[trubluolyguy]

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

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

[Toby06]

Not if you are doing a direct comparison which would be based on unit price.

[george wythe]

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

That's the simple algebra high schoolers are being asked to solve.

All you have to do is . . . read, and then do basic arithmetic to both sides of an equation.

For instance, an 8-oz bottle of your favorite shampoo is selling for $3.20, while a 12-oz bottle of the same shampoo is selling for $5.40. Which one is a good deal?

Usually we do algebra on our heads, and we solve the problem.

In a classroom, you will have to solve two equations.

8 x = 3.20
x = 3.20 / 8
x = 0.40

The small bottle sells at 40 cents per ounce.

12 x = 5.40
x = 5.40 / 12
x=45

The big bottle sells for 45 cents per ounce. Not a good deal. End of algebra