I always read Pam Linn’s column, and I almost always agree with her. However, I strongly disagree with her recent piece on algebra when she said “The fact is, while mastering algebraic equations may be a beneficial mental exercise, its practical value is zip.” Pam, the very practical engineers that build the hardware of our civilization use algebra every day. They solve equations. They extract roots. They even use (gasp!) geometry, trigonometry, calculus and statistics.
Unlike Pam, I frequently use algebra in my daily life. When confronted with the Medicare Part D decision, I wrote down the appropriate algebraic equations, plugged in some numbers, estimated some probabilities and came up with my answer. When a broker recently was pitching an investment, I used algebra to calculate an Internal Rate of Return that was (surprise!) different than his pitch. I had a CD with a single bump rate option. Calculating the optimum time to exercise this option was a simple matter using algebra and calculus. When I wanted to capture a dramatic photo at sunrise, I needed to know the exact direction of the sunrise in advance. Easy to do with algebra and trig!
I don’t speak French. But that doesn’t mean that its practical value is zip. It means that I am handicapped by not mastering French, as other people are handicapped by not mastering algebraic equations.
Because they can’t find enough qualified native workers, the expanding high tech industries in the United States are desperate to bring in foreign workers who know higher math. We shouldn’t discourage our young people any more.
Frank Thomas