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Submitted by : Colin_B Submitted on : Oct 11,2004 1:15:23 am ballot title: How useless is algebra?ballot number:54593
Useful for formulation of ideas, but otherwise... ? After college, I had a Corporate newsletter dumped on me, on top of regular duties. No one else seemed to be able to do basic layout. One of the first tasks I had was resizing photographs (how big a spot did I need on the page for a certain photo, or how much was I going to have to crop it to fit into a pre-planned spot. Evidently, I am one of a handful of technical writers in the world who is proficient in algebra, which was what was needed. I also use it for calculating discounts on potential purchases, a few more esoteric tax calculations, personal finance and investments, planning lot size for personal gardening and landscaping features, and the few times I engage in carpentry and/or home-repair. It is also the basis for almost all science, including the more advanced aspects of Biology (which has the least, that I know of). It is an absolute must for all forms of engineering; it is the basis of inorganic chemistry; and I don't even have to address physics. In High School, I didn't like algebra. Consequently, I didn't apply myself to it; graduated with a D in algebra. Figured: So what? It's not as if I'll ever have use for *that* in real life! Two years later, I found myself working night shift on a Ford assembly line. Good job, for only having a High School education. I realized I wanted more and decided to put myself through college. But ... I knew I needed math -- algebra, specifically. Sooo, I obtained an algebra book and started working problems every night, using a grease pencil (for marking windshields) and the sides of rearview mirror boxes. Six months later, I knew algebra. Cold. I'd also developed quite the reputation in the plant because people down the line saw the equations I practiced, on the boxes which (after I'd filled all writable surfaces) I tossed into a van chassis as it went down the assembly line. Anyway, that effort served me in good stead. I am now out of the factory and earning more than 3x what I was, on the line. So far algebra has been completely useless in my life. It may be useless to many individuals, but it is not useless as human knowledge. Try calculus! Not my cup o' tea. Honestly if you are not an engineer or something you will never use it. To me its just like making stuff up, pulling numbers out of your ass that don't go together and saying that it makes sense. You are either math minded or your not...I'm not.
by nickwarhead
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Peggy Sue thought that was useless once High School was over-- remember that movie, 'Peggy Sue Got Married.'? I have very rarely used more than very basic algebra.
by nuckinfutz
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