why study algebra
Sometimes, the hardest part of learning is accepting that the skills are actually going to be valuable. Let’s face it, we all feel better about working towards a goal when it has meaning. Why study Algebra? The simplest answer is because it is going to be part of virtually ALL degree programs. When we make the decision to earn a 4-year degree, we have actually agreed to work towards the standards and requirements of that degree program. On a more practical level, math skills prepare us for business calculations, money management, and additional courses in sciences, engineering and technology. Algebra shows us the “nuts and bolts” of how numbers work and prepares us to apply mathematics to a wide variety of situations. Perhaps even more important, but not as tangible, algebra has historically been used to build and reinforce thinking skills. Yes, there are calculations and problem sets, but these are all based on principles and applications of reason, logic and persuasion. We live in an
When we make the decision to earn a 4-year degree, we have actually agreed to work towards the standards and requirements of that degree program. On a more practical level, math skills prepare us for business calculations, money management, and additional courses in sciences, engineering and technology. Algebra shows us the “nuts and bolts” of how numbers work and prepares us to apply mathematics to a wide variety of situations. Perhaps even more important, but not as tangible, algebra has historically been used to build and reinforce thinking skills. Yes, there are calculations and problem sets, but these are all based on principles and applications of reason and persuasion. We live in an increasingly complex world. Recognizing, understanding, and following the rules and patterns of mathematics, practices and nurtures an ability to think and reason.An algebra classroom provides a neutral territory for the practice of rule, pattern-based reason, and logic. Reasonable people can disagre
The truth is that you really do not need algebra unless you plan to teach it or use it in a scientific profession. But . . . before you ax your algebra books, let me give you some good reasons for studying algebra. Algebra is a very unique discipline. It is very abstract. The abstract-ness of algebra causes the brain to think in totally new patterns. That thinking process causes the brain to work, much like a muscle. The more that muscle works out, the better it performs on OTHER tasks. In simple terms, algebra builds a better brain (as do other disciplines such as learning an instrument, doing puzzles, and, yes, even some video games). When the brain is stimulated to think, the hair-like dendrites of the brain grow more extensive and more complex enabling more connections with other brain cells. We often hear that we use only a small percentage of our brains capacity. The study of algebra is a way to increase our use of this marvelous muscle. By studying algebra, more highways are bui
” If you’re a parent, it’s a question that you will no doubt hear as your children study the subject. If you’re a student, it is a very natural question to ask, “What’s the point of learning algebra in the first place?” After all, all of the math leading up to algebra that we learned growing up such as addition, multiplication, decimals, fractions, and the like, seem to have a concrete meaning. These concepts all deal with numbers in some way or another and because of this we can wrap our brains more easily around the concepts. After all, I can pick up six pencils and give two to a friend and by using math I can figure out how many pencils I am left holding in my hand. We can all imagine situations where basic math serves us well – calculating your change in the grocery store for instance. In short, basic math deals with numbers. Since we are all taught how to count at a young age the concepts of basic math, even though challenging at first, seem to have a practical value – even to chi
