Math is such a tricky subject that even experts sometimes falter at arriving at the correct answer. As students progress in grades, the subject keeps getting more and more complex. It is now expected of learners to have an excellent understanding of Math concepts studied previously and also be good with the new concepts currently being taught by the teacher. However, over the years, teachers have recognized some common types of errors committed in exams by students, and here’s the comprehensive list;

Not understanding place value:

Units, tens, hundreds, thousands, etc. are termed as place value, and knowing it thoroughly is an indication that students are able to identify and understand how big in value the number is. The mistake children make is that they don’t count the digits properly and therefore arrive at a wrong answer. For example; 1000000 = one million but instead children may miss one zero and give the answer as; one hundred thousand. This blunder especially happens when decoding large numbers. The commas may also seem confusing, as the number may be written like this 5,50,000 and if the concept is not clear, it may be a reason for writing the incorrect number name.

BODMAS Rule

The full form of BODMAS is Bracket, Order, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction and it teaches us how to proceed with a particular mathematical operation. The Math equation for understanding BODMAS may have many different types of brackets such as; the curly bracket, the oval bracket or parentheses, and the square bracket. As per the rule, when there are multiple brackets, first start solving from the numbers that are a part of the innermost circle, then solve around the bracket, and then proceed to the curly and square bracket digits. Seems confusing? Well, imagine how difficult it might be for kids then?

However, let us show you an example.

[ (15 – 3) ÷ 2] + [86-12 ÷ 2 of 3]

= [ (15 – 3) ÷ 2] + [86-12 ÷ (2 ox 3)]

= [12÷ 2] + [86-12 ÷ 6]

= 6 + [86 – 2]

= 6 + 84

= 90

Did you see how sequential steps have to be followed in order to arrive at the answer? And the equation is to be solved from left to right, leaving no exceptions. Indeed, practice is required to crack the BODMAS rule, and mistakes are bound to happen initially.

Populating Graphs

Teachers across numerous K12 schools in Dubai and other Middle East regions face great challenges when assigning homework to students related to the topic of populating a graph. Firstly, understanding X axis and Y axis and counting blocks on the graph paper correctly is a task in itself. There are different categories to represent data in the form of a graph such as; bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, etc. If students confuse one with the other, it poses a challenge to move forward with the exercise. Also, graph analysis is an ongoing practice and doesn’t happen overnight. If the graph is not properly interpreted, the populous may give an inaccurate answer, thereby deriving wrong research inferences.

Misunderstanding Word Problems

Students usually dread word problems! They are so smartly worded and tricky to understand. To make the word problem lengthy, unwanted information is given and this diverges your focus from the real problem that needs to be solved. There may be multiple formulas to be applied in a single-word problem and hence there is no simple straightforward method to follow. If the student isn’t used to critical thinking, he may get frustrated trying to execute the word problem in a step-by-step manner.

Schools rely on the Mathletics platform to teach word problems in a fun and non-stressful manner. Signing up for Mathletics in the GCC region or anywhere in the UAE is absolutely easy and makes the job of teachers simple by offering pre-designed homework worksheets and a robust tracking mechanism to check the student’s progress in Math subject. Around 3 million students around the world love Mathletics, so it should be such a pleasure to opt for Mathletics and do away with all Math difficulties, one blunder at a time.

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