can anyone explainthe practical utility of algebra ?

Answer 1

It is one of our human tools for perceiving the world a little more clearly.

Answer 2

It is a branch of mathematics concerning the study of structure, relation and quantity. Elementary algebra is often taught in secondary education and gives an introduction to the basic ideas of algebra: studying what happens when numbers are added or multiplied, and how to make polynomials and find their roots.Sets: Rather than just considering the different types of numbers, abstract algebra deals with the more general concept of sets: a collection of objects called elements. All the familiar types of numbers are sets. Other examples of sets include the set of all two-by-two matrices, the set of all second-degree polynomials (ax2 + bx + c), the set of all two dimensional vectors in the plane, and the various finite groups such as the cyclic groups which are the group of integers modulo n. Set theory is a branch of logic and not technically a branch of algebra.

Binary operations: The notion of addition (+) is abstracted to give a binary operation, * say. For two elements a and b in a set S a*b gives another element in the set, (technically this condition is called closure). Addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (×), and division (÷) are all binary operations as in addition and multiplication of matrices, vectors, and polynomials.

Identity elements: The numbers zero and one are abstracted to give the notion of an identity element. Zero is the identity element for addition and one is the identity element for multiplication. For a general binary operator * the identity element e must satisfy a * e = a and e * a = a. This holds for addition as a + 0 = a and 0 + a = a and multiplication a × 1 = a and 1 × a = a. However, if we take the positive natural numbers and addition, there is no identity element.

Inverse elements: The negative numbers gives rise to the concept of an inverse elements. For addition, the inverse of a is -a, and for multiplication the inverse is 1/a. A general inverse element a-1 must satisfy the property that a * a-1 = e and a-1 * a = e.

Associativity: Addition of integers has a property called associativity. That is, the grouping of the numbers to be added does not affect the sum. For example: (2+3)+4=2+(3+4). In general, this becomes (a * b) * c = a * (b * c). This property is shared by most binary operations, but not subtraction or division.

Commutativity: Addition of integers also has a property called commutativity. That is, the order of the numbers to be added does not affect the sum. For example: 2+3=3+2. In general, this becomes a * b = b * a. Only some binary operations have this property. It holds for the integers with addition and multiplication, but it does not hold for matrix multiplication.

Answer 3

you use algebra much more then you think. If you are in a store and you say, ok, 25% off of $20 makes this $16 what you actually just did was A=B-.25C. Of course that is a simple example, but the fact is, algebra is a part of life.

Another thing most people don't realize about math in general is that it forces you to use more of your brain. You do not process language skills the same way you do math skills. Learning math makes you smarter, not just in knowledge gained, but in ability to use your mind, the most valuable resource you have.

Answer 4

Algebra is essential for finding an unknown quantity in any problem involving volumes, weights, slopes, and various other measures. Engineering would not exist without algebra. Accountants use it all the time. Insurance companies base their entire businesses on mathematics, largely Algebra, and carpenters cannot build stairs or roofs without it.

Answer 5

The average person doesn't use it on a daily basis, but all of science and technology is founded on mathematics. The computer you used to type this question is dependent on algebraic functions.

Answer 6

Simple answer.....

Logic behind of algebra is, left handside equition no matter how is always equivalent to right handside equition. You can always a point of balance and yet you can define your way to success.

Eg.

Working Smart = (Work Less x Income x Smart x Network x IT x skill) / (Work hard x stuburn x stupid x isolated x hate x spending)

No matter how you work with the above equation you will still achieve balance if Working Smart is the constant.

Answer 7

it is analogous to learning French 1 or German 1....math is a cumulative process...just like a foreign language....

there are some uses for algebra - but limited and fairly elementary

but , just like learning to speak French or German more fluently...the more math that you can "speak"..understand...the more you can use it, apply it, understand it

Another point
.....the more math and science that you understand....
the more you realize how complex most "things" are....



At "more science high school" our illustrious principal Euchipha Heef used to say

more science and plenty of it

Answer 8

Click my source link. It links to tons of examples of when we use algebra or other math in everyday life.

Answer 9

It teaches you how to think in terms of abstract concepts, and to manipulate those concepts to form new (and non-obvious) relationships between them.


Doug