Almost a third of adults struggle with everyday math – and some say it makes them anxious | UK News

Nearly a third of adults say they struggle with everyday math and try to avoid situations involving numbers, a survey suggests.

Meanwhile, 39% also say that trying to solve math problems makes them anxious.

The poll, commissioned by the National Numeracy charity, found that 31% of 2,000 adults surveyed had basic problems and 29% would avoid doing math.

The problem was highlighted during coronavirus lockdowns when parents tried to help their children with homework.

Almost three in five parents (59%) said they found math the most difficult subject to help.

The same proportion said that teaching at home showed their own lack of confidence in math and everything that involved numbers.

However, there was a silver lining as 65% said they believed their own math skills had improved through home schooling during the lockdown.

The survey shows that more needs to be done to support adults who struggle with everyday math, National Numeracy said.

Chief Executive Officer Sam Sims said: ‘This research shows there is tremendous anxiety about numeracy and a lot more work to be done to support one in three UK adults who say they struggle with math of all. days.

“Everyone deserves to feel confident with numbers and on this National Numeracy Day we are doing everything we can to show how, with the right support, everyone can improve their math on a daily basis.”

The survey, conducted by One Poll, interviewed 2,000 British adults – including 632 parents of schoolchildren – between May 4 and 6.