[AnthonBerg]

I had exactly the same question. Until just last year. (I’m 39.)

We’re all different, especially in how we process abstract concepts. I process them quite visually. Among my friends it seems there is some correlation between having a maths degree and thinking directly in the math symbols.

What I have tried to do is just to power through. Scanning and jumping over the paper I try to construct a mental model that the equation is a blueprint for. This is this. This is that. There’s a relation here. What is it. Ah yes it’s just that here. And that is then ... yes.

Usually when i get the equation it’s much simpler than I assume at first. It’s just the ideas in a couple of paragraphs put together in an unambiguous way.

So I just kind of power through! And it can and does take some time! But once through it tends to stick. it’s quite cool.