I looked at algebra as a logical thought process
So even though many people won’t need the hard mechanics, the thought process can be applied elsewhere
As I’ve said to the many students I’ve taught algebra, geometry, etc. to over the years, learning math teaches you to think and reason.
I wish that this had been brought up when I was in school:)
That being said yes it is necessary, thankfully I married an engineer who can help our kids with their math homework. I edit the essays.
If we get rid of Algebra in schools, I may have to reverse my opposition to H1B visas, as we’ll need at least some EDUCATED people to run this country (look at what happened to Africa when the colonial powers left).
Maybe Cruz was on to something after all, wanting to increase the H1B’s by 500%.
A2 + 15 = NO!
I run a construction business and I use algebra everyday. Sadly, too many employees have zero algebra skills and I have to make dummy proof calculations on price sheets etc...
Not needed unless you want to learn how to reason and think logically.
They should take out all the hard stuff. Who cares about reading, riting and rithmetic anyway? Hey, baby, que paso.
It certainly helps to factor out a math proof. The way some 8th grade teachers treat it makes some kids argue that Pie are round, not squared.
If you don’t grasp it, you will lose a lot of logical arguments if you are the arguing kind (see DinDus (all colors)).
Thinking it was necessary for college, I took trig, analytical geometry and plane geometry in high school.
Never used any of them in college. I did take statistics which required fairly complex figuring.
I always thought plane geometry was the one which encouraged thinking.
I think reading is the real stumbling block. Eliminate that requirement, and lots of people could get advanced degrees of all kinds.
For that one needs a Ouija board.
Number theory is much worse:
“Prove that for every positive integer n there exists an n-digit number divisible by 5n all of whose digits are odd.”
Yeah, right....
I’ve seen cases made for pushing calculus to the more solid STEM side of things and making statistics more front-and-center for the average student, but how could one possibly argue against algebra? It’s the basis of all higher math. It also happens to be pretty damned easy.
Algebra is one of the most racist subjects, perhaps even more racist than Citizenship and Attendance.
Algebra could be taught in one week.
I use maybe 10 equations in life, each year...
Yes indeed but we need to explain why we need it. We need to explain to kids that if they want to make $25 an hour out of high school, they need the tools to learn a trade that uses algebra and geometry.
All you got's to know is you gotta not be dissed an' vote for the Dimocrats...!
I actually used algebra in my life to good effect.
Teach it. There may be a case for some geometry, but not much. ;)
if Algebra is so important and necessary, then the teachers should do a better job of teaching and preparing the students to learn algebra.
Teachers are paid to teach.
They are not paid to occupy a desk.