Answer 1

A significant amount of programming relies on basic math. Iterators. Comparisons. If you end up doing charts and graphs often data needs prepping before going into the plugin. Sometimes you have to write custom mathematical functions to do what you need with data.

Answer 2

Keep in mind that this is basic math and as Adam said it is necessary. So, don't let any bad experience you might have had with math stop you. Besides, we are here to help with questions you might have ☺