Jan

General Math Misconceptions

Students have misconceptions in many areas of math; however, there some misconceptions almost everyone has about general mathematics.

Common Math Misconceptions

There is only way one to solve a math problem!

Not True! Every math problem has at least two ways to solve the problem and some have more. Consider the number of possible shapes that can be made using the geometry sticks below.

Students do not learn math basics because they use calculators or computers!

Not True! Most teachers us calculators appropriately when learning math basics. Students still learn how to solve math problems using paper and pencil. Calculators and computers are only used to solve math problems that complex procedures, where the emphasis is on learning how to solve problem and not spending time on basics already mastered. For example: when students learn “mean” and “average”, spending a time adding and subtracting large sets of numbers does not help them develop an understanding of “mean” and “average”.

Students need to memorize a lot of facts, rules, and formulas in math!

Not True! Memorizing the multiplication table does not help a student, unless he/she understands that 5 x 6 = 30 and how this is derived; also, that 6 x 5 = 30. Students need to understand concepts and not just procedures. Memorizing procedures to solve a problem does not demonstrate understanding concept behind the problem. It is more important for students to understand that there are many different ways to come up with the number 30. Examples: 5 x 6 = 30, 6 x 5 = 30, 10 + 20 = 30, 40 - 10 = 30, 5 x 5 + 5 = 30, 5(6) = 30, 5 + (5 x 5) = 30, etc.