Why is algebra important in High School to College?
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Without a solid foundation in algebra calculus will be an impenetrable learning curve. The most challenging part of calculus, IMHO, is the algebra and trig. Ideally we would teach two levels of geometry in High School in addition to algebra, that would be the best preparation for college level calculus.
When I say algebra, I don’t mean 8th grade algebra, I mean algebra 1, 2, and the pre-calc algebra that starts introducing students to linear algebra concepts.
Modern algebra was invented in the 9th century, before that when you studied a math it was mainly geometry. Using geometry to solve problems got really complicated really quickly. Using Arabic numerals and algebra greatly simplified complicated math. Rene Descartes (from cogito ergo sum) developed the idea of ‘analytical geometry’, or using a coordinate plane and algebra to analyze geometric problems. So when you graph stuff you can blame Rene. Those techniques lowered the entrance bar to abstract mathematics.
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