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.

[Toby06]

That's not such a smart comment. There is a big difference between dyslexia and illiteracy.

I have a sister who was dyslexic, and managed to earn a phd in a scinece related field. She is very well published and respected in her field, and is certainly not dyslexic.

You ignorance and worse yet boastful ignorance are amazing.

Have a nice day. Jerk.

[Rastus]

I looked it up to make sure, and Birmingham High School is indeed a public government school, run by public, unionized teachers! Maybe it's irrelevant. Maybe this girl just can't be taught. But, I bet Cohen would have had a different focus had she attended a private school, or had she been homeschooled.

Though, to be honest, I'm doubting she would have failed six for six had she been in private or homeschooling.

[trubluolyguy]

Algebra II is required for high school diploma.

---

Other than that is is useful in......?


Nothing I have ever done or most likely will do.

[trubluolyguy]

If you have ever compared prices of products in different volume containers, you have used algebra in some form.

---

I can do this by reading and using simple addition and subtraction.

[RightWhale]

You have never used the pythagorean theory?

Pythagorean theory is not well known these days, but the pythagorean theorem is proved and is used, even by apprentices, in the construction trades.

[george wythe]

Trade schoolers need to know more practical math than almost anyone else

Actually, you're right. I was not clear enough in my writing.

Many trades are math intensive, such as construction, HVAC or mechanical trades. Nevertheless, I must remind you that certain kids are very good at solving math problems involving real life situations, but the same kids will have trouble in an more sterile classroom finishing an algebra test.

[jpsb]

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

To find the set of all possible solutions, or even better to find the set of all impossible solutions.

[Brytani]

Obviously the answer is the quadratic of a shower.

[Chunga]

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. ...

Genius opinion journalists at the Washington Post ping.

[edpc]

I have a sister who was dyslexic, and managed to earn a phd in a scinece related field. She is very well published and respected in her field, and is certainly not dyslexic.

Huh? So she's dyslexic (or not) and you're contradictory. The two of you together must be a blast!

[Toby06]

Admitting you have no knowledge of 6th grade math is idiotic.

I don't think I am any better at math than the average high school graduate need be.

Oh yeah, and while I can spell well, i am not such a great typist. Thanks for not bagging me on the spelling error in the post to which you originally replied.

[Tokra]

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

You use algebra all the time - but just don't know it as such. If you and a buddy paint my house and you do twice the work he does - believe me, you'll use algebra to make sure you get twice the pay he does. That's algebra.

[MarxSux]

Writing the highest form of reasoning? I don't think so. Just look at the writings in, for example, DemocraticUnderground.com.

[Toby06]

Good point, the second dyslexic was meant to read "illiterate"

[Liberty Valance]

ttbt

[Servant of the 9]

53 years here and doing just fine! Of course, I value spelling and grammar much more than math.

Then let me manage your retirement funds for you.
I will explain elegantly why I end up with all your money and why you should thank me for doing so.

So9

[Brytani]

When I first went back to college it had been YEARS since I'd had to complete any math aside from basic life mathmatics.

I took my placement tests scared to death, I just knew I'd bomb the math portion so badly I'd have to re-take basic math. On one problem I reached a final answer of 5/0 which I reduced to, yes you got it....5.

Doing math while scared gives on the ability to divide by 0....

[trubluolyguy]

However, I can understand how those who do get it and love doing math think we are somehow less intelligent than them.

---

Sometimes they come off as arrogant. Like my former Algebra teachers. One told I had to learn it to keep him in a job. I think I hated him so much I purposely did not study and skipped his class more often than not.

[shelterguy]

Thanks for clarifying. I thought I was a little "slow" since I couldn't figure it out.

[MarxSux]

If the Swimmer is driving the train, watch out!