What Is the Value of Algebra?

The Washington Post ^ | February 16, 2006 | Richard Cohen

[RBroadfoot]

None, according to Richard Cohen of the Washington Post.

EXCERPT: I am haunted by Gabriela Ocampo. ... failing algebra six times in six semesters, trying it a seventh time and finally just despairing over ever getting it.

The L.A. school district now requires all students to pass a year of algebra ...

Here's the thing, Gabriela: You will never need to know algebra. I have never once used it and never once even rued that I could not use it. ...

Gabriela, sooner or later someone's going to tell you that algebra teaches reasoning. This is a lie propagated by, among others, algebra teachers. Writing is the highest form of reasoning. This is a fact. Algebra is not. The proof of this, Gabriela, is all the people in my high school who were whizzes at math but did not know a thing about history and could not write a readable English sentence. ...

Algebra ruined many a day for me. Now it could ruin your life.

[RBroadfoot]

This is an old article, but I couldn't find it on FR.

In the article, Cohen admits that he doesn't understand algebra, can't even do percentages, and just doesn't get it. Though he admits his own stupidity in elementary mathematics, this liberal thinks himself qualified to opine on tax rates, budgets, economic development, inflation, monetary policy, military issues, etc.

BTW, Gabriela skipped 62 of the 93 days during her final semester. Maybe that would explain a large part of her failure.

http://www.latimes.com/news/education/la-me-dropout30jan30,0,3211437.story?page=3

[Beckwith]

To know how much paint to buy.

[edpc]

What Is the Value of Algebra?

Hmmmmm.....it's been awhile, but I think it's X.

[martin_fierro]

If x = Ping, solve for y.

[Red Badger]

Of course you need algebra everyday,

If DeShawn sells 27 crack rocks at ten dollars each, and then takes the money and buys a new Saturday Night Special, how many pimps can he whack in the next two nights before the cops can trace the bullets?.........

[taxcontrol]

I can see this argument for Trig and Calculus but not Algebra.

[YouPosting2Me]

"failing algebra six times in six semesters"

That would be a 100% failure rate... just trying to help.

[Omedalus]

"Gabriela, sooner or later someone's going to tell you that algebra teaches reasoning. This is a lie propagated by, among others, algebra teachers. Writing is the highest form of reasoning."

Not surprisingly, this statement comes from a professional writer. :)

[cripplecreek]

I've managed to get to be 41 years old without learning algebra and I seem to get by just fine.

[Robert A Cook PE]

His (typical liberal journalist/NON-math/non-arithmatic! attitude) appears sympathetic, but that supposed sympathy hides the refusal to require even average kids to BEAR DOWN, GET TOUGH, and STUDY.

Gee Mr. Cohen, isn't it easier when you can "fake" strings of illogical words and thoughts together in sentences, rather than be forced to follow the strict rules of mathematical logic and rules?

[xsmommy]

OMG i am distressed to know that i am in agreement with Richard Cohen! i despise him AND math!

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

Anyone who cannot cope with mathematics is not fully human. At best he is a tolerable subhuman who has learned to wear shoes, bathe, and not make messes in the house.

ROBERT HEINLEIN

[YouPosting2Me]

A train leaves N.Y. City heading East at 50 MPH. How long before someone drowns?

[calljack]

The final value of algebra is 42.
Duh.

[js1138]

I suppose Richard Cohen is among the elite at WAPO who thing GWB is stupid.

[jdm]

if zot = kitty and kitty is less than tinfoil, but more than hugh, how much is series?

[Toby06]

More than that, it's infinite!

[YouPosting2Me]

Chuck Norris can divide by zero!

[Blackirish]

My worst subject. If you get lost early there is no hope for a comeback.

[Political Junkie Too]

Here's the thing, Gabriela: You will never need to know algebra. I have never once used it and never once even rued that I could not use it. ...

Has this guy ever had to make change?

-PJ