Final answer:
Having a certain mindset towards math problems involves effortful cognitive work that is not evolutionarily automatic like interpreting facial expressions. Understanding concepts and relationships between numbers is more critical for problem-solving than merely performing operations, and we often have to work with approximations in real-world applications.
Step-by-step explanation:
When faced with a math problem, it's common to question whether you have a certain mindset. For example, solving 24 x 14 in your head demands a significant amount of cognitive effort compared to more automatic processes like interpreting facial expressions, which are evolutionarily hardwired for survival. As Daniel Kahneman explains in Thinking Fast and Slow, our brains are optimized for efficiency, and mathematics doesn't typically factor into immediate survival needs, making it less intuitive.
Furthermore, the real world demands that we grapple with approximations and estimations, not just precise numbers. This disconnect can lead to discomfort and a rigid relationship with mathematics. However, the key is understanding the concepts behind the numbers to choose the correct operations and improve problem-solving skills.
The challenge lies not just in calculation but in the conceptual framework. Therefore, when tackling math or complex real-world problems, one must first identify the problem and then apply a problem-solving strategy, which often includes understanding the relationships between numbers and the meaning behind them more than just carrying out mathematical operations.