Algebra does anyone use it, why do they make you take it in College - Page 4

JC-S60 · 10-19-2007, 05:29 AM

It's difficult for me to understand how you don't want to learn something you don't know yet. It's only when you know it you will find uses for it, and realize how handy it is.

In high school I had the same attitude as you Will, but now I'm 28, that has changed a lot!

You don't need to know anything learned at school (even kindergarten) to survive but we all want more than just survive don't we? That counts for any level. By learning you open up more possibilities which makes living this life fun and worthwile.

For example, I can't see myself designing the carputer I design without math. I probably could, but it would take so much more effort that I would give up before I started.

All this is just my personal view, the most important is you live a happy life and this is the way I hope to live one...

Joachim

Pathos · 10-19-2007, 07:37 PM

I use Algebra everyday to get to this web page.

DroStar · 10-19-2007, 09:14 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by judoGTI

Geometry is definitely required for flipping burgers though....

That's funny that you say that.

My first job was at Burger King. I was putting burgers on the flame broiler grill in a hexagonal layout (like a honeycomb, http://mathworld.wolfram.com/CirclePacking.html for reference). My boss came by and told me to put them on there square and evenly, saying it's the proper way to do it. So instead of sounding like a total nerd by explaining to him that the honeycomb layout is more efficient and will get more burgers through the broiler quicker, I just did what he told me.

So geometry for flipping burgers helps, but it's not required.

will1384 · 10-19-2007, 10:06 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by JC-S60

For example, I can't see myself designing the carputer I design without math. I probably could, but it would take so much more effort that I would give up before I started.Joachim

What math do you need to put a computer together ??

there might be some basic math to calculate power usage - nothing else

WebDog · 10-19-2007, 10:25 PM

My last CarPC would not have been possible without math, figuring how long to make the wires with out taking the car apart to measure, making my bezel to fit with out modifying the dash, Making the case fit the OEM CD Changer mounts.

Quote: Originally Posted by will1384

What math do you need to put a computer together ??

there might be some basic math to calculate power usage - nothing else

galvitron · 10-20-2007, 01:06 AM

Another example of everyday usage is when calculating percentages. For example, suppose you have 40 out of 68 people who like flipping burgers. What percentage likes flipping burgers?

x/100 = 40/68
where x = % of burger flippin lovers

x = (40/68)*100

x = 4000/68

x = 58.8

So around 59 % of people like flipping burgers.

Without algebra you cannot do this. After taking algebra classes this all happens in your head so you now have a skill you didn't have before.

will1384 · 10-20-2007, 04:25 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by WebDog

My last CarPC would not have been possible without math, figuring how long to make the wires with out taking the car apart to measure, making my bezel to fit with out modifying the dash, Making the case fit the OEM CD Changer mounts.

I have never needed math to do that - I run wires all the time, I still don't
understand why you would need any sort of math, as far as modifying
your dash, math seams useless for that also, I do a fair amount of metal work
and do not use any thing more than something to measure the cuts

some times I use "basic" math but thats it

when I look at something I can see how big it is, how long, wide, almost down
to the inch, I can see it in my mind,

Grrrmachine · 10-20-2007, 05:34 AM

For one, I recognise that this is a website for those with an above-average scientific mind, and therefore let you all get away with your infinitely appalling levels of English (the programmers I know are also the worst in any language I teach). Spelling, grammar and vocabulary sometimes make me think you're all only 8 years old.

But we let people get away with that because, you know, "it's only the internet, it's not like its important or anything." Yes, it's only the single greatest communication device we've ever developed.

It's that kind of narrow-mindedness that also allows us to ask "why the hell am I learning alegebra? Or History? Why did my geography teacher make me learn about the Aral Sea when I was 12?" The simple fact is that you never know when you'll need it, or when it will be important; because of that, it's MUCH better to have it there ready than waste time as an adult trying to learn the skill. Adults simply do not learn as quickly as youngsters, and that's why they try and cram as much into you as school as possible. Ignorance is bliss, so it's said. Without knowing the stuff, you'll never know why you need to know it.

I'm a teacher. Sometimes my (adult) students don't do their homework. They come to me all sheepish and apologetic, with empty promises of having it done next week. I look them in the eye and tell them I don't give a **** whether they did the homework or not, because I already know it. It's themselves they ought to apologise to.

dupa2 · 10-20-2007, 07:57 AM

Whoever doesn't like to take algebra class, you're lucky that you can read and write. I think it's essential knowledge right after reading and writing

Bugbyte · 10-20-2007, 09:23 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Grrrmachine

For one, I recognise that this is a website for those with an above-average scientific mind, and therefore let you all get away with your infinitely appalling levels of English (the programmers I know are also the worst in any language I teach). Spelling, grammar and vocabulary sometimes make me think you're all only 8 years old.

I don't disagree with your statement but you should set a better example. You began the first sentence with a preposition, which is a common grammatical error. Your second sentence should include a comma after the word 'grammer', and you should use the plural form of 'make' because you are referring to more than one eight year old in the sentence.

Please don't be offended or think me narrow-minded. It's all important.

greatwhite · 10-20-2007, 09:43 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by WebDog

My last CarPC would not have been possible without math, figuring how long to make the wires with out taking the car apart to measure, making my bezel to fit with out modifying the dash, Making the case fit the OEM CD Changer mounts.

While I definately see the usages of math when doing the above mentioned tasks, it can also be done with simple measurements. The time honored trial and error method. We do tend to "over geek" a few things on this forum. But that's cool, if you have the ability to do it that way.

But in this case, I think the perfect solution is a combination of the two methods:

Work out your calculations to get you reasonably close, then have at 'er and make it work.

As always, the solution (or truth) is always somewhere in the middle ground...............

Grrrmachine · 10-20-2007, 09:45 AM

The comma is irrelevant as it is not used to seperate the "but" from any other concept. The rule of prepositions is also arbitrary; it's an archaic concept from the 19th century still taught to people for niceness (see also; ending a sentence with a preposition.) If you want to take this further, look up the argument of prescriptivism vs descriptivism in linguistics. This is the trouble with engineers; you're always trying to apply rigid rules to a fluid structure.

If you DO want a rule, then the pluralisation of "make" has nothing to do with the number of 8-year olds; it was the three subjects (spelling, grammar and vocabulary) that demanded that form of the verb; if I'd used a definite article ("the") at the beginning of that sentence, then yes; it would be "makes."

It is this seeming "lack" of rules that often irritates people, but many have tried to standardise and regulate English, and all have failed

Anyway, as I said earlier, I don't want to nitpick or this thread would go off the rails. I do regret not paying more attention in Physics at school; I've already blown three transistors this weekend because I'm not really sure what I'm doing.

WebDog · 10-20-2007, 09:53 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by greatwhite

While I definately see the usages of math when doing the above mentioned tasks, it can also be done with simple measurements. The time honored trial and error method. We do tend to "over geek" a few things on this forum. But that's cool, if you have the ability to do it that way.

But in this case, I think the perfect solution is a combination of the two methods:

Work out your calculations to get you reasonably close, then have at 'er and make it work.

As always, the solution (or truth) is always somewhere in the middle ground...............

Trial and error was for the first two CarPC's, The GTI i did the bezel in CAD so it needed to be accurate.
I actually built most the PC before i even had the car, if had the car i would just use a tape measure but i was not able to...

greatwhite · 10-20-2007, 09:58 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by WebDog

Trial and error was for the first two CarPC's, The GTI i did the bezel in CAD so it needed to be accurate.
I actually built most the PC before i even had the car, if had the car i would just use a tape measure but i was not able to...

Would that be the brushed Al bezel I've seen around for the VW's? If so, very nice.
I wasn't saying trial and error is the only method, just that is usually a tool of fabbing that is useful.
Even cad-ing a bezel and then installing it involves trial and error, it just minimizes the error.

Of course, if you don't have the subject material to measure (in this case, the car) you don't have much choice.........as long as you have measurements to work with....

Cheers

BJ

OUSilver05 · 10-23-2007, 12:12 AM

From my limited experience with computer networking and any kind of programming, basic algebra and other math really has to come in handy especially when you get more advanced. It could be worse, you could be forced to learn how to use a slide rule, and have your job depend on it. I'm in AF Navigator training, so we have to be able to do everything when the computer fails. If only I could easily/accurately calculate vectors in my head, i would have taken 5 extra classes in college for that one skill (wind drift, think the jet stream). Enjoy the education, you'll find ways it will make your life easier.