Lesson 1: Medical Mathematics Number Basics Lesson 1: Medical Mathematics

Lesson 1 – Mathematics Mathematics is a vital skill in everyday life. Using mathematics makes daily activities easier and more efficient. Mathematics Mathematics is a vital skill in everyday life. Imagine a world without numbers or mathematic functions. You would not know when to wake in the morning or when to be at school. You would not know how much flour or sugar to add to a recipe. There would be no way to determine how fast or slow to drive. There would be no method of payment for goods or services. It is important for everyone to learn basic mathematic functions. Using mathematics makes daily activities easier and more efficient.

Lesson 1 – Math Anxiety Math anxiety is a nervous feeling many students get when they think about mathematical concepts. The first step to overcoming math anxiety is to admit the fear and to be willing to do something about it. The second step to overcoming math anxiety is to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Math Anxiety Many students become nervous when they hear the word “math.” They tell themselves that they are not good at math and that they cannot understand mathematical concepts. This worried feeling is called math anxiety. Because mathematics is important to all areas of life, it is important for students to overcome math anxiety. The first step to overcoming math anxiety is to admit the fear and to be willing to do something about it. Learning mathematical functions requires an open mind. The second step to overcoming math anxiety is to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Positive messages create the mental energy that is needed for learning new skills. For example, a student may solve a math problem incorrectly and think, “I got the wrong answer. I knew I could not do it.” Instead of admitting defeat, the student should re-approach the problem and think, “Let’s try this again.”

Lesson 1 – Learning New Concepts Follow these tips to overcome math anxiety: Before learning new material, mentally assess what you already know about the topic. Take a break and clear your mind before approaching a new topic. The best learning takes place when you participate and engage your mind. Do not wait until the last minute to complete homework assignments or projects. Learning New Concepts To overcome math anxiety, you should follow these tips when learning a new mathematical concept: Before learning new material, mentally assess what you already know about the topic. This will give you a starting point for learning. Also, reviewing skills that you have already mastered will give you confidence and make the new topic less overwhelming. It is very difficult to learn new material when you feel anxious or nervous. It is best to take a break and clear your mind before approaching a new topic. The best learning takes place when you participate and engage your mind. Take notes during class so that you will remember important concepts. Write down several examples so that you can refer to them later. Also, ask questions when a concept is unclear. Finally, procrastination increases anxiety. Do not wait until the last minute to complete homework assignments or projects. Give yourself plenty of time to work through the problems.

Lesson 1 – Medical Mathematics Health care workers must have mathematical skills to perform their daily duties. Precise calculations and measurements must be performed by all workers. Medical Mathematics Health care workers must have mathematical skills to perform their daily duties. Precise calculations and measurements must be performed by all workers. Examples of mathematics in health care include: Calculating medical dosages Reading prescriptions Analyzing test results Weighing and measuring patients Taking temperatures Determining concentration levels Billing and record-keeping