Why do we have to learn algebra and how do people use it in our daily life?
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There are a crap ton of useful properties that are basically algebra. For instance, let’s say you want to know what 25 percent of 60 is. “Percent” just means “divided by 100,” and “of” means “multiplied by,” so what we’re asking is what’s X in the equation
X = 25/100 * 60
So take 25, divide by 100, and multiply by 60 and you get 15, which is the answer.
But now let’s say what we wanted to know is what percent of 60 15 is. You can just rearrange the equation. Instead of the one above, we want to know what the percent is, so we can write:
15 = X/100 * 60
There are some algebraic rules that tell us we can move the X to one side by writing the formula above as:
X = 15 * 100 / 60
Put that in your calculator and you get X is 15.
There are a whole mess of these things and they come in handy for all sorts of things, like figuring out how big of a tip someone left or whatever.
Note also that using spreadsheets and writing software is the same kind of thing.
Algebra is basically everything that is math. A simple addition or subtraction is already algebra. You use it every day without realizing it.
By buying groceries and calculating the price, or calculating interest for a loan, you’re again using it.
if you use a computer, a phone or anything with a screen, everything that is displayed is calculated with algebra. What and where to put it, how to move it and so on.
Learning algebra allows you to think about real life things in terms of one or more variables. In other words, not knowing what all values are, or choosing to change one value and see what impact that has.
Some of the algebra concepts you already use intuitively. For example, if you want to buy a new phone for $480 dollars, and you have $320, how much extra do you need to save? The algebraic way of doing this is: 320 + X = 480, solve for X, but you know from earlier maths you simply do 480 – 320 to get 160. Learning algebra allows you to do more complex variations of this without specifically doing algebra.
You can also use it for checking what impact a change will have. For example, you might be trying to sell a car online, and you have the option of listing with a company that charges you a flat fee of $50 plus 3% of the sale price above $5000. A second site charges you a rate of 2% of the full price. If you think you can sell your car for $7000, which is the better option? And if spending $500 on getting professional photos taken will increase the sale price by $2000, do you need to switch online vendors to reduce the fees you pay?
Algebra teaches you both the practical tools to make these calculations, plus the more important ability to think in the abstract with variables values and unknowns.
Ever tried splitting a complicated dinner bill? Yeah that’s when you need algebra.
When you go to the store and want to buy 3 apples and X bananas with 15 dollars.
You’d use algebra whether you realise it or not
There are many reasons.
First of all, when you’re in high school (or middle school) you usually don’t know what career you’re going to choose. Even if you do, things could change. Even if everybody knew, average class have a lot of people, each of which may want to choose a different path. You can’t teach different stuff to every single person, so you try to find a common ground. Math can be useful in many jobs (from plain algebra to more advanced stuff), and basic math knowledge helps you follow STEM classes in college if you want to. College professors don’t want to waste months explaining x+5=2.
Second, a bit of math does help.
Basically everyone in the “real world” uses percentages (10%, 35%) at some point, for taxes, shopping discounts,… That’s algebra.
Or, let’s say you want to build something out of wood, let’s say a fence. Your favorite shop only has 6 and 8 ft wooden boards. How many boards do you need to build a fence in your 3,000 sqft home? How much is that going to cost you?
Or maybe you want a nice pool. Let’s say a 5×10 pool, 5 feet deep. But you need chlorine to kill germs. Someone tells you people generally recommend 85 mL of chlorine every 4,500 liters. How much is that going to be?
Or, let’s say you’re driving around and you have to fill the gas tank. You have 40 bucks left. Can you fill a full tank?
Third, math in school does (or at least should) train some problem solving skills. You face a problem, you look at what you have and try to find a solution. If it doesn’t work, it’s probably because you forgot something along the way or you made a mistake.
There are a crap ton of useful properties that are basically algebra. For instance, let’s say you want to know what 25 percent of 60 is. “Percent” just means “divided by 100,” and “of” means “multiplied by,” so what we’re asking is what’s X in the equation
X = 25/100 * 60
So take 25, divide by 100, and multiply by 60 and you get 15, which is the answer.
But now let’s say what we wanted to know is what percent of 60 15 is. You can just rearrange the equation. Instead of the one above, we want to know what the percent is, so we can write:
15 = X/100 * 60
There are some algebraic rules that tell us we can move the X to one side by writing the formula above as:
X = 15 * 100 / 60
Put that in your calculator and you get X is 15.
There are a whole mess of these things and they come in handy for all sorts of things, like figuring out how big of a tip someone left or whatever.
Note also that using spreadsheets and writing software is the same kind of thing.
I never liked algebra. I do solve my problems with my common sense. Spend .75 c out of a dollar you make. Simple.
But another purpose, which no-one has mentioned so far, is to teach you how to think.
To stretch your brain.
To prime you for the real world.
Your brain is the only thing that separates you from other animals and school tries to teach you how to use it.
When you go to the store and want to buy 3 apples and X bananas with 15 dollars.
You’d use algebra whether you realise it or not
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