Imagine this! You are on your way home from work when an old friend calls and asks if he can borrow $100 until next Friday as he has a trip planned out of town. You know that this friend has never repaid his debts on time before, but still, you want to lend him some money because you haven’t seen him in years. If he doesn’t pay back what he owes by Friday afternoon, then there is no way that you will be able to see him at his birthday party later that evening since it will be too late for such a quick trip outside of town. Fortunately for both of us, algebra provides a solution.
Algebra is like having a Swiss Army knife with all kinds of tools, including one that opens bottles. Algebra can help you understand data, graphs, and charts, it can help you make better decisions, and it can provide new ways to solve everyday problems.
Algebra Is a Useful Tool to Have In Real-Life
Source: arabiaweather.com
In real life, algebra can be used for various applications.
- Data analysis and engineering: Algebraic methods are used to model data, which is then analyzed to make predictions. In the field of engineering, engineers use algebraic methods to design machines like bridges or cars.
- Architecture: Architects use algebraic techniques to measure distances between objects and create accurate scale models of their buildings before they start construction.
- Finance: Study the stock market and become a successful investor.
- Physics: Why does gravity exist? How do you figure out how much energy it takes to get something moving? You need some algebra.
- Chemistry: What is this chemical compound made up of? Do they react together in any interesting ways? You need some algebra.
- Engineering: Are you building something that needs to be strong enough to hold its weight but light enough not to sink into concrete, like bridges or skyscrapers, or boats? You need some serious algebra!
But another useful tool to have in real-life is a system that can help algebra come to your doorstep. If you’re looking to earn college credit or learn quick algebra without spending much time or money, the online algebra courses by StraighterLine have got you covered.
Adopt the online way to fulfill your basic math requirements covered in college, complete the online algebra course in simply 4 to 6 weeks and execute operations on all algebraic expressions at the college level with online mentoring at no additional cost.
Algebra Is Critical for Other Stem Fields
Source: thebalancecareers.com
The ‘M’ in STEM stands for Math, and algebra is a huge part of the same. If you’re thinking about pursuing a career in science or technology, you will want to be sure that your algebra skills are up to par. Algebra is the basis of many other STEM fields, and it is also crucial for success in math classes that have anything at all related to statistics and probability. So if you want to do well in college and beyond, and who doesn’t, then it is time to get serious about learning algebra.
Algebra Provokes Logic
Algebra may not be the primary method of logical thinking, but it certainly backs up logic and forms the basis of problem-solving. In mathematical logic, ‘Boolean algebra’ is a branch of algebra where the values of the variables deal with truth and false and are usually denoted with 1 and 0, respectively.
Algebra fosters logical reasoning and makes it easier for someone with its knowledge to switch fields easily. For instance, if you’ve taken Algebra classes in school and college but wish to move to a different sector later, you can be preferred over your competitors because of your chosen subject group. Moreover, possessing in-depth knowledge and understanding of algebra will make career-related transitions seamless and smoother.
There Are More Reasons Why You Should Learn Algebra Than Why You Shouldn’t
Source: wonderopolis.org
Algebra may have been with you since elementary, middle, and high school, but in each phase of your life, it gives you a unique reason to adopt it. In high school, you probably knew that algebra is used to learn about functions. But did you know that it’s also used to study geometry? Algebra and geometry work together as one subject, and they both use similar formulas to solve problems. This makes sense because they’re both math-based subjects.
Moreover, its origin dates back to 825 AD, when a Persian mathematician named Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, wrote the book Kitab Al Muhtasar fi Hisab Al Gabr Wa I Muqabala or The Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing. This makes it a part of history as well.
If you are taking an AP class or just a regular college course, the chances are good that, at some point, your teacher will make an analogy between algebra and real-life situations. Let’s say there are two people who want to go out for dinner. One person wants Italian food while another person craves Mexican food. The first person has $10 but doesn’t want to spend any money, the second person has $15 but doesn’t care about what kind of restaurant they go to (as long as it isn’t too expensive). How much money do these two need between them so everyone can get what they want?
Your answer might have been something like this:‘$10 + $15 = $25’. Congratulations, you’ve just solved this problem using algebra! This is what happens when teachers use analogies in their lessons. They show students how their knowledge can be applied outside of school by relating it down again through an example scenario like this one, and we think that’s pretty awesome!
Source: nea.org
Closing Thoughts
Algebra is not just limited to your schooling or college. It is a branch of knowledge that walks with you for life. Now that you’re aware of the application of algebra in everyday life, make sure you acknowledge, accept, and apply it in yours too!
