest is the interest calculated on the principal amount of a loan or investment that one has taken or made. Compound interest includes interest on the principal amount and previously earned interest,” Mukhopadhyay said.

Adding Real-Life Context

The only way to relate these abstract concepts to the student is through real-world applications. For instance, a visit to a bank can take away the mystery from most of the financial terminologies in percentage and interest problems and give practical insights into how it works in the real world.

Gradual Difficulty of Problems

“When teaching compound interest to students, it is important to initially allow the students to gain confidence with simple problems. For better and full comprehension, the students need to apply the formula for compound interest using smaller, easily workable numbers before allowing challenging scenarios in real life. This step-by-step approach ensures that learners are not overwhelmed,” Mukhopadhyay explained.

Regular Practice

Consistency is key to the mastery of any concept in mathematics. “The need for regular practice, to reinforce what has been learnt cannot be over-emphasised. This can be fostered with the help of worksheets and quizzes,” Mukhopadhyay shared.

Therefore, the challenging topic of Comparing Quantities can be made interesting and understandable if appropriate educational methodology is used. It is believed that by decomposing difficult concepts into smaller ones, applying them to real situations, and practising them regularly, mathematical educators can increase students’ level of understanding and belief in their mathematical abilities to a greater degree.