Question 1

why is algebra is important

Accepted Answer

Algebra gives us the basis we need to comprehend certain problems that require more thinking. It also gives a building block for future math classes and can help with non-math related classes as well.

Question 2

What exactly are these videos for?

Accepted Answer

Motivation. It is easier to learn a subject if you understand why it is important to do so.

Question 3

Why Algebra so important

Accepted Answer

algebra is a really good and exact way to find things we don't know completely. one of the things i think of most when i think of this is a rocket's fin. we use algebra to find the unknown value of the angle of the ship's fin so that it's safe to fly into space and around the world. the fin needs to have an almost perfect angle to not fly in a wrong direction or spin out of control, so we use algebra to find this unknown value with graphing for rocket's fins, how a boat's buoyancy can help it travel without getting capsized, etc. this is just a few examples of how important algebra is and if you want more i'd be gladto give you more. i hoped this helped and that you have a good year :)

Question 4

Here's my thing: why is there so much importance placed on something that over half the American population hates, and doesn't use in everyday life? Why is this important to your everyday, blue collar, average Joe? This video is the same answer that's been given to this question for 50+ years. I've been in the workforce for 30+ years, and this video was the same answer I was given. And to add to it not once have I had to use the complex algebraic equations that were taught in both high school (in the mid 90s) and college (10 years ago) or that I'm trying to learn now so I can go back to school for a different degree which doesn't use this math on a daily basis. So my question remains, why is this subject so important when so many aren't using it now, or going to use it in their everyday careers? I know from my experience that  if there were ever a time I needed to use these complex algebraic equations in everyday life, before the internet I just wouldn't use it and find a way to work around it, or (especially now) I'll just look up the answer online using the smartphone in my pocket. Keeping this in mind for the general public, again why is this so important? And why is the importance stressed on memorization when the info is right in front of us 24/7? Memorization is a good skill to have, but outdated for the modern workforce, and especially outdated for math, so why as a society are we stuck on the same education models that were used during WWII? This video might have been inspiring to me if I was planning on using math beyond what is required for my program, or going back to school for a STEM program. But I'm not, and I'm only trying to learn it because that's what's required by the University but it's not used in the field. To me there are people who work in STEM fields for a reason: because they like it, and if the rest of us did, then we'd be in those fields too. So again, my questions remain. Please someone give me an answer that you would give to a blue collar, non college educated, everyday, average Joe that doesn't have a care in the world about math, STEM, or the above video. Thank you.

Accepted Answer

Simply put, just because the field you work in doesn't involve Math on a higher level, doesn't mean it's useless. Also, where's the data proving that math is something that "half the American population hates, and doesn't use in everyday life"?

Math is extremely essential, not only in research, but even in daily life. You use basic algebra in simple day-to-day stuff without even knowing it. Sure, I can't say you use everything you learn, but that's the point. If you stick with it, you'll find areas to use that knowledge.

And for your point on memorization, sure, information is available at command. But, that doesn't mean we just rely on the Internet for everything. If everyone did that, there wouldn't be any discoveries. People who discover something new use a combination of technology and manual skills.

College Algebra

Course: College Algebra > Unit 2

Why is algebra important to learn?

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