Algebra is largely unimportant in most peoples lives. How to manage finances etc. should be the major emphasis of general higher mathematical education.
That is very true especially with students who will not be going to college. It should not be a required course. Basic Math and practical application Math such as ones finances and even how to make correct change {without a cash register} should be taught.
I had basic Math in high school. During the early 1980's downturn being able to give customers correct change without the cash register's assistance got me a job. Many kids today can not count back customers change from the amount due to the amount handed them by the customer.
This method helps cut down on mistakes and more important SCAMs where the customers says the change wasn't correct. You count it to them in that method then both of you can catch the mistake. I didn't put the money in the till until the customer pocketed their change.
Last week the NYT Xword had an algebra theme, with clues ( all across ) "Part one of problem", "Part two of problem", and "Answer to problem". Answers to clues were:
XPLUSYISSIXTEEN
XMINUSYISFOUR
XISTENANDYISSIX
Sorry, friend, but I’m going to have to disagree with you. Basic algebra is necessary to correctly set up formulas in an Excel spreadsheet for a business owner tracking employee performance. As an author, (granted I’m a scifi author) I had to use algebra to check the facts in my book. Algebra is even necessary for archaeologists, as my mother found out when she had to have her high school freshman daughter set up her electrolysis equipment.