I managed but hated algebra and found it pointless. Do you know any real life situation where it would be used

Question

I thought about that long and hard and still have no answer, i cannot think of an example of algebra being used, where another method wouldn't have been much easier. I do however understand that it may be used in higher education and perhaps be associated with sciences i haven't yet studied, but standard algebra that you're taught is school... what use is it?

Some interesting points have been made, but i would like to point out that when you say that you use algebra in day to day life, you don't actually use letters to represent numbers, you simply do the math as it is, for example, 16 fence posts, £12 each, £172.. simple, that is basic maths, rather than an algebraic equation. I did however overlook the link to trigonometry, that's a very good point. Trig is used regularly in engineering, i should've known that really lol, most of my work experience is in civil engineering... tisk tisk Dougie

Answer 1

plenty of engineering problems use algebra. Trigonometery, too.

you'd not what that bridge to crumble under the forces exerted by your moving car, would you?

Answer 2

Basic algebra is used in pretty much everything you see in life. Most times you just don't know you're using it. The methods that you're taught are what you use. Very few times outside of a class or profession that is heavy in math do you actually write down a math equation and solve it.

For example writing a budget uses algebra. Figuring out if you have enough money to buy the next thing you want uses algebra. One of my teachers from high school had a poster in his classroom that had 120 jobs from various places and along the other side were the different types of math: Algebra, trig, calc, ect. Every one of those jobs had at least 2 checkmarks corresponding to a different type of math used in them.

Answer 3

We use algebra many times every day without even realising it. For example, if you wish to put up a fence and you need to find what it will cost, then panels could be "a", posts could be "b", concrete could be "c", and the total cost "x". Or if you are going to the pub and one of your mates drinks an average of 4 pints, another drinks 6 pints and so on you subconsciously calculate how much money to take by using a form of mental algebra. it also allows you to take into consideration the fact that you may meet a lady who wants a drink or maybe you win on the fruit machine so you go home with more than you started with ! Have fun ! algebra is cool !

Answer 4

Algebra is a very basic math that is used in a lot of things. It's the basis of a lot of higher math, and has lots of uses... none of which I can think of, at the moment, darnit. :) But I'm sure it's useful.
In everyday life, you might need to find the slope of a line to determine how fast something is changing. I plot points and find the best-fit line with my calculator to figure out random things all the time. Whether you do it consciously or not, you mentally calculate angles every time you throw something. Algebra is used in all sciences, in finances, in any sort of statistics...
Wait till you get to Calculus! What on earth could be a practical application of finding the volume of the solid formed when you rotate the area between two curves around a line, huh? Answer me that! :)

Answer 5

Used it today, complete with 'x's and 'y's whilst calculating the effect of excessive voltage on the lifetime of MOS transistors in integrated circuits. Used algebra to simplify 2 complex equations where I needed to calculate acceleration by dividing one result by another. Keeping the formulas algebraic makes it easier to eliminate redundant terms. When the formula is simplified, that is when you start using the numbers.

Esoteric use, but bear in mind the simplification process, as this is often easier algebraically.

Answer 6

Unless your job requires a lot of math and calulating (such as an engineer or an A10 crew chief) your life will revolve around basic math and geometry (what goes up will come down at an equal and opposite angle). At least, i haven't found a need for it yet.... but maybe one day.......
the purpose of algebra class was a sort of "PE for your brain" and teaches you how to figure out problems.

Answer 7

If we ever come into contact with some very dull geeky aliens im sure it will be their language

I hated that subject. What a waste the precious time of youth.

Answer 8

Nursing

Answer 9

Gee, I don't know ... perhas if you wanted to bake a cake, but instead of making a single recipe, you needed to make a cake for a pan that was 3.5 times larger than a single recipe???