Why Study Algebra?

[BraveMaroon]

The only time I ever use it is solving word problems: If I leave Nashville at 6:30 PM and travel to Atlanta going 70 MPH, what time will I arrive? Convert your answer to the correct time zone.

I'll also cross multiply to get a percentage.

And that's it.

I struggled with it, and became a Journalism major to avoid algebra in college.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by BraveMaroon

The only time I ever use it is solving word problems: If I leave Nashville at 6:30 PM and travel to Atlanta going 70 MPH, what time will I arrive? Convert your answer to the correct time zone.

Yeah, but that's basic math, not algebra: Distance divided by mph = travel time.

Originally Posted by AzTheta

Algebra, I loved it! Geometry, on the other hand...ugh. Just, UGH.

LOL. I hear so many people say this. My experience (and my wife's), on the other hand, was the exact opposite. I never had any problem with geometry, and it made perfect sense. I can see a circle, a sphere, a cone . . . . I can easily see how it applies to everyday life -- "How much carpet do I need to redo the downstairs? How much sand do I need to fill this sandbox?"

To me, geometry was concrete, and its relation to real life was obvious. Algebra, on the other hand, was totally abstract, and its relation to real life was completely lost on me.

As for visual helps, I think I'm about to order this book, which we've heard good things about: Algebra Survival Guide: A Conversational Guide for the Thoroughly Befuddled.