How many of us ever had a use for algebra in our adult lives? I didn’t. I did had have a use for geometry and trigonometry when I worked in a shipyard after leaving school but never algebra.
Loved subjects like English, History and Social Studies but Math and Science were the banes of my existence. I had enough trouble with Math already before letters of the alphabet were brought into it. I have absolutely no idea how I survived a year of Algebra as a high school freshman.
Funny thing is, I later became a statistician for seven hockey teams simultaneously. Go figure.
My problem with algebra was that xy or ab wasn’t an answer to anything. Now, 42 could be an answer. Wallpaper could be an answer. “Stick it up your jumper” was at least a reply if not an answer. I deliberately omitted “Who cares?” as an answer because a question should never be answered with another question, regardless of appropriateness.
At that age – the attitude can have as much or more impact than mental horsepower. For many students, once they realize it isn’t something to afraid of or some kind of insurmountable hurdle – it becomes much more straightforward to learn. Still work – which weeds out some still – but just work.
Leojim over 3 years ago
Sounds like the beginning of a major headache.
Templo S.U.D. over 3 years ago
good answer, Patty… though not a very good
rstove428 Premium Member over 3 years ago
As would we all. Obviously Shultz was not a math major.
JD'Huntsville'AL over 3 years ago
XYAB
orinoco womble over 3 years ago
Alphabet soup, that’s what you get!
ronaldspence over 3 years ago
Letters and numbers should be separate!
littlejohn Premium Member over 3 years ago
The product is a headache.
rekam Premium Member over 3 years ago
Those kids are getting algebra in elementary school? I didn’t have algebra till the 9th grade.
Tog over 3 years ago
How many of us ever had a use for algebra in our adult lives? I didn’t. I did had have a use for geometry and trigonometry when I worked in a shipyard after leaving school but never algebra.
SFGuy415 over 3 years ago
If I multiply x times y and a times b, I get dizzy and a headache.
PaulAbbott2 over 3 years ago
From word problems to algebra for 6th – 8th graders. I sympathize, Patty. What’s next, differential calculus?
Guilty Bystander over 3 years ago
Loved subjects like English, History and Social Studies but Math and Science were the banes of my existence. I had enough trouble with Math already before letters of the alphabet were brought into it. I have absolutely no idea how I survived a year of Algebra as a high school freshman.
Funny thing is, I later became a statistician for seven hockey teams simultaneously. Go figure.
Darryl Heine over 3 years ago
X times Y is Z, A times B is C.
SusieB over 3 years ago
I’d get a headache
Chris over 3 years ago
good guess.
jagedlo over 3 years ago
alphabet soup?
cubswin2016 over 3 years ago
You would also get a headache.
geese28 over 3 years ago
Ugh calculus my old nemesis
Purple People Eater over 3 years ago
It’s such a long time since I’ve been in school. In what grade to they teach algebra? (They seem a bit young to me to be learning algebra).
Troglodyte over 3 years ago
PP, you’re amazingly prescient! :D
Neo Stryder over 3 years ago
You’re not even trying.
Ellis97 over 3 years ago
Story of my life.
Earnestly Frank over 3 years ago
42
Culer (super mega based fc barcelona fan of gc) over 3 years ago
FAX
summerdog over 3 years ago
PP will get a FAIL for her answer.
Major Matt Mason Premium Member over 3 years ago
You get the XA, an old Philadelphia bus route, and AB, a blood type. :)
raybarb44 over 3 years ago
Probably. Try and use a sports analogy or association for an example…..
Bookworm over 3 years ago
My problem with algebra was that xy or ab wasn’t an answer to anything. Now, 42 could be an answer. Wallpaper could be an answer. “Stick it up your jumper” was at least a reply if not an answer. I deliberately omitted “Who cares?” as an answer because a question should never be answered with another question, regardless of appropriateness.
donwestonmysteries over 3 years ago
When they started introducing letters to math, I left.
knight1192a over 3 years ago
Need some factors here. What are the values of X, Y, A, and B. Important to know if X x Y is the result same as A x B.
Thinkingblade over 3 years ago
At that age – the attitude can have as much or more impact than mental horsepower. For many students, once they realize it isn’t something to afraid of or some kind of insurmountable hurdle – it becomes much more straightforward to learn. Still work – which weeds out some still – but just work.
PaulLeckner over 3 years ago
AB + XY. Word Clues for Solving Problems. The word “and” indicates addition.
paullp Premium Member over 3 years ago
Actually, this part is easy. The answers are xy and ab.
Natarose over 3 years ago
when it comes to math, my son is the same way.
vacman over 3 years ago
Really….Who cares?
Ray Helvy Premium Member over 3 years ago
You get xy + ab. Questions? No? Let’s have a pop quiz now, kids!
hagarthehorrible over 3 years ago
The question is wrong dear and you have answered it right.