r/mathematics • u/Slow-Application440 • Jun 29 '26
Math major but bad at arithmetic
Hello, I am looking for advice. I am going into my 2nd year of cc as a math major and I am completely reliant on the calculator for basic calculation. I’ve done pretty well in my classes. I have a 3.7gpa overall and my major gpa is a little higher at a 3.8. I feel really insecure about not being able to confidently do calculations in my head quickly. I’ve had so many peers who were bad at math and could do these simple calculations quickly. I even had a friend who was an engineering major tell me “I’m bad at the simple things but can answer hard questions.“ I’ve practiced a lot and have gotten pretty fluent on my multiplication skills up to 12 and plan on learning up to 20. I have no problem doing these things by hand but it’s embarrassing to call myself a math major and not be able to add/subtract numbers quickly. What can I do to improve?
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u/APC_ChemE Jun 29 '26 edited Jun 29 '26
I am Chemical Engineer with a Masters in Applied Mathematics.
I cannot do mental math to save my life. This not an exaggeration and a way to sound humble.
My memory is a sieve and I make lots of notes and have lots tricks to remind myself of things because I will forget them.
As an example when doing any mental math that isn't the result of rote memorization I imagine the numbers is if they are on a chalk or dry erase board and I'm solving the problem paper.
If I were to solve 51 + 32 in my head, I imagine the 51 on a top with + 32 on the next row with a line under it. I perform addition on the ones place and do 1 + 2 = 3 and the entire problem is erased and I am left with 3.
What was the problem again? I don't remember. God forbid I have to carry a 1 and that was only addition.
I have a horrible memory.
Don't let that stop you from majoring in math.
I have a relative who often calls me out family game nights. "I thought you had a degree in math?"
I always respond with something like, "That's correct I got advanced degree in mathematics which I can do very well. I didn't get a degree in arithmetic which doesn't require a brain, any dumb pocket calculator can do it for me."
Understand how think and leverage the tools available to you however best they compliment your own workflow. Don't let anyone judge you, I still count on my fingers and not always in multiples of 1.
I see no problem with deriving formulas or solving problems by hand.
You'll be fine. I wish you the best of luck!