In the world of maths and science, the most important word is 'proof'. We are trained, correctly, not to accept any statement until it can be proven true. We know that counting nine groups of nine is a tedious process while multiplying nine times nine is a lot easier, because we have done these things; we have had these things explained to us by our teachers and by the colourful, example-filled textbooks of our early school days. We know that adding on paper is a lot quicker than counting real objects or on our fingers because we have done both and can easily see the difference.
Now, here comes the problem; once algebra enters the picture, the scene changes completely. The examples disappear. We're just expected to learn and move on, without seeing its relevance or importance in improving our lives for the better, the way we did when we learnt arithmetic. Anyone claiming that algebra is in fact faster than basic maths should be able to give a number of believable examples to go with it; but they are never able to do so. And without proof, why should we believe that algebra is faster just because someone said so?
Humans are lazy by nature; if there's an easy way to do something, we go for it. That's the reason why no one who has three boxes containing 16 candies each would ever count them manually, but would use basic arithmetic instead. If algebra was really easier, we would have switched already; but we didn't. In fact, you can arguably say that all those formulae vanish from our minds the moment our education is completed, and there's a good reason for that; the human brain is intelligent and does not keep things in its memory that are never needed or used.
Okay, that is a good and convincing answer. However, that takes us in a new dimension where we are compelled to change our original question from 'why do we have to study algebra?!' to, 'why do we have to study statistics and calculus?!!'.
As far as I see it, like algebra, calculus and advanced statistics have no place in the average person's daily life. Again, I ask you, the reader, the last time you used them or wished you could... and I think I hear a resounding 'no' again.
Okay, I actually like this one. If I recall correctly, this is what got me through high school exams. :-) After all, we use our brain every day, and just like our body needs exercise, so does our brain. Training the brain to think logically is something which should definitely be part of basic schooling.
However, I ask, is this the only way? Surely there must be other ways to strengthen the brain which are more enjoyable as well as practical in themselves, for example, puzzles, or learning a new language or a musical instrument.
An even better idea could be, to teach actual logical fallacies or principles, or methods of critical reasoning; such skills, I believe, would be highly beneficial in both improving the mind as well as teaching the youth to cope better in this age of misinformation and intolerance.
'Variety' is the deceptive word here; it makes you think you have a world of choices, when in fact, the only professions algebra has a key role in are STEM careers.
As much as I respect those domains and recognise their importance, especially in today's world, I'm afraid STEM doesn't comprise 100% of possible career options that a young person could choose. There are a whole lot of other domains and fields as well, and to force advanced mathematics on, say, an arts student, or even a medical student, is extremely unfair.
Absolutely true. This is the main reason why I, and everyone else, ploughed through algebra until we passed it; because we had to. And I abhor the way some schools give students sham choices of subjects at high school when in reality there is no other way but to choose what the state wants you to choose; so actually there never was a choice.
This is actually, in my opinion, one of the worst answers of all, because instead of answering our question and developing a love for what we're studying, we're reduced to: do this or else you'll suffer for the rest of your life. It's more like a threat: study algebra or you'll die homeless. I know how awful that sounds, but that's the truth. I guess at least that explains some part of why the youth is so depressed.
And this answer also leads us back to square one; why is it required for jobs and universities everywhere?! When no one is using it?
Indeed algebra is all about generalising a problem, and that's a beautiful thing. It's the next part that I object to: formulae that help you 'everywhere'. I'd like to ask, where? If it is so helpful at numerous points in our daily life, why are we never given clear examples of that? Why doesn't anyone use it anywhere, let alone everywhere?
Okay, no offence, but this one sounds like it's straight from a math nerd. Respect to whoever enjoys this stuff! But the thing is, like they say, one man's meat is another man's poison. If someone wants to spend all their free time solving algebraic problems and enjoys doing so, that's great, but is it really necessary to force everyone to do so? Some people like building things, some like to draw and paint, some like making music, some like learning foreign languages, and if you ask all these people, they would tell you that it's 'fun', but we don't teach these things to everyone. That's why, I don't think 'fun' is a good standalone reason. And even if it was, I sincerely doubt that the majority of high schoolers derive any pleasure whatsoever from their algebra classes.
This is an interesting perspective. Up until instilling a basic knowledge of the concept of algebra, I think I agree. But to teach it in detail, with increasing levels of difficulty over the span of several years? I don't think so.
The houses we live in, the schools we go to, restaurants, concert halls, etc were all made possible through architecture. Should we teach that, too, then? The music, movies, TV, and other media we consume each day, should we teach those crafts as well? How about dressmaking or fashion designing? Or farming, perhaps? These are all essential parts of our modern life, but we don't have to have any more than a basic concept of these things as a 'cultural understanding'.
This one is a little odd. It postulates that without algebra, we can't get good at arithmetic. That is in direct contrast to point number 1 which says that algebra is in fact, the next step after arithmetic.
Still, if we do suppose it is true that it is algebra that strengthens our arithmetic skills, then we ought to be teaching little children algebra first and then arithmetic! Which sounds rather ridiculous when we put it like that...
Also, I ask you, the reader, to rate your arithmetic skills before and after learning algebra; do you really think there is a difference?
This is hands-down the most offensive one. It is an insult to young people's intelligence! If these teenagers are so clueless on what they want to do and unable to make responsible choices, why build an education system where the most important decisions of a person's life are all decided at that age?
These young people are individuals with their own vision of what they want to do with their life. They don't need the state to shove particular options down their throats and pigeonhole them all in the same fields; they are perfectly capable of choosing what they wish to do and taking responsibility for its outcome. And if they really are not mentally mature enough yet, the solution is not to hurry them into just anything, but to give them more time!
This, I conclude, is the real reason. It is such a strong one that I am afraid that this campaign may never work due to it. If most new job openings fall in STEM sectors, and the state's interests lie in those fields as well, of course algebra will remain an integral part of the school system.
Is this fair, however? In an authoritarian state perhaps, it makes sense, but in a free country? Why do we have to study what is in the interest of the state in a free country? Doesn't the individual matter more?
Unfortunately, this isn't how it works; not now, not ever. If you talk about peace during wartime, everyone will call you an idiot. If you talk about science when myth/astrology/religion is what the state supports, you are still an idiot. If you talk about the pointlessness of algebra for the common man when the state wants the majority of the youth to be in STEM fields for its own purposes, you will be called: an idiot. If arts suddenly become of interest to the state, every educationist will change their stance and remove algebra; then, perhaps, we'll all have to write a novel and compose an album to pass high school and it will somehow be presented as normal.
I have never encountered a single maths problem in my daily life which could not be solved with basic arithmetic; I have never, ever needed algebra. Have you?
In a few rare circumstances, I have come across a place which actually gives some practical, real-life examples to prove the importance of algebra. I commend the effort. If only our textbooks were like that!
The thing is, just like the previous point, I feel like advanced algebra is absolutely unnecessary in such situations; and that is the reason why neither me nor you have ever actually used anything other than basic arithmetic in our daily life.
Budgeting? Who on earth uses algebra in that, except, perhaps, a professional accountant?
Cooking? Does ratio and proportion even count as algebra? Even if we say it is, have you ever used actual school algebra on a recipe? Have you ever written or read a recipe that went something like:
Sugar 2a3
Eggs 32
Milk 16abc 1⁄8xy
Sports? What on earth is 'algebraic thinking'?? Perhaps we should interview some of the leading sportsmen if, before making those big shots, they ever think, oh, the ball should probably rotate at the rate of 7.63577 seconds a minute and if I hit it within 23 seconds I'll have an increased 2.9% percent chance of winning?!
I'm sure you get my drift. The more one looks at these reasons, the more ridiculous they seem. Another note-worthy point is how all of the articles that list such reasons begin with something prescriptive like, 'this is why you have to learn this at school', or 'tell this to encourage your child', but never, 'make your life better with algebra'. That school-focused approach never goes!