[arl295]

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

[Olog-hai]

Algebra is vital to calculus, which in turn is vital to all the sciences and hence all of our technology. Algebra cannot be separated from statistics either, so Hacker is talking some major doublespeak here.

[RobbyS]

Actually it is a means of separating out those who ought to go on to college and those who shouldn’t Success in that course has a higher correlation to academic success than the SAT.

[Sasparilla]

Some people have a real problem with algebra. Such as something as basic at -2 X -2 = 4. Why isn’t this taught like a double negative in English is?

[FlingWingFlyer]

Exactly. I guess kids don’t need to learn how to work through a problem if it’s going to cut into their selfie and texting time. We already threw out teaching them how to write. No use teaching the boneheads anything else.

[disndat]

I had a calc professor who told us we were there to learn to think.

[Westbrook]

> 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

That’s what I tell my kids about all the higher math studies; geometry, trigonometry, and analytical geometry and calculus.

And it’s true.

Besides, I use algebra to solve a lot of problems daily.

For example, if you have a photo that is n pixels in height, how many pixels in width do you need to set it on a background with a 16:9 aspect ratio?

16 x
— = -—
9 n

Solving for x,

16n
x = -—
9

[Ouderkirk]

Algebra separates the men from the boys, so to speak.

Just as Calculus does in college.

It is an educational learners permit.

It is also the basic ingredients of Newtonian mechanics.

[kvanbrunt2]

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>>>>absolutly rules based logic to solve problems. math word problems were my favorite. then beloved calculus

[dhs12345]

Kind of important if you are a software engineer.

[Theodore R.]

Yes, Algebra I is good for a thought process and to solve easy problems. Much beyond that is useless for non-mathematicians.

[reformed_dem]

Perhaps the US needs more teachers who can actually teach?