Why is Algebra still taught?

Question

Isn't algebra a little out dated? We now have computers that can graph and find all of the algebraic problems we need solved, like profit analysis for buisnesses. I am by no means saying abolish all algebra from schools, but merely to compact the course down to the absolute basics and necessities that will actually be used in most people's day to day life and careers and incorporate it into another mathematical course. I believe that to have multiple years of algebra be mandatory is a waste of government money. Shouldn't extensive study in this course only be optional for students going into a field of work that is algabraically heavy? What do you think?

Answer 1

I totally agree with you. I have struggled with algebra since high school. I never thought I would have to struggle through college b/c of algebra. What is the purpose of algebra? Even my algebra teacher had no answer for me when I asked him this question! Not only is algebra outdated, it is totally unnecessary. Most people who took algebra years ago can't even remember how to do it anyway. I believe algebra should be an optional course. Why? Well, I want to be a motivational speaker someday. That has absolutely nothing to do with algebra. I could understand if I wanted to be an algebra teacher or an engineer or something, but other than that, it is totally not needed. This is the thing that eats me up the most though: Did you know that college algebra is really a form of pre-calculus? Imagine that! We don't even need algebra, and yet they force us to take pre-calculus. What kind of mess is this?!?! I totally understand learning basic math, percentages, fractions and decimal, but I have NEVER used a formula or graph to get me through any problem in my life. I don't know what it will take to get something done about this problem. Hopefully, someone will wake up and realize the truth. But until then...

Answer 2

I think that it is important for students to remain well rounded and have as many options and opportunities as possible. At the age of 14 many students are sure they want to do a certain job when they grow up, and frequently they change their minds.....several times before they are done with school. In fact several people change their careers two or three times in their lifetime. If you want to do away with Algebra, what about science? What about History? What about any of the required curriculum? Why don't we give everybody a test at the age of 13 and put everyone into an apprenticeship based on what they want to do at the age of 13? Sounds good, I sure hope that you don't change your mind. Businesses and colleges should look at how you perform in your different classes. An aptitude in algebra is going to indicate good problem solving skills. Someone who excelled in their English classes would be good at communication etc...

I get the question "When am I ever going to use this?" all the time from my students. I don't lie to them. A lot of people don't use algebra....ever again. They do however use their brain to solve problems. Use procedures to complete tasks. etc... By the way, multiple years of algebra are not mandatory. One year is.

Answer 3

In my opinion there are two reasons...

First, you should know basic algebra because it is useful in everyday life. Everyone needs to be able to understand slopes and how to "solve for x" in simple "story type problems". Most of the computer programs you refer to are very useful tools that can make the work of algebra much easier, but if you don't know what algebra is, or how the computer is arriving at its answers, then you can easily overlook, and take for granted answers that don't make sense because you used the tool incorrectly.

The second, and in my opinion more important reason to teach algebra and calculus to all high school students is because high school students simply don't know what they want to do with their lives at that point, and may not know what skills the career they end up wanting to pursue in college will require. If we only exposed students to basic math in school, they would be less likely to become interested in scientific, and math related fields, which would consequently reduce the numbers becoming scientists & engineers. This would drastically affect our (or any nation's) ability to produce technology, and compete economically in the world marketplace.

Also, why stop at math? In my job as an engineer, I rarely if ever am required to diagram a sentence, explain the symbolisms used in "Sons and Lovers" by DH Lawrence, understand the cultural impact of the invasion of europeans on the inidigenous peoples of America, or translate something into German, but I was required to take courses that forced me to do all of these things.

The point of basic education is to make us well rounded people who are capable of both understanding the world around us, and choosing an area of the world in which we can best contribute to society. For some people, the only point of struggling through Algebra is to discover that they really don't want to be an engineer, and thus, had better become good at something else. Just my two cents.

Answer 4

Consider a career path other than business, such as engineering. Algebra is neccesary for many of the calculations that are required in the day to day work of an engineer. Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors seem to show up in alot of different areas of math. Also, it is important to know how the calculation works to know its limitations, and what about the people who program the computers???

Answer 5

You think algebra is outdated and useless but most of U.S students are far below international standards. It's not just the math that's important it's lesson in analytical thought that you can apply else where. Most people fear Calculus and other higher level maths, when in reality, it is the algebra that hurts most students. Algebra, in my opinion, is under taught.

Answer 6

As the population grows (as a result of technology, eg. antibiotics), this civilization's need for people capable of maintaining and expanding the technology grows, and those are people capable of doing math, very advanced math. The math talent is rare. To catch rare birds, you throw a very wide net, which means teaching as many people as possible as much math as possible. Anything less and this civilization goes down like a house of cards.

"Most people" barely have the technological competence to change a lightbulb. They don't "use" algebra, but without it they'd have no electricity, no plumbing, no cars, no groceries. They'd be living off their herds of goats, and they'd smell like them, and there'd be 6 billion or so less of them.

Answer 7

What if the computers you are using goes out. You should be able to work the math out by hand if need be.

Answer 8

I think you are bang on tar jet!

Regards!