How Can Math Be Made More Interesting?

Date: 08/30/2001 at 21:45:49
From: Tootiefruity
Subject: I have a problem getting interested in.....

Hi, 

I'm never interested in doing math. What can I do to help me be more 
interested? Please help me!

Thanks.

Date: 08/31/2001 at 11:51:52
From: Doctor Ian
Subject: Re: I have a problem getting interested in.....

Hi,

I don't know if it helps to know this, but you're not alone. A lot of 
students find math to be boring.  Here is my personal opinion about 
why that feeling is so widespread, and some suggestions for what to do 
about it:

   Why is Math Interesting?
   http://mathforum.org/dr.math/problems/channell.1.16.01.html   

What else can you do about it?  Here are some suggestions for how you 
can try to make math more interesting:

   Making Math Interesting
   http://mathforum.org/dr.math/problems/laura.8.15.00.html   

   Math for a Future in the Sciences
   http://mathforum.org/dr.math/problems/ian.02.08.01.html   

If those don't work, you may be able to bring your grades up by 
learning a few very useful tips on how to study:

   Tips for Studying
   http://mathforum.org/dr.math/problems/bambi.06.02.01.html   

Finally, one of the easiest ways to get interested in math is to try 
looking at it the way that mathematicians do - which is to say, 
expecting to find the deepest mysteries in what seem at first to be 
the shallowest concepts, 

   Why is Pi a Constant?
   http://mathforum.org/dr.math/problems/donielle.8.1.00.html   

always looking for the easiest way to do everything:

   Why Factor?
   http://mathforum.org/dr.math/problems/kevin.08.18.01.html   

I hope this helps. Write back if you'd like to talk about this some 
more, or if you have any other questions.  

- Doctor Ian, The Math Forum
  http://mathforum.org/dr.math/