PROF. GREENHILL, on p. 462 (March 19), gives a naïve and most instructive description of the straits to which a “practical man” is put when he wishes to interpret the simplest general formula.
Math is a language. And like any language, teachers need to help students translate the language into terms they understand. “This idea is to learn a language you have to talk it... you have to engage ...
Algebra can be demystified with the right approach. Transforming word problems into mathematical expressions is crucial, alongside using formula sheets and colour-coding equations for clarity.