Many adults struggle with basic sums says research

By ALISON KERSHAW
Published on 13/03/2013 00:04

MANY adults struggle with basic sums and rely on a calculator to add and subtract.

Around one in six say they find the subject difficult, and sometimes feel embarrassed by their lack of maths skills, according to a poll for BAE Systems.

The findings show that almost a fifth of more than 2,000 adults surveyed admitted that they find sums difficult, and usually use a calculator to help them with addition and subtraction.

BAE Systems group managing director Nigel Whitehead, said: “Maths and science are crucial to the success of Britain’s youth and our nation’s future but it appears that we start to lose arithmetic skills as we grow up.”