In an era of instant answers, Wallace explains why struggle is essential to learning, how misconceptions about math limit real-world thinking, and why perseverance remains the discipline’s most undervalued skill.
1. What’s a math idea you think everyone should experience at least once in their life—and why?
Mathematics is fundamentally about problem-solving. Everyone should experience a problem that cannot be solved instantly—something that demands time, patience, and effort.
The real value lies in the struggle: sitting with discomfort, exploring patterns, recognising structure, and eventually arriving at a solution. That moment of breakthrough is where the true beauty of mathematics reveals itself.
2. What’s a classic math error you think most people make in daily life?
One of the most common misconceptions is that mathematics is a collection of rules to memorise.
This perspective strips math of its essence. In reality, mathematics is about connecting ideas, solving unfamiliar problems, and thinking creatively. It is not a rigid system of unrelated formulas—it is an art form grounded in logic, creativity, and critical thinking.
3. If you could show the world one “hidden magic trick” inside mathematics, what would it be?
The real “hidden trick” in mathematics is perseverance.
Too often, students give up the moment something feels difficult. There’s a widespread belief that if you cannot solve a problem quickly, you are not good at math. That assumption is fundamentally flawed.
Breakthroughs in mathematics often come just after the point where most people quit. The ability to persist—especially when something feels unclear or impossible—is what ultimately leads to understanding. If there’s one lesson, it’s this: don’t give up too soon.
4. If you could bring one ancient mathematician to today’s world, who would you choose—and what modern problem would you show them?
I would choose Euclid.
It would be fascinating for him to see how far geometry has evolved—from classical Euclidean principles to calculus and even non-Euclidean spaces. Watching how modern mathematics uses geometry to model complex, real-world systems would likely challenge and expand his original framework.
More than anything, I would value the conversation—exploring how foundational ideas have transformed while still remaining deeply relevant.
5. What is your favourite idea in mathematics—and what makes it so special to you?
My favourite idea in mathematics is its ability to train the mind to think.
Mathematics teaches us how to approach problems we’ve never encountered before—by identifying structure, breaking complexity into smaller parts, and recognising patterns from past experiences.
It’s a process of discovery that leads to creative, original solutions. That is what makes mathematics so powerful—the possibilities are truly endless.
Bio -
Bio: Tyler L. Wallace, EdD, is a mathematics educator and social media influencer known on TikTok and
Instagram as @wallaceSTEM, where he inspires students to see the beauty and creativity in mathematics and
calculus. He has taught college-level mathematics for over 20 years and holds graduate degrees in Pure
Mathematics and Educational Leadership; he is currently pursuing a degree in Applied Statistics. Dr. Wallace
focuses on helping students develop deep problem-solving skills, recognizing patterns, understanding
structure, and persevering through challenging problems. He believes mathematics is a creative, artistic, and
discovery-driven discipline, and he is passionate about helping learners build the confidence and grit that lead
to true mathematical breakthroughs.
Interview By - Irene Elina Edhose
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