Andrew Hacker: Is Algebra Necessary? (PUUUUUUUUKE)

[Daemonaquila]

8. That's a crock.

Good luck being a productive citizen without math. It's getting so bad that a lot of cashiers can't count change so the machines do it. But what happens when there's a breakdown? A lot of these folks can't figure out even basic math or how to at least figure tax and change with a calculator. What about basic neighborhood and school groups? Ever tried to run a bake sale without math? Fundraise meaningfully for a school trip? Figure out the balance sheet of a neighborhood board or homeowners' association? Then, how about running one's own small business?

Algebra and geometry matter in everything we do, from figuring out gas consumption on a long trip, to deciding how much lumber and soil is needed for a back yard raised garden. Don't pretend that basic math is enough - at minimum, an understanding of story problems (simpler algebra), geometry, simpler polynomials, and most importantly - enough practice in more complex math that doing more basic math in one's head is second nature and not in the least bit intimidating. The claim that algebra is unnecessary is just more lazy American nonsense helped along by the thugs who want a stupid and helpless worker underclass.