Print article. From computer science to medicine, algebra serves as a foundational skill. Understanding algebra also puts students on track for college success, no matter what major they choose. Algebra is one of the few major domains of mathematics that students study from preschool all the way through twelfth grade, says Matt Larson, president of National Council for Teachers of Mathematics NCTM. Because so many students fail to develop a solid math foundation, an alarming number graduate from high school unprepared for college or work.
Many end up taking remedial math in college, which makes getting a degree a longer, more expensive process than it is for their more-prepared classmates. And entering college without an understanding of algebra means students are less likely to complete a college-level math course, which can take them off track for graduation.
The first year of algebra is a prerequisite for all higher-level math: geometry, algebra II, trigonometry, and calculus. Researchers have found in multiple studies that students who take more high-quality math in high school are more likely to declare science, technology, engineering, and mathematics STEM majors in college. Students who take Algebra II in high school are also more likely to enroll in college or community college. Algebra can lead to many new opportunities for success in the 21st century.
Students typically take algebra in eighth or ninth grade. An important benefit of studying algebra in eighth grade is that if your child takes the PSAT as a high school sophomore, she will have taken geometry as a ninth grader.
The goal is for your child to master algebra and stay engaged in math, not to push through the curriculum quickly just to get it done. Similarly, decorating is another area that makes use of algebra. Thinking about how much paint is needed to cover a space, or whether couch will fit through the doorway, are just a few examples of using algebra in decorating, writes Justin Smith at Mathnasium. Jill Kokemuller at educational resource The Classroom agrees with the important role of math in home improvement and decorating.
Without algebra, buying, decorating or building a home would all be extremely difficult — if not impossible. Engineer Christopher Wanamaker explains how an algebraic equation can be useful for deciphering how much coolant to put in a car, for example.
Wanamaker knew that cars should maintain a coolant mixture ratio of around 50 percent water and 50 percent antifreeze. His available coolant mixture had a ratio of 70 percent antifreeze to 30 percent water.
Your email address will not be published. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Why Teaching Algebra Matters Algebra forms the basis for advanced studies in an array of fields. Academic and Professional Success Algebra is the foundational key to success in higher-level mathematics, says Matt Larson, Ph. Algebra Matters for House and Home Algebra is an essential component in the planning, creation and management of house and home.
We're glad you like math. You're right, it is very useful in life and very important! That's a great question! Think of math as an umbrella that covers algebra, geometry, calculus and other types of mathematical subjects. They all have aspects that make them unique, but they all have certain things in common, like using numbers and equations, that make them all math. Hi, Bobby! It is so important.
That's right, Douglas! We're glad you learned something new from today's Wonder. Thanks for your comment! Great to hear, Douglas! We do, too! Math is all around is if you think about. How many places do you see math? Algebra is a type of math, just like geometry and calculus! We are undergoing some spring clearing site maintenance and need to temporarily disable the commenting feature. Thanks for your patience.
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We sent you SMS, for complete subscription please reply. Follow Twitter Instagram Facebook. Why do I need to learn algebra? What is algebra? How long has algebra been around? Wonder What's Next? Try It Out We hope you're ready to dive deeper into the world of algebra! Check out the following activities with a friend or family member: Think about all the types of things you do on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
How many of those things involve math of any kind? For example, do you ever go shopping and have to count money or add up the cost of items? Make a list of all the things you can think of that you do in real life that involve math and share it with a friend or family member.
Can they think of other examples? Do You Speak Algebra? Use this simple activity to learn more about the "language" of algebra and how to speak it. You never know when a simple activity can help you appreciate a subject from a different perspective. Do you like to play Battleship? If so, jump online to play It's War , a fun online game with a unique algebraic twist.
Challenge your friends and family members to a friendly battle! Did you get it? Test your knowledge. What are you wondering? Wonder Words bane fields equation symbols critical logic economics engineering foundational profession Take the Wonder Word Challenge. Join the Discussion. Kathleen Woodruff Mar 29, There aren't any links to the activities mentioned in the Try It Out section. Can you please provide those? Thank you. Apr 17, Hi Kathleen-- They seem to be working fine right now, and are available.
Emily Feb 28, We need algebra for taxes, and add up groceries in the store so they are sure they have enough money to cover their purchases. Nov 25, Anonymus User Jan 25, Joe Womint, Oct 16, "You state, "Algebra is needed in life.
And if you don't answer to this Wonder, it's a bot. Algebra is pointless to people who aren't going to be a Engineer or anything near that. So don't tell us it's important when most don't need it. Jan 25, Thanks for joining the conversation. Garrett Sep 4, Sep 20, Hey, Garrett! Our Wonder Team doesn't play Fortnite. Do you? Gregory Aug 3, Aug 7, Ava Jan 18, Thank you for this!! I am In the 5th grade and my dad just started teaching me algebra! I love it so much! I really enjoyed this and would love more wonders about algebra, And I also have a wonder, Why do we learn how to find square routes?
Wonder Friend Sep 25, Sep 28, Dec 13, Joe Womint Oct 16, Debbie Mark Nov 10, Denise Lee Sep 19, I love math so much I want you to make more math wonderopolis topic thingy. I would want to be a Dana 7th grade math teacher. Sep 22, Brody Jan 29, Can you make an article on why we shouldn't have algebra? Thats tomorrow Jan 30, Jake From State Farm Strikes a Dec 2, Hi I am a 42 year old man women actually who works at state farm. Thanks for your very little time. Dec 4, I want you to make an article out of this ok?
My question is, "Why is artwork so expensive? Apr 6, Isaac Dec 1, Hey wonderopolis! I love that you gave me this article to read! It's the best! S MY new wonder is should we have bedtimes?
Hunter Nov 29, Hi im a 6th grade american student from texas and i was if you need to be really good at math to be a mechanical engineer or a biological engineer. I know the answer is problably yes but i would just like to know from you,your resources are problably a little bit better than mine. Nov 30, Nolan Nov 21, I just would like to say some things about this post. I'm in 5th grade and learning algebra, and this post helped quite a bit.
Or a worker at a shelter. Nov 21, Nolan Nov 22, Nov 22, Nov 16, Sorry you feel that way, bob. Thanks for sharing your opinion with us. Karter Nov 1, Nov 1, Oct 28, Thanks for stopping by Wonderopolis to leave us a quick hello, alexas! Lily Oct 13,
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