Andrew Hacker: Is Algebra Necessary? (PUUUUUUUUKE)

[Lemonwurst]

31. Ugh... algebra is painfully easy...

No, I'm not trying to put anyone down who currently doesn't understand it, hated it during school, or feels they learned it but have since never used it. It can be easy, grade-school easy, if taught a certain way. And early. Very early in life, even.

And people do use algebra all the time, evidenced by the many examples others have offered. The problem is likely how it's taught. I was lucky, I liked algebra early on. Maybe it was my inherent math skills, but I'd give the real credit to my teachers. They knew how to make it easy to understand. How to explain the basic concept on which to build. Yes, I was lucky. But anyone, not just school teachers, can help others understand algebra.

Do you run a marathon without first learning to jog? To stretch? Algebra is a mental exercise related to math, but foundational for many types of congitive reasoning. I'd venture that many of those to who read DU have a strong desire to reason things out, and algebra can be an exercise that strengthens mental reasoning capacity.

And as I claim, it's easy. If your teachers made it hard, I'm sorry to hear that. But try again every chance you get. The 15% markdown or 20% tip is a great place to start.