Math Is Fun Forum

First of all, hello one and all.

I am twenty years old and my numeracy skills are appalling. Maths was always a weak subject for me back in school, and because my school days weren't exactly pleasant (don't worry it won't be a long-winded life story ) I lost all concentration and interest in Mathematics full stop.

Even my simple times table are atrocious and I don't know why. I struggle with the 7 onwards times table. Not to mention my inability at simple sums. For example: Your average person my age, or even a lot younger, if asked 7 x 8 will instantly know the answer is 56, but I will struggle and take more than the usual time.

I've got a Mathematics book for beginners but even reading that isn't seeming to help me.

Does anyone know the root to the problem? Or am I just naturally inept at Maths?

Thanks for your time