Math has negative image among U.S. teens -- they would rather clean their rooms, eat vegetables or go to the dentist than do math homework, says a survey.

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However, 67 percent of sixth- to eighth-graders polled on behalf of the Raytheon Co., say they want to do better in math and 94 percent say that doing well in math is important to them.

"These young students said they would be more interested in math if they saw how those skills could lead to exciting careers," said William H. Swanson, chief executive officer Raytheon Chairman.

"Our challenge is to show them how math and science could be exciting in their own worlds and on their own terms."