This question has been asked time and again since the first algebra class. Why is algebra easy as cake for some and harder than rocket science for others? Well, the answer lies within. Do you know how you learn? Do you learn visually or would you rather work with something hands-on?

Well, maybe you know what I’m getting to. Whether you’re good or bad at math probably has something to do with what side of the brain you use. If your left brain is dominant, you probably wouldnt be reading this post. If your right brain is dominant…well chances are , you are right brain dominant.

Perhaps some of us are brainless and we just do what this guy says.

“In mathematics, you don’t understand things. You just get used to them.” — Johann von Neumann

Ok, maybe not. Here is a quick test to tell whether your brain works from the left or the right side. This image is originally created by Nobuyuki Kayahara and was recently posted on the Herald Sun.

If you see the dancer going clockwise then you mostly use the right side of your brain and if you see the dancer going counter clockwise then your mostly left sided. Here is a chart to summarize the functions of each side. Maybe you’ll learn something new about yourself.

Now you know which side of your brain is dominant! Whats next? Become “whole brained”. Instead of spending your free time doing one or two things, enjoy a variety of things that use both sides of the brain. If your left sided, try putting your imagination to work in some project. If your right sided, perhaps a puzzle of some sort would help now and then. Go ahead and integrate! Put your brain to its best use.

This might be the best way to get yourself to understand algebra. If your someone who tries and tries but just doesn’t get it, give your brain a workout and the answer to your equation will be clear.