Study skills across different topics/subjects

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dorkymichelle
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I have a hard time with math and physics. Part of the problem is its hard for me to decipher equations and theorems with so many symbols. My best subject is English, reading and writing comes very naturally for me, but I also find it very boring and tedious.
Do you guys have any suggestions on how one technique of learning English or other subject can be used in learning math-based subjects?
It seems my brain can't interpret math like it can with language = /
 
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If your biggest problem is, as you put it, deciphering equations and symbol-laden theorems, perhaps you should try thinking about them another way. As you read an equation or theorem, try to construct a corresponding mental image--you might just be a visual learner.
 
Practice, practice and practice some more. Do every problem set 3 times at least. Look up symbols that you're unfamiliar with. Just keep putting in effort, and it'll pay off.
 
One approach is to write the equations out in English. Try to figure out what the symbols really mean (not just as instructions to do something). Get a good 'translation' reflex going in your mind, so that it becomes more like a language.

This will also help a lot if you are needing to write proofs.
 
May I know which kind of symbols you're having troubles with?? Maybe we can suggest a way to see these symbols differently...

Mathematics is also a language, really. You need to know the vocabulary and grammar of the symbols and of the terms, before you can write and read them efficiently. But practise WILL make perfect!