Oh, I so relate to your son!
When I took algebra, I had a hard time. Algebra is the first abstract math course, and many young fellows in their pre- or early teens are just not mature enough, yet, to handle it.
I remember, one night, crying in frustration because I couldn't get all the problems done. And, worse, I knew that, the next day, my teacher would begin lecturing on new material, even though I was still having trouble with what we were working on. I asked my parents in frustration, why they were making me take these math courses, as we 'knew' I would never enter a math-related field?!
And, sure enough, as soon as I could get away with it, after geometry I dropped out of math.
Until first year college! I ran across independent study math courses and thought it cool to be able to study math my way. And I did. I took the courses at twice the normal speed and aced every one of them. And I loved it - until I transferred to another university where they didn't have any independent math courses. Then, I went back to hum-drum math and C grades.
In my thirties, I got talked into teaching a high school algebra course. I'd never taught professionally - didn't even have a credential! But, from the moment I started teaching, I loved it. It was as easy as falling off a log.
Now I am a math teacher, back in graduate school, working on an MA in math. Who would have ever guessed?
Please share the above story with your son and tell him two things:
1. Arithmetic is not 'really' math. Math is far more abstract. If he gets high enough in coursework, he will find that 'real math' (which generally doesn't even use numbers much!) is challenging and fascinating. He might love it. Only thing is, he will need to master arithmetic, algebra, etc., to get there. But it's worth the climb!
2. At his age, given that he is not sure what he will do for a living yet, the trick is to take all of the classes/subjects that he is good at so as to build a 'toolbox' of skills. If he does this then, when he is older and has need of a particular skill set to claim the profession he desires, he will have it. So, just as a man, when moving into his first new home, goes to the hardware store and buys a hammer, saw, skill saw, screwdrivers, etc., so he will be ready for whatever his needs are down the line as a new homeowner, a young man goes to school and 'buys' his math, English, Science, etc., 'tools' for his scholastic toolbox. Some day, he will want to do something important, and who knows which skills he will need? Best to build his scholastic toolbox now!
In brief, if he is talented in math, he should take as many courses as are available to him.
Ben
