for example : what do we do with X^2+8X-73=0 in real life
2007-04-12 19:56:31 · 8 answers · asked by Eslam 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
The goal of algebra is to learn the building blocks for more complex mathematics like calculus, geometry, statistics, differential equations -- basically the math that every single bit of technology that you use every single day is based upon!
To give you an analogy -- It's like trying to write a Shakespearean play when you don't even know the alphabet, or compose a symphony while you are still struggling with "Chopsticks" or painting the Mona Lisa using a paint-by-number canvas.
What's sad is that the majority of U.S. students have no interest in even trying to learn higher mathematics. We continue to lag further and further behind the rest of the world in this respect.
Luckily those of us who do make the effort are rewarded with obscene salaries. ;-)
2007-04-12 20:14:02 · answer #1 · answered by birdwoman1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Suppose you are designing a car and want to find out how much fuel should the engine hold ? How about the amount of steel to be used to make a bridge ? Or a program to understand what humans are saying ? A robot which can roam around on Mars ?
Maths equips us with the tools necessary to understand Science and thus help us make use of what we know and to know further. Equations and identities may seem obscure now but are the stepping stones to building the world.
2007-04-12 20:07:39 · answer #2 · answered by ag_iitkgp 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You may never encounter a messy quadratic equation such as that in real life. However, I must emphasize, just like others here are doing, that algebra is a stepping-stone. In addition to that, it is necessary to develop mathematical reasoning to work through some more difficult real-life problems.
Biologists need to use differential equations to understand predator-prey relationships. Chemists need to use algebraic reasoning to solve equilibrium problems. Engineers and electricians require heavy-duty mathematical knowledge in order to be effective in their fields. Accountants, video game designers, veterinarians, carpenters--even your average artist or musician may need to utilize basic algebra occasionally.
Actually, the greatest artists and musicians have made use of mathematics in their masterworks. Some say that the proportions of the Mona Lisa are based on the golden ratio. Pythagoras, a mathematician, developed some very important musical concepts about harmony and proportion.
2007-04-12 21:00:37 · answer #3 · answered by Mystery Viscera 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Algebra is the most useful math in every day life.
Lets suppose someone owed you $10, but only gave you $5. In your head you know that the missing amount is $5, but what you really did was algebra.
$5 + x = $10
x = $10 - $5
x = $5
The formula you gave refers to a parabola. They are used in calculus to find max and min values. A factory might want to know the min amount of liquid to put in a bottle to maximize revenue.
In your life outside work, you will probably never use it.
Colleges many times use advanced classes to weed people out of a certain career path. Computer science classes require it, yet most programmers I know only use basic math for business finance.
2007-04-12 20:13:04 · answer #4 · answered by Tasm 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To confuse normal people with numbers and letters. I never got that, and I'm very glad. Why would I waste my time with that when I was much better at english and history.
2007-04-12 20:01:13 · answer #5 · answered by ~* Garden Empress*~ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's to try and make us use critical thinking, and build problem solving skills....I think that's the sentance the college was trying to feed me as they were taking all my money!
2007-04-12 20:10:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
they just do it to give us migranes as we pull out our hair
they want us to suffer
2007-04-12 20:00:35 · answer #7 · answered by guess what? 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
to confuse the f%$k out of us.
2007-04-12 19:59:29 · answer #8 · answered by mike oxbig 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋