Are the Lessons from School Still Useful in Adulthood?

Throughout our academic journey, we are exposed to a plethora of subjects. Some may seem irrelevant in the context of adult life, but many actually provide foundational skills and knowledge that prove invaluable in our daily experiences.

The Question Every Student Has Asked: When Will I Ever Use This?

One common question that echoes through classrooms worldwide is, "When will I ever use this?" A popular candidate for this question is algebra. But the answer might surprise you. Almost every day.

A quick example can illustrate the practicality of algebra. Let's say you and a friend, Travis, are planning a trip to see a concert. The location might be out of state, like Chicago, Illinois, and you're planning to see Taylor Swift. You agree to cover the cost of the tickets and drive, while Travis takes care of the hotel booking.

To make this trip affordable, you need to split the costs between the concert tickets, hotel, and gas. Here’s a breakdown:

Here's how you can use algebra to determine how much each person should pay:

The equation could be set up as:

2x 400 100 300

To solve for x, you would multiply the 2 on the left side by 150 to get 300, then add everything on the right side. Finally, you isolate x by dividing both sides by 2.

Unified: 2x 500 300
2x -200
x -100 (incorrect)

Solving correctly: 2x 300 - 500
2x -200
x -100 / 2
x -50 (incorrect, should be 125)

The correct equation would be:

x (300 500)/2 250

So, each person should contribute $250 to cover the costs. This is a perfect example of how algebra can be used in practical daily scenarios, even if you don’t explicitly solve for 'x.'

Of course, some people might argue that most can do this math in their head, but the point is, we use problem-solving logic and reasoning inherent in algebraic equations in a variety of situations.

Personal Experience with Algebra

Reflecting on my own experience, I used algebra in a practical way years after leaving high school. I was showing someone how to determine an estimate when you had limited data. He started laughing and said, "I never thought I’d see a practical use for algebra. I can’t wait to tell my kid!"

This realization was humorous but also profound. I didn’t even realize I was using algebra; it had become a natural part of my problem-solving toolkit.

Conclusion

So if you ever find yourself struggling with algebra or any other mathematical concept in school, remember: these skills are transferable and can be applied in countless real-life situations. The next time you're planning a budget, organizing a trip, or even figuring out a problem at work, you might just find yourself using algebraic thinking without even realizing it.