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.

[CodeToad]

"I call it simple mathematics "

Yes, indeed Algebra is "simple mathematics", which is why so many failing students is alarming: They can't pass simple math.

[fso301]

Gabriela, you don't need to know and really shouldn't know algebra in order to be a democrat.

[Flavius Josephus]

People get by without being able to read too. Now they have a fancy euphemism for it. They say they're "dyslexic."

[alloysteel]

There is no reason at all, Gabriela, to learn how to manipulate the symbols in algebra. Unless you plan on becoming a mathematician, a physicist, a chemist, an engineer, or any of a number of other discplines that involve the use of logic and precision of definitions.

The concept of algebra is not all that difficult. All kinds of mathematical formulae may have the numerical value substituted, and the equation solved, at which time, the numbers may be plugged in, and voila! the Answer appears. That is how we get to E=mc(squared).

This equation is what is provides unlimited electrical power, and what assures that America retains supremacy over the rest of the world. Of course, these things may not be important to some people, and even raise suspicions that the United States is some kind of oppressor nation. Therefore, ignorance is to be acclaimed, just to keep The Man from attaining total control over EVERYBODY'S life.

The trouble is, there is a very stealthy Man out there that is gradually seizing control over the lives of others, and counting on their ignorance to remain undetected. It is called the "dumbing down" of America, and eventually, should this phenomenon continue unchecked, America WILL be a series of Balkanized principalities, reduced to Third World status, while the ascendant Chinese, with no check on their power from the West, shall come to rule the remainder of the planet. And it shall be a very ruthless stewardship of the world.

[yellowdoghunter]

Oh great, now we got people telling us how stupid we are because we don't care for algebra.

[trebb]

If x = Ping, solve for y.

Y? To act as a lead-in for Pong.

[dfwgator]

is the origin of the word algorithm, which is a term used to describe a repetitive, or iterative, process of solving a problem.

Al Gore invented algorithms.

[epluribus_2]

Or if all you need to do is say "Yes'm yer Honor, I wuz dere dat night".

[jpl]

You could make this argument about a whole lot of subjects. What is the value of, say, world history or classic English literature for most adults today?

While there were subjects that I hated in my school years, I'm very grateful to my parents and all the teachers who cared about my education, even when I wanted to resist.

[PETEPARSLEY]

ALGEBRA ????

I am still perplexed by the metric system

[mlc9852]

Almost as bad as being called stupid for believing God created the heavens and the earth. I guess I'll just have to learn to live with it! LOL

[wolfpat]

Does y^2=bttt?

[Toby06]

That big "O" she's trying to catch is a letter, not a number.

[george wythe]

I don't think knowing algebra is in any way a requirement for success in life.

Of course not. The same can be said about English, literature, history, geography, political science, etc.

The issue here is whether our high school diplomas are comparable to, at a minimum, a middle school diploma in China or Germany.

[Flavius Josephus]

True, and all of a sudden it's a breeze, it's exhilirating, it's like flying. Suddenly I was whipping out the equations the way I thought I should have been in high school. If only there was a way to get the high school kids there. Maybe require some Calc? DiffleQ?

[cripplecreek]

So what's the point of using letters to denote numerical values?

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Agree. Even though I tended toward the scribbling profession in my formative years, I now wish I had taken more science and mathematics.

[yellowdoghunter]

I do agree with the guy, though, that if you don't have it, then you don't have it, and there's no sense fretting over it. Just do something else.

I agree completely. I really do think there is a math gene or something. Some people just seem to really get it, while others don't. We need to identify those children who do get it, have a passion for it, and stoke that passion. There are plenty of jobs out there for people who don't get it and have no desire to get it. But I also agree with you that you can make more money if you do understand algebra.

[Don W]

That's easy: price it at $2500 and let them bargain you down to $2k. They'll think you're an easy mark, and you'll meet your goal.

[Rastus]

Every Friday night, ABC mocks and abuses this poor girl by playing the show "Numb3rs." I think she's got grounds for a lawsuit.