Difference between revisions of "Algebra"
(As a "gatekeeper" subject) |
|||
| Line 13: | Line 13: | ||
==Algebra as a "gatekeeper subject"== | ==Algebra as a "gatekeeper subject"== | ||
| − | Algebra is part of the "mental furniture" of scientists, engineers, and economists and is used throughout college courses in these subjects. It forms part of the conceptual background, even when no equations appear on the textbook page. As such, algebra is often described as a "gatekeeper course."<ref>[http://www.nwrel.org/nwreport/2005-03/4-algebra.html Journal Promotes Algebra for All], Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory</ref>. | + | Algebra is part of the "mental furniture" of scientists, engineers, and economists and is used throughout college courses in these subjects. It forms part of the conceptual background, even when no equations appear on the textbook page. As such, algebra is often described as a "gatekeeper course."<ref>[http://www.nwrel.org/nwreport/2005-03/4-algebra.html Journal Promotes Algebra for All], Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory</ref>. Problems with algebra can bar the door to a wide range of interesting career options. |
| + | |||
| + | Some students who are able to relate to the visual nature of geometry suffer "math anxiety" when confronted with the pure abstractions and symbolism of algebra. High school students who feel that are "just not mathematical," don't "get" algebra and never will, should discuss the possibility of "math anxiety" with their parents. | ||
==Notes and references== | ==Notes and references== | ||
Revision as of 16:27, March 26, 2007
Algebra is a branch of mathematics.
Ordinary arithmetic deals with specific numbers, treated individually: 4 + 7 = 11.
Algebra uses letters that stand for numbers. These letters are called variables. For example,
x + y = 11
By using variables, algebra can go beyond individual number facts and express general relationships between sets of numbers. Thus, the equation above represents every pair of numbers that add up to 11:
- x could be 4 and y could be 7
- x could be 5 and y could be 6
- x could be 10 and y could be 1.
Algebra as a "gatekeeper subject"
Algebra is part of the "mental furniture" of scientists, engineers, and economists and is used throughout college courses in these subjects. It forms part of the conceptual background, even when no equations appear on the textbook page. As such, algebra is often described as a "gatekeeper course."[1]. Problems with algebra can bar the door to a wide range of interesting career options.
Some students who are able to relate to the visual nature of geometry suffer "math anxiety" when confronted with the pure abstractions and symbolism of algebra. High school students who feel that are "just not mathematical," don't "get" algebra and never will, should discuss the possibility of "math anxiety" with their parents.
Notes and references
- ↑ Journal Promotes Algebra for All, Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory