Outsmart the feared math equation: Rediscovering logical thinking skills for adults

Most people seldom dedicate their time to calculations, often associating them with unpleasant memories. School years were certainly not easy, and if you did not enjoy equations then, why would you want to solve them today? The answer is simple - for the nourishment of your brain and the enhancement of logical thinking.

Remember that this task only seems intimidating. In reality, it's a concept taken from a primary school textbook, and children usually solve it without hesitation. What leads to such immense resistance amongst adults then? Over time, unused knowledge, particularly in the field of mathematics, fades away. Although this subject is inherently challenging, it does operate with specific rules. Understanding these rules ensures you will never provide an incorrect answer, while also allowing calculations to go quickly.

If you don't recall any mathematical rules, there's no need for worry or embarrassment. After all, nobody expects you to know everything. It often takes only a few seconds for the equation to turn quite simple. Instead of reaching for your calculator, it may be better to grab a sheet of paper and a pen. Writing down the operation by hand helps retain the scheme of action and serves as an effective brain workout.

It is important to stay calm, as anxiety won't aid in solving the equation. We often attach too much emotion to mathematical tasks, leading us to feel overwhelmed. There is no room for emotions in mathematics – knowledge of the rules and cold, hard logic are your only lifelines. If you're tempted to start with division, stop. As per the correct order of operation execution, the parentheses must be prioritized in this equation.

Everybody can manage addition, and after getting the result, it is recommended to rewrite the operation: 48 ÷ 2 (12). Now it surely looks more approachable, and if you're tempted to start with the parentheses again, you're about to make a significant mistake. Note that there's a  multiplication sign between the two and twelve. Writing "48 ÷ 2 x 12" aids in counting. The next operation in this equation should be division, following the rules.

With the division done, you can help yourself with a calculator or calculate quickly in your head. The result is 24. If your result differs, you should re-check it. All that remains now is multiplication, which is "24 x 12". A calculator will also come in handy here, and the correct answer for this operation is 288. Any other result (such as 2) represents a glaring mistake.