Why Do We Have To Learn Algebra?

"Sir, why do we have to learn Algebra?

This is a familiar and repetitive question that is unfailingly asked at least once a term by pupils. It is a question that is often asked by parents too. Whilst the virtues of learning how to add, multiply, divide and subtract are obvious, one can also make a case for percentages and fractions. One only has to explain the use of the latter two topics in terms of shopping for clothes, electronics etc.

Pie Charts, graphs, shapes, area and perimeter all appear to be acceptable. However, it is dear old Algebra that always seems to come in for such a hard time. It is spoken about in the same hushed tones that "Grammar" is uttered when dealing with English, or "Dates" when talking History. The fact that grammar is rarely taught in English and dates seem to be less and less relevant in History are quite telling.

So, how do we answer the question about Algebra? First of all, the myth that Algebra is complicated needs to be addressed and allayed. Algebra is a simple concept. Al-Jabr is and Arabic word that relates to "missing parts" and is the origin of the word "Algebra." Algebra, put simply, is using letters or symbols to represent unknown values. These values, in most cases, can then be worked out. Algebra allows us to workout complex Mathematical problems, as well as more simple ones, when we don`t know all the values that we are dealing with. Algebra, up to GCSE level allows students to the opportunity to showcase their mathematical skills. Areas such as: number, ratio and proportion, geometry and data-handling can all allow for the application of Algebra.

The other answer to the question posed at the start is much less satisfactory, however it is true and satisfies many students. When I took my driving test, back in the good old days when one was asked a couple of Highway Code questions and a quick sight test, one of the manouevres you were required to perform was to reverse around a corner. This is inherently dangerous. Whilst I learnt how to d it in order to pass my test, I have never yet and probably never will use this manouevre. It is the same with Algebra.

The honest answer to the question is simply that it in their exam paper, therefore they have to know how to do it in order to get the grade that they want.

It is wholly unsatisfactory, but true nonetheless.