how do you explain to 13 year old boy why geometry and algebra is important to learn at his or her age?

Answer 1

At that age, you can't really explain it, you show it. Get real life problems such as running a business or landscaping a yard. Have him run all the numbers.

Answer 2

Children at that age need to see the relevance of everything they do. They know why video games are important, and can even give you good reasons why they play (promotes good eye/hand coordination, etc.). So showing them that math is important to their future will help them see the importance of their understanding how it works. Let them know that math helps them learn how to work through a problem until they get it right. It helps them learn to work through all of life's problems in the same manner, not just giving up because they can't get it right. Math teaches perserverance, and sticking with the situation until it's worked out. It teaches that there is a solution, even when the problem is huge. I used to wonder why I needed biology when I was studying to be a secretary. Guess what? It sure came into good use when I had surgery & had my ovary removed and thought I would have a tough time having babies. We need the basics, so that we can meet every challenge that the future throws at us. Who would know that I needed math so much when I became a manager of a gas station? I was sure glad I had the knowledge that I needed. And look at how much money I saved in all the years I made out my own tax forms, by knowing the math needed to figure it out. Tell him that he can't possibly see now how he will use this information in the coming years. And if he hopes to have any future in electronics or computers, he'll need this stuff now. And if he doesn't learn it now, it will only get harder, making it more frustrating for himself. Wouldn't it be a shame that the only thing between him and graduation is algebra? Dropping out is NOT an option. My son did, when he turned 18. A couple of weeks ago, he finally got his diploma, after 7 years! Now he can get a better job, instead of driving a taxi (though it's better than no job). These are all things that our children need to know when they're complaining about it being too hard and what use will it be in the future. Since they don't have their own crystal ball, and are not God, then they need to learn this stuff, pass it, and understand it. It will help them get through high school that much easier. And if those excuses don't work on your 13 year old, just tell them the time honored answer..."because I'm the parent and I said so!" <*)))><

Answer 3

First, make up your mind. Is this a he or a her?
Math plays an important role in ones life. Every aspect of your life will be affected in some form by your knowledge of math. Math is the doorway to Algebra, which leads you
to geometry, calculus, and so on.In the future you may be called to configure,( draw up, ) a map with information containing figures, demensions. which have to match up with another person doing the same thing elsewhere. What if you had to read a blueprint of a building or a big house, could you tell how much space this would take up, including parking. If when you get a job the boss told you what he will be deducting from your paycheck, the first 1/4 of the year will be 16% of your annual gross, the third quarter it will go up to 9/10% of your paycheck after the 40% allowable for insurance and taxes. How would you know if he would be cheating you or not. If you went to put gas in your car and told me you wanted 5 gallons of the $2,89.9 gas, and i charged you $18.00, would that be ok with you? You would have lost $3.05 that day.

Answer 4

Play to his interests. More than likely a 13 y/o boy has a hobby or interest of some kind. With most boys today it's either sports or video games. Take his interest and show him the vast amounts of math that are involved in making them happen. If it's sports, show him how (will involve a little research on your part) a velocity and vector effect whether or not his favorite baseball player hits a home-run or just a ground ball to first base. If it's video games it's really easy. They have books for teen-age kids to learn to program games and within the books there is usually a section about all the math they will need to be a successful programmer since programming involves algorithms and such which are based on calculus, which is based on pre-calculus, which is based on Tah-dah -- Algebra and Geometry. If you use his interests it will excite his imagination like you would not believe.

Answer 5

Point out to him that even though the actual subjects of algebra or geometry may not be used in his life exactly in the sense that it is being done in school, that what he is learning by doing those math problems are far greater skills that will apply to all that he does in his personal and work life. He is learning reasoning, logic, problem solving, disciplined thinking, how to justify answers, and he is building all sorts of connections in his brain cells that will make him a good deal smarter in all that he does. Those are the things learned from geometry and algebra that will make him more successful in any life path he follows.

Answer 6

If the child likes to accumulate things, (some adhere to the, whoever dies with the most toys wins), you explain that things cost money, lots of money, and because we never know what opportunities will come our way in life, it is much better to prepare for any possibilities when at age 13, then at age 32 or 38 or 44. Get a solid foundation of knowledge at 13, oh yes, study interferes with fun, but preparation makes room for so much more fun when they can purchase cars, planes, trips wherever and homes. My oldest started the "I want" at age 3, my standard
answer was, 'you better study hard and get a good education, so you can afford all those things you want'. Truthfully, I seldom used algebra or geometry in my life, but that was my choice of
professions not requiring there use, and I may or may not be capable of solving problems in the two studies, haven't tried for years, but studying algebra and geometry, helped me understand many things in my chosen professions.

Answer 7

13 years old? Well, short answer is if he doesn't want to think it's important...then he won't. However, there are a number of very logical ways to go about this. First, mathematics are required to progress in school (high school and college) and many fields of study have minimum math requirements. For example, to be a physical trainer you must take some pre-calculus courses in college (don't ask me why). Next, math is a way of solving things in a logical, step by step, manner. It's a skill that people can apply not only to math, but to other avenues of life. Last, you're the adult and you say it's important. That never really works, but it is true.

Answer 8

No matter what answer you give them, they wont understand why its is important. But to answer your question, Algebra and Geometry can be viewed as a way of thinking. Once they are understood or mastered, they become part of your everyday logic and problem solving agents. You will be a better and more apt individual. Things in life will make more sense. You will see things that others cannot. You will perceive and understand what others don't even know is there. You will have a special ability. Trust me!!!

Answer 9

Tell him that these subject are not going away and that in about 25 years when he has a 13 year old son that needs help with their homework he does not want to look stupid. But really you use these concepts in everything from shopping for the best sneaker or skateboard to figuring out what would be his best first car. If he could calculate which car has the best resale value and gas mileage for a specific price he may impress his parents enough to get him a car.

Answer 10

Give him projects to do that utilize the principles of algebra and geometry--like how many Star Wars action figures can he buy with a set dollar amount. If the problem relates to him and his interests, and utilizes the math skills he's learning, he'll start to get the connection.

Answer 11

As a teacher, I taught my kids by just having them help me in my wood shop. I'd say, here go cut me a 45 degree angle from here to here or how many 6 inch boards can you get out of 48 in board but you have to start at the center of the board and move outward. I taught them the importance of algebra by giving them a project and put it in terms of a word problem if this that and another was this what would this and this be?