Algebra 101: Why Learning Algebra is Important

Sep 9, 2021 | Littleton

Algebra 101: Why Learning Algebra is Important

When you see the word algebra, what comes to mind? You may think of math problems that substitute letters for numbers, such as x or y. Or, you may be familiar with algebra as a math subject and know that you will have to take it eventually, but are unsure if algebra is something you will ever use in your daily life.

If you’re doubting how algebra can benefit you, you’re not alone. It can be intimidating to transition from your basic arithmetic to more abstract concepts that are more challenging to explain. But, algebra does have a place in the real world. We’ll provide a brief introduction to algebra and highlight how algebra equations can be used to help make real world decisions.

Why is Algebra Important?

Solving algebra equations strengthens your problem-solving skills, it helps teach organization and how to break down complex data, and it teaches logic. Algebra is also important because it’s a subject that students must grasp in order to graduate high school. If you choose to continue onto college, you will need the foundations learned in algebra to advance successfully through your college math courses.

Algebra equations are like solving a puzzle (and who doesn’t like puzzles!☺). For the missing puzzle piece, you typically use letters to represent the missing information. For example, take the equation,

y + 5 = 10

The missing information, or “y” in this case, is typically called a variable. Any letter can be used to represent the variable, but it’s normally represented as an x or a y. The goal for this equation is to solve for your variable, “y". For this simple equation, we know the y variable stands for the number 5, as 5 +5 = 10.

 

What Are Some Algebra Basics?

Notice that in order to solve the algebra equation above, you needed to know basic addition. The great thing about algebra is that it builds on the basic math foundations we are familiar with: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. All of these subjects combine to form the subject of algebra. So, when solving an algebra equation, how do you know where to start? Luckily, there is an order of operations to follow when working an algebra equation. The easiest way to remember it is to follow the acronym PEMDAS. PEMDAS stands for:

*Parentheses

*Exponents

*Multiplication

*Division

*Addition

*Subtraction

 

For example, take this equation 4+7 x 2.

 

Following PEMDAS, there are no parentheses or exponents in this equation, so you can move on to checking for any multiplication.

 

4 + 7 x 2

= 4 + 14

 

There is nothing to divide in this equation, so next we can perform any addition.

 

4+14 = 18.

 

If we didn’t follow the PEMDAS order of operation and attempted to solve the equation from left to right as

4+7 x 2

= 11 x 2

= 22

this would be incorrect.

 

How Can I Use Algebra in Everyday Situations?

 

You may be thinking, learning equations are ok, but how can I apply these algebra equations in my daily life? If you’ve ever needed to do a cost comparison, algebra can help you determine where you’ll find the best value.

 

Let’s say your favorite video game subscription service is offering a monthly membership for $20.00 per month, with a $5 purchase of their new phone app. However, a video game competitor is offering a subscription service as well for $21.99 per month, but with no purchase required. You want to determine which video game subscription service will be the cheapest. You can determine this by writing out an equation.

 

For your favorite video game subscription service, it would look like:

 

            y = $20 per month times 12 months for the year + $5 purchase required,

                     Or, y = 20 x 12 + 5

 

For the other subscription service, it would look like:

 

x = $21.99 per month times 12 months for the year

              Or, x = 21.99 x 12

 

To see which option is cheaper, solve the equations.

 

For your favorite service:

y = 20 x 12 + 5

y = 240 + 5

y = $245 total for the year

 

For the other service:

x = 21.99 x 12

x = $263.88 total for the year

 

Even with the initial $5 required purchase, your favorite video game service will still be the cheapest option for the year.

 

Let Mathnasium Help!

The switch from basic math to algebra can be a difficult one. Let Mathnasium help your child make the transition smoothly. Our expert instructors can help walk your child through any concerns they may have with learning algebra and help them learn algebra in ways that best suit their learning style. We offer individual specialized instruction for students in grades 2 through 12 in-center and online. Give us a call or reach out to us online to schedule your child’s free math assessment and join the Mathnasium family!

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