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Mathematics and Statistics: Maths

Numeracy resources

From daily problem‑solving to professional decision‑making, mathematics and statistics help us understand, predict, and create.

Employers frequently highlight the importance of these skills, not just for specialist roles but across a wide range of careers.

Do you think you are particularly bad at maths?
Thinking student illustration

Mathematics and statistics can feel challenging, and that is entirely normal!

As Michael Brooks notes in his fascinating book The Art of More: How Mathematics Created Civilisation, humans are born with an approximate number sense, essentially 1, 2, 3, more.

“When it comes to a natural ability with numbers, we're no better off than many other species. Humans are born only with what is now known as an 'approximate number sense'. That means that, in its raw state, your brain doesn't bother specifying when there are more than three of something. So, when a human baby sees four apples, the sight is logged as 'many' or 'more'. Our natural system is ‘1, 2, 3, more.’” (Brooks, 2021, p. 2)

In effect, we were all born “bad at maths”!

Maths is something humans have developed - and struggled with - throughout thousands of years, and passed down from teacher to student. 

Maths needs to be learnt. It takes effort, but the rewards are enormous.

What have maths and statistics ever brought to us anyway?
Decorative mosque illustration

Far more than abstract numbers on a page, mathematics and statistics quietly power almost every aspect of our world. Think for example of:

  • The internet – a vast, invisible architecture of algorithms and cryptography connecting billions of people every second.
  • Mobile phones – a miracle of number theory, signal processing, and encryption, all made invisible yet indispensable.
  • Supermarket shelves – behind every piece of fruit and loaf of bread lies a web of calculations in logistics, refrigeration, and pricing.
  • Stories and music – cinema, gaming, and streaming exist thanks to the algorithms that turn numbers into experiences.
  • Cities that breathe – the geometry of bridges, the flow of traffic, the elegance of skylines are all shaped by mathematical vision.
  • Global travel – from soaring aircraft to GPS in your pocket, mathematics charts the skies and guides you across the world.
  • Longer, healthier lives – from MRI scans to medical research, mathematics illuminates the body and helps us live decades longer.
  • Wealth and security – finance, underpinned by statistics and models of risk, fuels trade and opportunity across the globe.
  • Cosmic understanding – equations reveal the birth of stars, the fate of galaxies, and the unfolding story of the universe itself.

Arguably, mathematics is the hidden thread that binds together the fabric of civilisation! (Brooks, 2021, p. 286).

Brooks, M. (2021) The art of more: how mathematics created civilisation. London: Scribe Publications.

Photo credit: Canva

 

This guide is here to help you build confidence and strengthen your skills, whether that means brushing up on the basics, tackling statistics for your degree, or going deeper into advanced concepts.

Inside, you’ll find interactive courses, videos, activities, cheat‑sheets, and even guidance on how to make the most of AI tools to support your learning. 

Other resources

Resources:

MathCentre: an online support centre featuring a host of mathematics resources. Includes quick reference leaflets, video tutorials, teach yourself booklets, practice and revision booklets, online test yourself diagnostics and exercises. The resources are from respected sources across the University sector, business and government organisations. 

Loughborough University resources: revision and practice pages, leaflets, formulae and more!

Underground mathematics: this resource, designed for A level mathematics, enables you to explore the connections that underpin mathematics.

Khan Academy: offers free video tutorials, interactive practice exercises, and a wealth of resources across a range of mathematical topics.

Merlot Collection of math tools and resources

Free Courses:

Open University

Future Learn

Ed X math courses

Enhanced Interactive Learning Platforms

Building upon the foundational resources above, you can explore additional interactive mathematics platforms that offer dynamic, visual learning experiences. 

GeoGebra

GeoGebra stands as one of the world's most comprehensive free mathematics software platforms, used by over 100 million students globally. It seamlessly integrates geometry, algebra, statistics, and calculus in a single, easy-to-use package. The platform offers dynamic worksheets, interactive simulations, and a vast library of user-generated content that spans from elementary arithmetic to university-level mathematics.

Brilliant

For learners seeking a more gamified approach, Brilliant delivers bite-sized, interactive lessons that build mathematical intuition through problem-solving. The platform covers everything from basic arithmetic to advanced topics like differential equations and linear algebra, with each lesson designed to be completed in 15 minutes or less.

Do You Think You Are Particularly Bad At Maths?

Mathematics and statistics can feel challenging, and that is entirely normal. Demonstrably, "When it comes to a natural ability with numbers, we're no better off than many other species. Humans are born only with what is now known as an 'approximate number sense'. That means that, in its raw state, your brain doesn't bother specifying when there are more than three of something. So, when a human baby sees four apples, the sight is logged as 'many' or 'more'. Our natural system is ‘1, 2, 3, more.’” (Brooks, 2021, p. 2).  In other words, we were all born “bad at maths”! But starting with the same basic toolkit, we build everything else through learning.

It takes effort, but the rewards are enormous. Mathematics is woven into every part of how our civilisation works: “Global travel, supermarket shelves bursting with produce; refrigeration; mobile phones; complex and beautiful urban environments; the entertainment industry; access to finance that has engendered unprecedented prosperity; phenomenal works of art; many extra decades of healthy life; profound knowledge of the cosmos and its history; the extraordinary resource that is the internet...” (Brooks, 2021, p. 286)

From daily problem-solving to professional decision-making, mathematics and statistics help us understand, predict, and create. Employers frequently highlight the importance of these skills, not just for specialist roles but across a wide range of careers.

This guide is here to help you build confidence and strengthen your skills - whether that means brushing up on the basics, tackling statistics for your degree, or going deeper into advanced concepts. Inside, you’ll find curated videos, interactive courses, activities, cheat sheets, and even guidance on how to make the most of AI tools to support your learning.

Brooks, M. (2021) The art of more: how mathematics created civilisation. London: Scribe Publications.

LinkedIn Learning Video: Everyday Maths

This video explains essential math concepts in clear language, using real-world problems that will help learners of all levels feel more confident with math. Learn how to calculate percentages for tips and taxes, compare prices as you shop, find the area and volume for home-improvement projects, and even calculate calories. 

Cook cooking and thinking of the ingredients for the recipe

Link to Video on Everyday Math

Complementary Practical Mathematics Resources

Pauls Online Math Notes

To supplement the everyday mathematics video, you can access Pauls Online Math Notes from Lamar University, which provides comprehensive, downloadable tutorials covering algebra, calculus, and differential equations. These notes are particularly valuable for students transitioning from basic mathematics to more advanced topics.

Interactive Mathematics

Interactive Mathematics offers instant step-by-step solutions to mathematical problems, making it an excellent companion for homework assistance and concept reinforcement. The platform's strength lies in its ability to break down complex problems into manageable steps, helping students understand the reasoning behind each solution.

Advanced University-Level Mathematics Resources

MIT OpenCourseWare

For students pursuing higher-level mathematics, MIT OpenCourseWare provides free access to course materials from one of the world's leading technical universities. The mathematics section includes lecture notes, assignments, and exams from courses ranging from single variable calculus to advanced topics like real analysis and abstract algebra.

edX Mathematics Courses

edX Mathematics Courses offer university-level instruction from institutions like Harvard, MIT, and other top universities. These courses provide structured learning paths with verified certificates available for those seeking formal recognition of their achievements.

Coursera's Mathematics

Coursera's Mathematics offerings include Stanford University's highly regarded "Introduction to Mathematical Thinking" course, which teaches students how to think like mathematicians and develop rigorous mathematical reasoning skills essential for advanced study.