Algebra does anyone use it, why do they make you take it in College

**will1384** · 08-27-2007, 04:36 AM

Ok I am getting a Associate of Applied Science Degree in
Computer Network Technology, and have to take math classes
"College Algebra" - and because I was in "special ed" for math
I know nothing of this strange thing called Algebra, in fact all I
know is basic math, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing

I have used computers most of my life, over 20 years, and worked in
the computer field for 7 - what exactly do I need math for, have
not used it yet, not once

and now, I have to not only take that, but a lot of math that they failed to
teach me in school, that BTW I also have never used, in life or work

I may end up taking a whole year of math classes just to catch up,
or so one of my teachers has told me,

So what do you think, is it a crock of sh:t, or do you use stuff like
Algebra

**ODYSSEY** · 08-27-2007, 05:28 AM

Math is nothing more than the lesbian sister of biology

**Rob Withey** · 08-27-2007, 06:53 AM

Originally Posted by will1384

So what do you think, is it a crock of sh:t, or do you use stuff like Algebra

It's not a crock of sh:t. I use algebra, trig, calculus in my job. I write video game software.

**jjh221** · 08-27-2007, 07:31 AM

you mean you guys dont do this sort of stuff for fun?

**pancakeboy** · 08-27-2007, 03:37 PM

Lol, Im 20 now and I used to say that all the time, "I'll never use this ***t"....all I can say now is knowledge is power man, and these days I try to learn as much as I can...

**2k1Toaster** · 08-27-2007, 04:27 PM

Well for engineering design I havent been in the actual field yet, but I know that algebra/calculus will be needed big time.

Finding out how much of a window you have in the gain of your signal into an IC chip is one hell of a large high powered algebreic equation.

I think if you are the person using and setting up the technology, you wont use any of it except for the understanding of how. However if you are on the <Enter Engineering Bias>better</bias> (

) side of the fence on design, there is nothing more important.

**Jay_1.8t** · 08-27-2007, 04:39 PM

My girlfriend is pretty ****ed because she in the same situation as you are.
She is about to get her BA in Fine Arts and only thing that's stopping her from finishing this semester is going to be algebra. Classes like that, especially in higher levels should be elective and relative to the degree you are after.

**2k1Toaster** · 08-27-2007, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by Jay_1.8t

My girlfriend is pretty ****ed because she in the same situation as you are.
She is about to get her BA in Fine Arts and only thing that's stopping her from finishing this semester is going to be algebra. Classes like that, especially in higher levels should be elective and relative to the degree you are after.

I dont want to start an argument, but everyone needs to know algebra. Just needs to know it. You may rarely ever use it or never use it, but it is more than just math. It is a language. Its a complete way of thinking. The more math you know, the more logical you become. The more you can break down complex problems into a finite set of really easy steps.

Now those are steps that everyone needs to know. If you cant do simple trig and algebra you will in my eyes have a severely deprived life. Simple things you may not even realize is algebra you probably already do.

For instance this is a carPC site, so why not use an example from here. If you have a dash piece you need to find out how much primer and how much paint you need. Of course for such a small piece a can will do with leftovers no matter what, but what if you were doing a fleet of vehicles? 300 cars? So 300 dashes at so many um thick with so much sq. area is so much paint so I need to buy so many cans. Buy too little, and the project is delayed when you run out, and you loose money waiting for new stuff. Buy too much and you waste it and waste money.

I mean these are rudimentary examples, but I cant imagine going through life not knowing basic algebra.

**seanz0rz** · 08-28-2007, 02:50 AM

i use algebra, and more often trig every single day. calculating alges to cut at, lengths of the sides of triangles. calculating V=IR, voltage drops

the answer is, if you are going to be more than a cashier, yes you will use it.

and this concludes my OT post for the year.

**will1384** · 08-28-2007, 03:09 AM

I think that some of you, that are for Algebra, just want
every one else to suffer, because you did LOL

And so far every reason I have seen, has been the same thing,

(1) you might need it - in some rare occasions, or such

(2) you are better for knowing something - just to know it,
even if you don't use it

both of them you could apply to any thing

hey what about knitting or basket weaving

I don't like math, and have always had problems with it, its hard
for me ,and I am facing a year of it, - and yea I have
"learning problems" when it comes to math,

I guess I am just scared and angry, and I don't have a choice