--- title: Why kids have trouble understanding math symbols description: "Learn why kids have trouble learning the meaning of math symbols. See what helps kid understand how symbols are used in math. \n" slug: why-kids-have-trouble-understanding-math-symbols author: Julie Rawe reviewer: Daniel Ansari, PhD published: '2020-03-16T15:42:01.384Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/5kwHzwXManvuQV7lbwvfk0/dd0e9582250263464c5f2d934e5eaef4/G1138449586.png source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/why-kids-have-trouble-understanding-math-symbols lang: en --- # Why kids have trouble understanding math symbols 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. ## Signs that kids struggle with math symbols All kids need time and practice to learn how math symbols represent quantities. Here are signs that kids may be struggling with these concepts: - Counting on fingers long after classmates have switched to pencil and paper - Remembering math facts but struggling with problems that have steps, like “carry the 1” - Not being sure if two quantities are equal, like 2 + 4 = 3 + 3  - Having trouble comparing fractions and understanding that ¼ is smaller than ½ (even though 4 is bigger than 2) One thing that’s *not* a sign young kids are having trouble understanding math symbols: writing 2’s and 3’s backwards. With time and practice, most kids learn which way numbers (and letters) go. Learn more about [math skills kids learn at different ages](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/math-skills-what-to-expect-at-different-ages). ## Trouble with number sense What’s so tricky about learning the meaning of math symbols? Part of the answer involves learning how to generalize. Kids need to learn that the symbol “4” can mean four apples, four inches, four days — four of *anything*. That’s a big idea. Kids need to be explicitly taught that “4” means a group of four. They also need to be taught that “4” means the group is larger than a group of three and smaller than a group of five. Learn more about an important group of math skills called [number sense](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/number-sense-what-you-need-to-know). ## Trouble shifting from concrete to abstract Many schools teach young kids to solve math problems using small objects like buttons or Popsicle sticks. (Teachers might call these objects *manipulatives*.) Moving them around helps kids think about adding or subtracting quantities. But as kids get older, they have to solve math problems using written numbers. Maybe they can easily solve an addition problem by combining two bundles of Popsicle sticks. But write that problem as an equation (10 + 10 = _ ) and kids may not be sure what each symbol means. Learn how moving around objects and making drawings can [help kids do abstract math](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-can-i-help-my-child-use-abstract-thinking-in-math).  ## Trouble with the equal sign Some kids think the = sign means “that is” rather than “equals.” They may be confusing an equation with a series of steps.  For example, they may do OK with 3 + 2 = 5 because they read it as “When you add three plus two, that adds up to five.” But this kind of thinking can cause problems when the equation is flipped around. Kids may not know how to interpret 5 = 3 + 2. They may try to keep thinking about it as a series of steps: “When you start with five, you end up with three plus two.” Learn more about [why kids struggle with math](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-your-childs-trouble-with-math). ## How to help kids understand math symbols Kids develop math skills over time. Struggling with a new skill might just mean a child needs more time and practice to learn it.  But if a child has been struggling for a while, it may be time to ask for extra help. If kids aren’t solid on what math symbols mean, they’ll have a tough time doing things like adding and subtracting. - Get tips for[ talking with teachers about trouble with math](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/math-trouble-conversation-starters-to-use-with-your-childs-teacher). - Use visual aids like placing [fractions on a number line](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/evidence-based-math-strategy-fraction-number-lines). This helps kids see how big each fraction is and compare it to other numbers. - Learn about [“new math” problems and methods](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/9-new-math-problems-and-methods). --- ## Explore related topics and articles - [When do kids learn addition and subtraction?](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/when-kids-learn-addition-subtraction) - - Learning to add and subtract doesnt happen all at once. - Kids need certain basic skills to do addition and subtraction. - Some kids take longer to develop these skills than others. Addition and subtraction are the first math operations kids learn. But it doesnt happen all at once. Learning t - [Understanding why kids struggle with math](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-your-childs-trouble-with-math) - If you see a child struggling with math, you might wonder why, and whether its something to be concerned about. Why is math so hard for some kids? Its not uncommon for kids to have trouble with math. Math difficulties can show up at different ages and in lots of ways. And its a myth that girls strug - [Fourth-grade math: Why it’s hard for kids](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/fourth-grade-math-why-its-hard-for-kids) - Kids who struggle with math in fourth grade are not alone. Whats so different about fourth-grade math? In third grade, kids learn about multiplying and dividing numbers within 100, like multiplying single-digit numbers \(69\). Kids also start solving word problems and doing mental math. In fourth grad --- ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/why-kids-have-trouble-understanding-math-symbols#webpage","url":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/why-kids-have-trouble-understanding-math-symbols","description":"Learn why kids have trouble learning the meaning of math symbols. 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