{"id":1734,"date":"2018-01-05T19:00:13","date_gmt":"2018-01-05T19:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.studypug.com\/blog\/?p=1734"},"modified":"2024-08-08T20:14:17","modified_gmt":"2024-08-08T20:14:17","slug":"4-examples-to-prove-you-use-algebra-more-than-you-think","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blog.studypug.com\/4-examples-to-prove-you-use-algebra-more-than-you-think\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Examples to Prove You Use Algebra More Than You Think"},"content":{"rendered":"
If you\u2019re like the millions of people the world over who sat in math class wondering why you\u2019d ever need to know about algebra<\/a>, you might be surprised to learn that conscious or not, are day to day lives are consumed with algebraic formulae and equations.<\/p>\n From morning routines to scoring goals in soccer, we\u2019ve provided 4 ways in which you\u2019ve used algebra in your daily routines without even realizing it. Let\u2019s have a look!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Picture the scene, its Saturday afternoon and you\u2019re at the local grocery store doing your weekly shop, you\u2019ve got your list of items you want to buy, and you have the number in your head of what you expect to spend.<\/p>\n You go to buy a product (let\u2019s say breakfast cereal) and you find that there\u2019s a weekly special, buy 2 for the price of 3! Now you need to figure out how this deal effects your budgeting. You intended to buy one box, but the value has changed. You need to figure out if spending the extra to gain more cereal will still allow you to complete your shopping list.<\/p>\n Have I got enough money to cover the items in my cart? If this costs X amount and I buy 2 how much money will be left to buy Y?<\/p>\n It\u2019s a process that takes a mere few seconds to process in your head but it\u2019s algebra never the less. There exists a formula that can be written down to help explain your thinking.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Again, imagine the scenario, you wake up in the morning to the sound of your alarm, you get ready for work and realize you\u2019re craving a nice warm bagel to start your day. You could make one at home but you like the freshly made ones from the store. Do you have time pick one up? Is it more time\/cost effective to prepare one from home? How will potential traffic effect your decision? If its gridlocked on the highway, would the backroads be faster?<\/p>\n Much like the grocery store scenario, we have values in our head and using the variables in play, we\u2019re able to determine the best course of action. Whether it\u2019s the time it takes to successfully complete a morning coffee run or the plans we make for a faster commute, algebra has helped us navigate these early morning decisions whether you\u2019ve realized it or not.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n So many elements in the process of cooking dinner rely on some form of algebra. The mixture of time with proportions and values will all need to be considered when making a meal and to make it successfully. Put simply, algebra is used to assed what temperature the oven should be at and for how long the food should cook, mental algebra is everywhere!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lastly, when you play a game like soccer or hockey, how do you know just how much power to put into a pass for it to meet its intended target? How do you know at which angle to strike the ball\/puck and what force is required to successfully beat the keeper and score?<\/p>\n The answer requires you to quickly process the force required, to account for air resistance, and to project the trajectory of the ball upon contact. We don\u2019t stop to pull a pen out and draw the formula to solve this, we simply do it and learn it through trial and error (training). We process this information overtime through repetition and build mental formulae in our minds to solve problems in the moment. Essentially, we understand what is needed to achieve our desired goal. For example, when you\u2019re one on one with the keeper who is positioned to the left, you\u2019ll have an idea of how to hit the ball with X amount of power at a specific angle to achieve Y.<\/p>\n The same can be said of video games too. Whether it\u2019s a light tap on the jump button, feathered acceleration around a corner in a racing game, or shooting an enemy, algebra plays a pivotal role in our understanding of the game and what is required to be successful.<\/p>\n In summary:<\/strong><\/p>\n These are just a few examples of everyday actions that use algebra and there are many more that I\u2019m sure you could think of too. I would argue that the time spent in class finding the value of X has better prepared us to use our minds to solve everyday issues regardless of what \u2018X\u2019 is.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re currently studying algebra<\/a> or algebra 2<\/a> in class, don\u2019t curse! You\u2019re developing your ability to problem solve and it\u2019s a skill that will greatly benefit you later in life. It can be a daunting topic to cover but once you have a firm understanding of the basic principles, it can be a rewarding challenge to tackle complex equations.<\/p>\nShopping for Groceries<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Planning Your Daily Commute<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Preparing Dinner<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Playing Sports\/Video Games<\/strong><\/h2>\n