I know a lot of students wonder when they’ll ever use maths in real life. They often ask, “How is learning about geometry, algebra, or calculus going to help me?” When teachers tackle this question, they usually point out the practical skills maths gives us—like calculating discounts, adjusting recipes, or converting currencies. But there’s a whole world of valuable ‘soft’ skills that maths teaches, too!

Back when I was studying maths at university, I spent countless hours in the library buried in coursework and proofs. After days of struggling with one stubborn problem, I came to the conclusion that there had to be a typo in the question. I shot off an obnoxious email to my lecturer, insisting that something was wrong. She assured me that the question was correct and solvable. Eventually, after a few more cups of tea and hours of head-scratching, I finally cracked it. That experience taught me a vital life lesson: overcoming obstacles that seem impossible is something we all face, and maths is a great way to build perseverance.

Maths also sharpens our logical thinking. When we construct a proof, we evaluate each step and consider the implications. This process helps us think about the potential outcomes of our actions, which is essential for making informed decisions in real life. Maths encourages us to carefully assess information before coming to conclusions.

Additionally, maths teaches us structured problem-solving. When we tackle maths questions, we learn to be methodical. It prompts us to ask ourselves: What methods have I already tried? Where did I go wrong? What am I missing? These skills come in handy outside the classroom, whether we’re troubleshooting tech issues or planning a trip. Maths really helps us think through problems methodically until we find a solution.

So, I encourage you to embrace maths—not just for its intriguing nature but for the amazing ways it can help you grow. If you’re keen on practicing these skills, check out our maths courses at iLearner!