Why Study Algebra?

[Munchkin03]

I think your reason #2 was the best one I could come up with since it's the only thing that ever got me motivated.

I'm in what's arguably a pretty math-heavy profession but I don't use much more than basic arithmetic. Very occasionally (like, once a year) I'll need some geometry but that's not really algebra-based. We had to take a semester of calc and a semester of physics for architecture but that was the extent of my college math. I think I used IB scores to get out of calc. I did enjoy stats, though.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

Let's go the other way, then...what are his hobbies, and I will try to think of an application :-)

He loves video games (though has made clear to us and to his teacher that he doesn't want to design them; I still wonder, though). He loves to read, he takes walks and runs (but we can't get him interested in track), and he takes karate, which he really enjoys. (It's the only sport-like physical activity we've been able to get him involved in.)

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

We had to take a semester of calc and a semester of physics for architecture but that was the extent of my college math.

When I was my son's age I wanted to be an architect, and then I realized the math and physics that would be involved. Never liked math and never liked science.

Originally Posted by AzTheta

BTW I've sent out an SOS to my SLP friends to see if they have any useful resources for you. If I get any responses, I'll PM you. It may take a few days to hear from people; we're all crazy busy right now.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

You use algebra anytime you try to calculate an unknown based on other info you have.

Ex: Modifying a recipe is an algebraic function.

I think I really must have an inadequate understanding of what differentiates algebra from other forms of math, because I would think of that as basic mathematics. That inadequate understanding on my part is probably not helping me help him.

Everyone ahead of me pretty much stated what I was going to say. Apply it to what he likes and see if that changes anything. Good luck. He seems like a very bright boy. Remember that he's no less bright because he is struggling with math (you know that, as a dad but not every parent does.)

Thanks. He is indeed a very bright boy. I think that has actually been part of his algebra problem -- aside from not enjoying math he's not used to things not coming easily, so there's a major frustration factor.

But get him started on things like the North Korean political system or the cult of Hitler, classical history, mythology, comparative politics or comparative religion (yes, he's been known to correct the teacher on things about religions other than ours, and yes the teacher looked it up and said "You're right") or many other topics, and he gets it a lot better than many adults.

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

When I was my son's age I wanted to be an architect, and then I realized the math and physics that would be involved. Never liked math and never liked science.

I think I really must have an inadequate understanding of what differentiates algebra from other forms of math, because I would think of that as basic mathematics. That inadequate understanding on my part is probably not helping me help him.

The funny thing is, there's not that much math/physic involved! The most I do is arithmetic and a little geometry. I was talking with some co-workers at lunch today and we were saying how daunting older architects make the profession sound--perhaps so younger folks don't get into it?

But, maybe I have the same issue that you have--what I consider basic arithmetic (add/subtract/multiply/divide) is actually closer to algebra?

[agzg]

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

But, maybe I have the same issue that you have--what I consider basic arithmetic (add/subtract/multiply/divide) is actually closer to algebra?

Well, arithmetic is part of algebra. Algebra is basically the concept of using one or more variables to stand for numbers, then solving for that variable. For example, when halving a recipe that yields 24 cookies, and for 24 you need 2 cups of sugar, how many cups of sugar do you use? If you were writing it out, you'd use "X" in the place of number of cups, and solve for it.

Plus, algebra is the application of rules(which is what seems makes it boring for MC Jr.), PEMDAS, FOIL, and so on.

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

He loves video games (though has made clear to us and to his teacher that he doesn't want to design them; I still wonder, though). He loves to read, he takes walks and runs (but we can't get him interested in track), and he takes karate, which he really enjoys. (It's the only sport-like physical activity we've been able to get him involved in.)

From the video game angle ... a lot of the problem-solving in video games is figuring out the pattern or the unknown from a series of known "variables". For example, you know that there are 5 pieces to the puzzle, and 5 caves to explore - if you don't find that puzzle piece in Cave C, you can be pretty sure you missed something, so you backtrack, find what you missed, fill in the gaps, etc.

Even in something like a first-person shooter, you're constantly examining where you know people are, and what you don't know, to see if you can figure out what's going on from the context clues.

What kinds of games does he like? He may be using related critical thinking without even realizing, and that might be your hook.