As
a math person, there is a question that I get asked incessantly.
And
it's this:
When will you ever use Algebra???
Ah,
thank you Mr. Dewey!
If
you are old like me, then when I say Dewey, you think of an
antiquated card filing system from the library.
Different
Dewey.
The
one of whom I speak is the one that ruined education and is the
reason you ask me this question. No one would have asked this
question back when Benjamin Franklin was writing the constitution.
What
is the point of learning something? Really? Ugh.
And
typically I give them a brilliant, well thought out, perfectly
configured explanation and then I get this response......
So
I hesitate to even write this blog. But in the spirit of
education.....I must.
So
back to Dewey.
John
Dewey single-handedly destroyed the idea that becoming an educated
contributing member of society was enough of a reason to learn
something. I am pretty sure he was the first person to ask, “Is
this going to be on the test??” (major simplification, but
seriously pretty close)
Fine.
So you want to be all utilitarian on me? I'll humor you.
Why
study Algebra?
1.
It pays! The top 15 (yes FIFTEEN) highest-earning college degrees all
have one thing in common -- math skills. That's according to a 2009
survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, which
tracks college graduates' job offers.
Check
out how math compares with those other majors!!
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And
then there is this handy “job satisfaction” chart.....but
who wants to be satisfied with their job? Clearly not surgeons
(#156, yikes)
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“Why
are we learning this?” you ask. How about so you can provide for
your family? How about so you have a better chance at actually liking
your job? Good enough reasons? Great! Are there other ways to provide
for your family? Obviously yes. But when do we decide that? Second
grade? Ok, you will be a realtor. No algebra for you. No. Of course
not. Why limit yourself? Put in the hard work. Study like you mean
it. And leave your options open. There are countless jobs that will
look at your math success and be pretty impressed. Why? Because succeeding in math means that
either you are really smart or you work really hard, or somewhere in
between. Employers seem to like those qualities. There, algebra
helped you.
2.
Your brain needs algebra. While I will concede that you may not use “algebra” (insert
Chris Farley air quotes here) in the sense that you are taking out a
piece of paper and solving for x, every day, you are (hopefully) at the very least using algebra skills to make logical connections and solve problems daily.
And just like any muscle....that part of your brain needs to be
worked out. Would you ask a trainer at a gym “When am I ever going
to need to do 50 lunges in my life?”
No,
that's ridiculous. Of course you won't be doing those exact
movements. The point isn't to be able to do lunges, the
point is to work that muscle and get in optimum shape so that you can
further your fitness goals and operate at peak physical capacity.
3.
To know God and make Him known! If you are a Christian, then this
alone is a reason to study math. God invented it, uses it, reveals
Himself through it and on and on! Discoveries in math are so divinely
designed that people once worshiped the creature rather than
the creator and started worshiping numbers. On the other hand,
I remember the first time I heard Chuck Missler,
(mathematician/pastor) speak, it was as if I had heard the Bible in a
way I never imagined possible. The marriage of mathematics and
theology is nothing short of miraculous and beautiful! If you run
from math, you will be missing out on knowing a part of God you can
only learn about through studying that realm of His design. He is a
math God people. Face it. ;)
I
can hear you now....
"Oh,
so you think you are smarter/better/more logical than I am because
you are good at math?"
Actually.
Yes. That is exactly what I think.
In
math.
And
some of you are smarter/better/more knowledgeable in
art/history/science/music.
The
reality is that learning is good for you. It makes you better.
Period. Learn about something. Turn off the T.V. And pick up a book.
Any book. Enrich your mind. Learn algebra. You will be better for it.
Learn history. Lord knows someone needs to! Find out why the Crusades started for instance! Learn about science. Real
science. Not fake “It's a baby if you want it to be” flat earther
science.
But
for heaven's sake, don't ask a physical trainer, “When will you
ever do lunges in real life?”
And
don't ask a math teacher, “When will you ever use Algebra in real
life.”
Because
when you ask “Why did I need to learn algebra?” I would say, “Why
not?" And for that matter why is no one asking “Why did I need to
learn kickball?” or “Why did I need to memorize elements on the
periodic table?” How many adults are using either of those skills
on a daily basis?
Let's
get to the real issue.
Algebra
can require a lot of practice, hard work, and firm foundation with
facts.
So
the real question is, “Why do I have to work hard when I don't want
to?” And this is what so many seem to struggle with these days. Why
do I have to sacrifice my needs when I don't want to? Why do I have
to be kind when I don't want to? Why do I have to humble myself when
I don't want to? Life is full of opportunities to work hard and show
diligence in a challenging situation.
How
will you respond?
Algebra
teaches you to follow laws and absolute truths, even if you don't fully understand them. Learning Algebra
increases your ability to think logically and solve problems. This is
proven. (see what I did there? Proof? Oh math humor!)
When
people say, “I never use Algebra” what they are saying is:
“I
never find missing information.”
“ I
never work through a problem logically”
“I
never follow rules and directions to complete a task.”
“I
never apply known information to find an unknown answer.”
Those
are all principles of algebra. For some people these skills come more naturally than others, but regardless of whether they are learned or not you are still using principles of algebra.
I
know what else you are going to say:
"I
am logical and smart, and I stink at algebra.”
Ok.
Let's say that is true.
I
could say, "I am fit and in shape and I never do lunges." Well, first
of all, the premise may be debatable. Second of all, regardless of
how smart or in shape I am, when you don't exercise (brain or body)
you will be less than what you could be.
This
is just like when people say, “I don't follow God, but I am a kind
and loving person.”
The
reality is that you are following the principles God has
established whether you acknowledge Him or not. Similarly, you are
applying the principles found in Algebra whether you acknowledge it
or not.
So
for this momentous occasion, this once in a life time "Pi Day"
that we are all celebrating......it is my one wish that people all over the world would stop asking the question.....at least for one day :)
