Mechanical calculator with cover removed - photo

[mklotz]

Maybe normal people can, but I can’t. I am absolutely unable to do even that simple bit of arithmetic in my head. I can’t estimate any quantity, make sense of a spreadsheet (this part causes my boss no end of consternation), or follow instructions that skip operations. As you’d expect this held me back in school and even now limits career opportunities. On the other hand I can build or rebuild anything that doesn’t require higher maths.

Neil

Nobody is born knowing how to use math. Rather than practicing, many folks will convince themselves they lack some fundamental mental element that makes it impossible for them to learn and religiously avoid any thing they encounter that contains the least element of math.

Learning doesn't cease when you graduate. Examine closely every math item you encounter. See if you can identify specifically what you do and do not understand about it. Done consistently, little bits will stick in your mind. Ask for help; don't be embarrassed to do so. On fora like this one there are undoubtedly many people who share your disaffection. There are also people who are willing to share their knowledge - whether it be how to cut threads or how to calculate the change gears needed to do so.