Why can't I do simple maths?

[RubbishAtMaths]

I have changed my name for this because I am embarrassed. I have just been to an interview and I have to leave half-way through it because they made me sit a maths test, it was my worst nightmare came true. I sat there in front of the computer screen and went blank, I couldn't even do the first one. I thought “Its ok I’ll go back to that one, I'll do the next” - same thing I looked at it and all I could see was a sea of numbers - then the next and so on. I got up and left humiliated and feeling completely stupid and close to tears.

How am I going to get another job if they make me sit a maths test? I can use most Microsoft software packages and have sat exam after exam with no problems and passed with flying colours. I’ve been a PA and an Office Manager, so I am a capable person; I just go blank when it comes to maths.

Any suggestions?

Couldn't you use the computer to help you? Most have calculators....

I feel for you. I hate maths tests, or actually any kinds of tests, especially if I didn't expect them.

What kind of maths questions were they? I have never being able to get to grips with 'problems' like... Train A leaves x at y at 30mph train B leaves z at 50mph... where do they meet... argh.

Just about manage VAT calcs with the help of a calculator!

i wasin the same situation so i decided to go back to college and do my maths gcse. Iam currently 7 months in and have my exams in june. I am pleased to say that even now i am confident that my math skills have improved dramatically

Although my english is shockingly bad [blsh]

see what i mean

On a Kent radio station today there was an advert for adult numeracy course. I was shocked to here that the stats say that 50% of adults have lower numeracy skills than that expected of an 11 year old.

try looking at this website

\link{http://www.studyworksonline.com/cda/content/article/0,,NAV5-46_SAR1270,00.shtml\this}

Thank you for your replies, it was awful, I'm sure looking back I could have worked some of them out, but I think I panicked and literally, all I could see was a sea of numbers.

I may have to do the same as you Pepperpots and do a course to refresh my maths (refresh! actually, more like learn) I was totally rubbish at maths at school too!

Good luck with your exams Pepperpots!

Thank you lazymoo, I'm going to try to download it. Got to do something, my children always go to their Dad when they have a maths problem, (they go to me for everything else).

Thank you! I never listened in school that was my problem, i couldnt even do mulitplication without a calc, now i can do long ones without a calc

HOw long is it since you've had to do any sort of maths though?

I can't do maths. I honestly think I'm dyslexic with numbers (there is a condition but I forget the name) honestly!! I just... it's gobbledigook! I'm perfectly intelligent, can do maths puzzles like the ones on IQ tests easily but give me long division - in fact teach me long division as much as you like, I can't do it.

SoupDragon, its been years since I had to do any maths. My jaw dropped when I discovered I had to do a test!!!

In the job I am doing atm I use excel and access with no problems, I let the computer do the work.

Have a look at \link{http://www.move-on.org.uk/index.asp\this}.

I tried a work from home GCSE course, I understood it fine, it all went in. The next day I got it - gone. Every time

got it out*

FastasleepQueenLentilWeaver, I am exactly the same as you, it feels like I am 'number blind' somehow.

I'm glad I am not alone, I thought I was just plain stupid!

It's just a confidence/lack of practice thing then, RubbishAtMaths. I bet if you'd seen past the sea of numbers, the questions were actually quite simple.

We're not thick Rubbish I'm going to have to try my GCSE again, so that I can get on my access course...

(yes I have no formal qualifications which probably makes it worse, but I managed to keep up with every other subject!!)

We could struggle on together if you like Rubbish?

I'm the same - I feel soooooo ashamed when I can't do simple maths. Could never work on a stall or anything - wouldn't be able to work it all out! When dd1 brings maths homework home it has to go straight to dh and she's only 8 . In fact, I was helping out at school the other week and they were doing some fractions and I just panicked and couldn't do it! Oh the shame. However, I am red-hot on English (when I want to be) so I suppose you can't have everything .

Me too Polgara! I was writing novels by the age of 11 I should really start that again but no time!!

Wow Fastasleep etc (way too long!!) you should - you could have been a multimillionaire authoress by now. Get going!

FastasleepQueenLentilWeaver, are you sure you are not me? lol

Madmarchhare, I have just tried the mini numeracy test, I am at level 1.

I have just put 'number blindness' into 'google' and done a search. It is a recognised condition! I am shocked, I have always said that I am 'number blind' as it is the only way I could think of describing what it was like. \link{http://www.brainconnection.com/topics/?main=fa/number-blindness\Here} is the link.

Not sure I have discalcula or whatever the hell it's called! I don't remember any counting/bigger and smaller number problems...

I just don't think I've been exposed to enough mathematics really, I missed my whole education! It'll take ages to get into thinking mathematically..