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.

[Publius6961]

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. ...

Funny thing is ...
Every loser without a brain says exactly the same thing!

[trubluolyguy]

I asked my algebra teacher in the 10th grade, when will I ever use anything more than division in my life. He rattled off some stuff about if I wanted to be an architect or some crap. I am almost 37 and have never used algebra for literally anything.

Anything past an introductory class ought to be an elective.

[Emmett McCarthy]

I had the same problem. Never could see how to add, multiply or divide freakin' letters! Failed it with gusto every time. That being said, I do realize, after all these years, that I use it in ways I never would guess and do OK with it as long as I don't think of it as "algebra".

[FreedomPoster]

>>If x = Ping, solve for y.

y = Bump

[Muleteam1]

I wish that I had paid more attention in my algebra classes because I use the simplest form of it when I have to solve for an unknown. There probably are useless educational courses but algebra is not one of them.

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

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

An Oldsmobile leaves a party aimed by a senator, How long before someone drowns?

[RightWhale]

You may have been using algrbra all along. In fact, it would be near impossible in our technological civilization to avoid it whether or not the 'y = mx + b' kind of formal notation is ever used.

[xsmommy]

WRONG! it's PIE! ; )

[AmishDude]

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.

Bottom line, kiddies, if you don't do your math, you'll end up like Richard Cohen.

[isthisnickcool]

ROBERT HEINLEIN

Robert A. Henlein, a name worth saying twice!

[TXBSAFH]

Algebra teaches the basic mechanics of math.

[Red Badger]

A 69 Oldsmobile leaves the Kennedy home heading East at 50 MPH. How long before someone drowns?

[SouthernBoyupNorth]

So lets make the courses required for graduation easier so that stupid kids can get a degree and oh yes lets get rid of hard subjects because it lowers the self esteem of illegal immigrants... while we are at it lets make Spanish the national language... <sarc
But this reporter is so stupid he would think its a good idea. Algebra is not a math that everyone uses every day. Some folks can get by with the basics... if you don't mind being ignorant.

[blu]

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

Oh, how can you be so cruel? You know the man can't do percentages, and yet you mock him! You've probably damaged his esteem, and now he will require counseling!

[Publius6961]

Another great Heinlein quote!
Thank you.

[AmishDude]

Writing is the highest form of reasoning.

Not surprisingly, this statement comes from a professional writer.

And by his work product, I'd contend he's disproven his own statement.

[Mr. K]

In other words "I am stupid in this subject so everyone else should be too"

After all, why teach anyone anything that you personally don't understand, right?


Liberal authors prove their stupidiy daily, but rarely admit it this freely.

[dfwgator]

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

That depends. Is Ted Kennedy driving?

[Red Badger]

Slope?......

[AmishDude]

I like it!