This is a topic some of which is learnt ever since Primary 6.
Through my years of coaching, I notice quite a handful of students form blocks when they dealt with this topic that starts with "A" and ends with "a".
Haha! Yes! It's Alegbra! I was introduced of this thing in Primary 6. It was the ONLY method my dad taught me to solve word problems then. I didn't understand what he was telling me.... totally huh? huh? huh?
Well, I am glad I figure out the x-es & y-es eventually. Many students tend to see algebra to be abstract. In fact, it can be explained in terms of apples, oranges, pears .... ( This is my ONLY drawing subject- basic fruits) Those who have the "good fortune" will know the level of drawing :-)