[bgill]

I think it’s reasonable to ditch algebra. All these many decades since Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, college Algebra I, college Algebra II, Trig and Logistics, I’ve not used them whatsoever.

[luckystarmom]

I use it in my daily life as a stay at home mom, and I definitely used it as a software engineer.

[loungitude]

I disagree and here is why:

When one learns an abstract problem solving method like algebra (or calc, or diff eqs.) It develops a part of the brain to do these types of problems. It also develops reading, writing, organization, and other disciplines.
So way down the road, one may have forgotten the method to do a complex math problem, but one only needs to pick up a book (internet) to find the procedure.
If the student never learns it in the first place, they will never have all of the attendant skills that came with learning it in the first place.
Personally, I always thought that sports was a waste of time. However, now after 20+ years in industry, I see that my above theory is correct: People that did sports show discipline, reasoning, strategy that others (like me) had to learn the hard way.

[huldah1776]

Neither did I. I loved Algebra, hated geometry. If you aren’t going to use it, you’re gonna lose it anyway. Problem I had was I was supposed to be a car mechanic, but being a woman and not wanting to get my hands greasy, forget it. I can still figure out most things, though.

[rdcbn]

I think it’s reasonable to ditch algebra. All these many decades since Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, college Algebra I, college Algebra II, Trig and Logistics, I’ve not used them whatsoever.

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If you completed all of those courses and learned the basics, then you have been using it all along - even if you are not aware of it.

You may not make use of equations but you benefit from the cognitive and reasoning skills that you develop from studying those mathematical principles.

The well developed reasoning skills and the rational and logical thought process developed from studying math carry over into all aspects of life, even including the raising of children

[righttackle44]

I think it’s reasonable to ditch algebra. All these many decades since Algebra I, Geometry, . . . I’ve not used them whatsoever.

Well, I'm glad that the engineers who design the bridges you and I drive over every day, the architects who design the buildings, the pharmacists who learned chemistry because they learned the basics of solving chemical equations in algebra class, and so many others, use these mathematics disciplines every day.

And those who design munitions used by our military forces also use math.

Without exposure to algebra in high school gives, students will have no insight as to how mathematics can help them solve many problems in America, give them insight about problem solving, and pass on their knowledge and abilities.

With respect to the dumbing down of American kids, we've already had a good laugh at the girl who could not testify in court because she could not read cursive writing.

Dumbing down is a good way to describe an American school system that does not offer algebra and geometry.

[Ozark Tom]

The shaping of the mind which occurs through mathematical gymnastics, stays with a person as a more reasoned approach to problem solving. You may not formally use the mathematics explored while acquiring an education; but, that immersion leaves a lasting imprint of formal logic.

[cantfindagoodscreenname]

If you studied all of those subjects and understood them, I am certain that your ability to think and approach problems in a logical manner is directly related to those studies. Of course, I know nothing of your reasoning abilities. I’m assuming they are good. :-)