Why Your Struggles with Math Might Not Be About Math

In my Year 7, a colleague of mine (now a very close friend) decided to study for a math test in a very peculiar way. He had read in an obscure magazine (this was the late 80s) that knowledge is retained in the subconscious, which is fully exposed while we sleep. He decided to record all the math topics on an audio tape (again, the 80s) and play it the moment he went to bed. He had less than 10% on that test.

This story might sound amusing, but it highlights an important truth: struggling with math isn’t always about intelligence or effort. There is always at least one underlying cause that can be addressed. Whether it's how the subject is approached, the environment in which one learns, or deep-rooted anxieties, understanding these factors can make a huge difference.

How Math Differs from Other Subjects

Mathematics stands apart from other subjects in significant ways. Unlike history or literature, where information can often be recalled through memorization, math requires a continuous progression of understanding. Each new concept builds upon previous knowledge, which means that any gaps in comprehension can quickly snowball into larger obstacles. The subject also demands abstract thinking, as it revolves around symbols, patterns, and logical sequences rather than direct, narrative-based learning. For many, the pressure of math being either right or wrong adds an extra layer of stress. Unlike essays, where reasoning and argumentation provide room for flexibility, math problems often have definitive solutions, which can make errors feel more discouraging. Moreover, success in math is tied to problem-solving rather than simple recall, requiring structured practice and critical thinking, making it challenging for those who struggle with systematic reasoning.

Common Reasons for Math Struggles

If someone struggles with math, it may not be due to a lack of natural ability. Often, the difficulties stem from a combination of factors. One of the most common is weak foundational knowledge. Since math is cumulative, missing key concepts early on can make it nearly impossible to grasp more advanced topics. Many students recall the frustration of suddenly feeling lost when transitioning from arithmetic to algebra, where letters replaced numbers, and previously learned strategies no longer seemed to apply. Without a solid foundation, every new topic feels disconnected and overly complex.

Another significant factor is math anxiety. Fear of failure or past negative experiences can create a mental block that prevents learning. Some students internalize the belief that they are simply “not math people” after struggling with a few topics, which leads to avoidance and reduced effort. The emotional stress tied to math struggles can cause students to freeze on tests, second-guess themselves, or rush through problems, increasing errors and reinforcing the fear of failure.

This is often tied to ineffective study habits. Passive learning, such as re-reading notes or watching someone else solve problems, may give the illusion of understanding but does little to develop problem-solving skills. Many students rely on memorizing formulas and procedures rather than truly understanding how they work, which leads to difficulty applying them in unfamiliar contexts. This often results in the frustrating experience of feeling prepared before an exam, only to realize during the test that problems look different than expected, rendering memorized formulas useless.

Additionally, the pressure of timed exams and the expectation to perform quickly often compound these struggles. Many students recall moments when they blanked out on a test, not because they lacked the knowledge, but because the stress of the situation made it difficult to recall and apply what they had learned. Without the right problem-solving strategies, even well-prepared students can feel overwhelmed when faced with complex, multi-step questions.

Identifying and Addressing the Root Cause

To address math struggles, it’s important to first identify the root cause. Here are some ways to pinpoint and tackle the problem:

• Observe where difficulties arise – Is the struggle with basic arithmetic, algebra, or higher-level reasoning? If a student finds fractions challenging but manages algebra well, the problem may be rooted in earlier gaps, not the current topic.

• Identify patterns in mistakes – Are errors due to careless miscalculations, or do they stem from a misunderstanding of concepts? A student who constantly misplaces a decimal point may just need more careful checking, while someone who doesn’t understand how to manipulate equations might need to revisit core algebra skills.

• Assess study habits – Is there too much reliance on passive learning, such as watching videos or re-reading notes without actual practice? Many students feel they "understand" a concept until they try solving problems on their own and struggle to apply it.

• Gauge attitude toward math – Is math met with frustration, avoidance, or anxiety? A student who believes they are simply "bad at math" may not even attempt to engage with the subject fully, reinforcing a cycle of struggle.

• Check for foundational gaps – Revisiting earlier concepts can reveal whether missing skills are causing problems. If algebra seems impossible, reviewing basic arithmetic and fractions may unlock confidence and understanding.

• Experiment with different learning techniques – Not everyone learns math in the same way. Visual aids, interactive tools, and breaking problems into smaller steps can help make complex ideas more approachable.

By identifying what’s causing the difficulty, it becomes much easier to find a path forward. Struggles with math are rarely about natural ability—most of the time, they can be addressed with the right strategies and mindset.

Understanding why math is challenging is the first step toward improvement. Whether the issue stems from weak foundations, anxiety, poor problem-solving techniques, or ineffective study habits, targeted strategies can transform frustration into progress. Returning to my friend's failed experiment with overnight learning—his mistake wasn’t just about the absurdity of the method, but also in assuming that math could be absorbed passively. Math requires engagement, practice, and problem-solving. The good news? Once you identify what’s holding you back, you can take intentional steps to improve—and maybe, just maybe, avoid a 10% result on the next test.