Why kids have trouble understanding math symbols

By Julie Rawe

Expert reviewed by Daniel Ansari, PhD

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  • Quick tip 1

    Do math by moving around small objects.

    Move around small objects like beads or cotton balls so kids see how the quantities change as they add two sets together or take some away. This can help kids understand numbers and how math operations work. 

  • Quick tip 2

    Say number sentences out loud.

    Ask kids to use their own words to say or write a number sentence like 1 + 5 < 7. If they struggle to translate “<” into words, talk about the concept of “is less than” and the symbol that represents it.

  • Quick tip 3

    Show the same number in three ways.

    Make sure kids know “4” means the same thing as “four” as well as a set of four objects. Download these number puzzles to help kids practice different ways of representing numbers.

  • Quick tip 4

    Make a reminder chart.

    Help kids make a chart that reminds them what each math symbol stands for. Put number names (“six”) next to written numerals (“6”). Include math signs, like “>” alongside “is greater than.” Make the chart easy for kids to find when they need it.

  • Quick tip 5

    Find an example math problem.

    Some kids may know that signs like × and ÷ are telling them to multiply and divide. But they might not be sure what steps are involved. Find a similar problem in a textbook or online that shows the steps to solve it.

Kids aren’t born knowing what math symbols mean. In preschool they learn to count out loud: “One, two, three, four.” As they get older, they learn to write numerals: 1, 2, 3, 4. But understanding that “4” represents a group of four things? That’s an abstract idea that can be hard to learn.

A math symbol stands for something — whether it’s a quantity, like four, or an arithmetic operation to carry out, like multiplication. But there’s nothing about the way math symbols look that helps explain what they mean or what you should do with them.

All kids need practice and time to learn how to use math symbols. Some kids need extra support to master these concepts.

Kids develop at different rates. This means they learn math skills at different rates, too. Keep reading to see what trouble understanding math symbols can look like — and when kids might need extra support.

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