What is algebra good for

As we mentioned before, this is usually done with formulas. As you can already imagine, being able to solve problems with a simple algebraic formula is far faster than other methods. This not only allows homework to go faster but everyday situations. If you know the formula, you know all you have to do is multiply the height by the length of the base and then divide by two. Algebra teaches you to follow a logical path to solve a problem. This, in turn, allows you to have a better understanding of how numbers function and work together in an equation.

Math has been around since humans could count and started bartering. Without math, humans might not be at the top of the food chain. So, by learning algebra, you can gain a better appreciation for our human history. There are countless careers that require an understanding of math and algebra in particular. Numerous other career paths will require you to take algebra and other advanced math classes in college to get your degree. Speaking of careers, if you want to do anything to improve technology, you need algebra.

This and other similar types of maths will give you the base necessary to help make technological advances. For example, it was the use of maths that allowed us to put astronauts on the moon. Today, algebra is used in nearly every aspect of technology, which includes how smartphones and computers operate. This is a great example of how algebra can help you in your everyday life. A student may be confident they are not going into any career needing statistics or calculus, but many people change jobs and entire careers multiple times in their working life.

Possessing a firm knowledge and understanding of algebra will make career-related changes smoother. I have found algebra helpful in making financial decisions. For example, I use algebra every year to pick a health care plan for my family using two-variable equations to find the break-even point for each option. I have used it in choosing cell phone plans. I even used it when custom-ordering bookshelves for our home. My wife also regularly uses algebra in her crafting.

I would not use algebra as the only means of teaching logic. There are more direct and effective means of doing so, but it is a nice side-benefit that the two subject areas reinforce one another.

The beauty of algebra is an optional benefit because one has to truly choose to enjoy it, but algebra provides us with a basic language to describe so many types of real-world phenomena from gravity to the population growth of rabbits. That five letters can be used to describe how an entire category of matter, namely ideal gases, behaves is amazing and beautiful in its simplicity. There is also a beauty when we start with a complex-looking problem and combine and simplify over and over until we have one value for each variable.

The process can be enjoyable and the result immensely satisfying. Algebra is an important life skill worth understanding well. It moves us beyond basic math and prepares us for statistics and calculus. It is useful for many jobs some of which a student may enter as a second career. Algebra is useful around the house and in analyzing information in the news. It also reinforces logical thinking and is beautiful.

So, keep an open mind about why we learn algebra and look for ways to share its applications with your student. Dispel the stigma that it is a boring list of rules and procedures to memorize. Instead, consider algebra as a gateway to exploring the world around us. Those are our top reasons why we learn algebra, and there are plenty more. What would you add to the list?

Post your suggestions in the comments. I was fascinated by this article. Just two weeks ago, a bank loan officer wanted to sell us a refinance. Thank you! When I was in the 5th. And I said ; How does it work? After that I just walked away from it, and never took it in school, because I thought that it was [ unnecessary ] nonsense!

I lost out, on a lot! I could barely remember any of my math facts. So when my oldest son started algebra 1, I was at a loss to teach him. This was not a pleasant place to be as a homeschooling parent.

So we put in place a tutor who was a high school math teacher and a friend. At the time, she was not employed by any school as she was a stay-at-home mom. So we decided that I would get tutored so I could still help him at home. This worked very well and I realized that I was good in math and that I enjoyed math. Our oldest son is now 2 years out of high school and our other children are advancing to more difficult math.

I am currently in Algebra 2 and have hope to study calculus. Slope intercept is no longer a foreign language. Get down with math and find a tutor if you need one. God Bless you, Pamelann. I am 13 years old and I was really wondering why I was taking algebra 2 this helped me realize why. I teach 8th and 9th grade math. I will have all my students read and discuss this article. Teachers get this question everyday.

I never persued my love for math after high school but I find myself very curious about why the subject is so important in our lives, especially beyond those basics we all learned in high school. The above comments convinced me to learn more NOW. I am 21 and I thought I should learn algebra and calculus , and here it opened my mind more for mathematics.

To solve a problem in algebra, you identify the problem, consider the variables, develop a plan to solve the problem, implement the plan, and assess your results. You use that same process to solve any problem in life. Algebra trains your brain to solve problems. Variables for determining break even. The other five are arbitrary at best. Jonathan, All the reasons for learning algebra are possible reasons.

Like any other skill whether it be learning to cook or learning to drive a car you can choose to use algebra every day for the rest of your life or you can choose to never use it again and get other people to do it for you.

Algebra provides the first real introduction to abstraction. Those six reasons seem quite nice and have value for many. Abstraction has value for anyone who does not do menial work and even for some who do. I was curious when I read the title however I still believe class time would be better spent teaching children to manage their own money.

That is a maths skill they will use. Algebra should be taught on the job if you need it as most do not. Although I can appreciate you enjoy it which is lovely. Yes indeed. And entering college without an understanding of algebra means students are less likely to complete a college-level math course, which can take them off track for graduation.

The first year of algebra is a prerequisite for all higher-level math: geometry, algebra II, trigonometry, and calculus. Researchers have found in multiple studies that students who take more high-quality math in high school are more likely to declare science, technology, engineering, and mathematics STEM majors in college.

Students who take Algebra II in high school are also more likely to enroll in college or community college. Algebra can lead to many new opportunities for success in the 21st century. Students typically take algebra in eighth or ninth grade. An important benefit of studying algebra in eighth grade is that if your child takes the PSAT as a high school sophomore, she will have taken geometry as a ninth grader.

The goal is for your child to master algebra and stay engaged in math, not to push through the curriculum quickly just to get it done.

Researchers say that a powerful way to help your child build a strong foundation in math is by encouraging them to develop a positive mindset about math.

A strong mathematical mindset refers to how your child thinks about her ability to succeed in math class. But before you put away your algebra books, let me give you some good reasons "for" learning algebra. Algebra is a very unique discipline. It is very abstract. The abstract-ness of algebra causes the brain to think in totally new patterns.

That thinking process causes the brain to work, much like a muscle. In simple terms, algebra builds a better brain as do other disciplines such as learning an instrument, doing puzzles, and, yes, even some video games. When the brain is stimulated to think, the hair-like dendrites of the brain grow more extensive and more complex enabling more connections with other brain cells. We often hear that we use only a small percentage of our brain's capacity.

The study of algebra is a way to increase our use of this marvelous muscle. By studying algebra, more "highways" are "built" upon which future "cargo" is transported -- cargo other than algebra.

My favorite analogy is comparing learning algebra to the construction of the railway system in the United States in the 's. When railroads were built, surely those men never conceived of the items that would be transported on those rails more than a hundred years later.