Think like a mathematician

Become a more confident maths student

To get maths it pays to start seeing yourself as a mathematician (actually you are — you study mathematics).

Here is my advice:

• Think like a mathematician
  • use your brain — don’t be lazy
  • look for intelligent shortcuts — be lazy!
  • pay attention to detail
  • develop mathematical habits of mind
    • ask questions
    • demand clarity in explanations

• Talk like a mathematician
  • learn vocabulary — see my Brainscape flashcards for SQA Higher Maths let me know if you would like a topic added
    • use it

• Write like a mathematician
  • get into the way of checking each line of working as you write it in order to catch any errors (there will be errors — at least at first)
  • value accuracy
  • take pride in giving full and convincing answers

It’s often said that maths study develops thinking skills. A 2013 paper Advanced Mathematical Study and the Development of Conditional Reasoning Skills by Attridge and Inglis has done some research on this idea and finds that it holds. This is a very valuable skill to acquire for work and also for being a capable citizen.