Why study math?
Math helps people grow mentally and academically. Studying math begins when we're young and when we have to learn the basics of counting and the significance of numbers. We learn to use numbers not only for counting, adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing, but also for understanding relationships between a problem situation and how it can be represented mathematically. Think of it. Astronomers, bankers, accountants, engineers, architects, electricians, scientists, doctors, lawyers, and the list goes on and on of how math is essential in each field. Almost every field in the real world requires the use of mathematics. All of these careers require problem solving even if the first thing you think of when you choose one of these professions doesn't bring up a math problem initially.
For example, one day I was teaching a lesson on rates and a student asked me about auto insurance and how much it costs? I replied with "It depends on what type of car it is and the year and the make and what color it is and that the list can keep going depending on several factors". This opened up a can of worms because before we knew it, we were talking about which is cheapest and how we can figure out how to keep his payments low. It was a win/win situation for both of us because he learned more about auto insurance, and I learned all about the types of cars he was wanting insurance on but might have to hold off since the monthly payments can be pretty steep.
Nonetheless, he didn't realize it but all the monthly payments we were talking about were the same thing as rates, and rates are just one of the many concepts we learn in math (algebra) to help people solve for time, total cost, total distances, or any other variable used in a rate type of problem.
The following is a prime example of rate:
RATE = DISTANCE / TIME. This is where equations can be used to solve for unknown values. Similarly electricians have to work with equations to determine how much current needs to run through an outlet. Bankers and accountants have to deal with percents, mortgage rates and fixed costs. Automotive technicians have to know fractions for different measurements and how to convert these as do carpenters. Math is used when we don't realize that we're using it. This is why math can expand your future because the more math you know, the more possibilities you will have because you're better prepared to solve a problem. In essence, you are a problem solver when you're working math and in this day and age, society is looking for go-getters and problem solvers that can use these tools they've learned. This tool is math and those possibilities are endless.
| What is Algebra? Put everything that was learned in mathematics from elementary and middle school into one form and the end result is algebra. Algebra is a tool that you can use to solve problems of all shapes and sizes. It combines the concepts of integers, number operations, math properties, symbolic representation of unknowns, graphing data, determining the reasonableness of a solution, interpreting the significance of rate of change, and the use of finding a strategy to solve a problem. Algebra is a stepping stone to all other math subjects including geometry, algebra II, pre-calculus, trigonometry, probability and statistics, calculus, and all continuing education courses in the mathematics field. It is the foundation for which each of these subjects relies upon. Stop, just for a few minutes, at the end of a day and see how many times you needed to solve a problem. At first, you wouldn't even think you used algebra; however, it's there and you didn't even know it. In algebra, you learn different strategies to solve problems such as drawing a diagram, working backwards, using logic and algebra, setting up a table and graph, acting out the problem, eliminating possibilities, and looking for patterns. Each of these strategies work with our prior knowledge to help us solve problems which we encounter today. Through the use of algebra and what we've learned, we are better prepared to solve problems that come our way. So the next time a problem challenges your day, try using one of these approaches and see if it makes your ability to reach a solution just a bit easier. One last example if you don't believe me how you use math and why it's important? One day, I asked students if they've ever mowed a rectangular piece of lawn. Some had and some hadn't, but I was curious as to whether they stopped to think about what cutting direction they chose to cut the piece of lawn. I gave them something to think about in terms of which method would've been the most time efficient with a quality job done. One student blurted out "What difference does it make?". Again, I asked "Wouldn't you want to do a good job and get done quickly so you can have more time to do other things, whether it be going out with friends or just anything but mowing lawns?". Nonetheless, I found out not very many think about it and just choose a certain direction and stick with it. As a class, we talked about mowing in a circle, mowing back and forth, cutting it into sections and mowing each section separately first before mowing the next section, and mowing forwards in a column and then mowing backwards so as to not turn your mower around the whole time. The point was we were able to discuss different strategies using diagrams and apply theoretical values to how many square feet were mowed per one column of grass to determine a hypothetical value of how much grass was mowed per unit of time. We didn't have experimental values to compare with but the question from the start had again turned into a math problem solving situation. In essence, we were able to turn a simple task into a math problem solving situation and find the most time efficient method for mowing a rectangular piece of lawn without leaving rows of grass uncut. The moral of this story being that your time is important and if you value your time, wouldn't you want to do a job well done and quickly so you have more time to do other things that are on your "to-do" list? E. Gilchrist |