Why Is Algebra Important

For most middle and high schoolers, Algebra is a struggle for them. A numerous amount of students do not pass the required course. There has been an argument between whether Algebra is necessary or not. Although people have their own opinions respectively, strong points are made to the side where it is necessary for all human beings. I strongly suggest that Algebra is necessary because it is the key to opportunities and long-term academic success, it is useful in everyday life, and it is used in other areas that are needed.
First of all, saying that Algebra is the key to long-term success is a bit broad. Narrowing it down, the economic data has presented that the country’s economic growth will need people with cognitive skills, especially

in math and science. ([3] GreatSchools Staff, p.4) According to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineer, and Mathematics), their workers demand higher wages and earrn 26 percent more than non-STEM workers. ([1] n.a., p.5) Between the years 2008-2018, these occupations are projected to increase by 17 percent, while non-STEM occupations have a 9.8 percentage growth. ([1] n.a., p.5) High schoolers taking advanced math classes will most likely be studying in a STEM profession later in life. How do they reach this high in life? The answer would be mastering Algebra.
Furthermore, Algebra can actually be applied to everyday life. By using the math course and weaving it into daily life, it can help understand it better. To demonstrate, you might have wanted to calculate the balance of you and someone else on a see-saw. By knowing their height and weight, you would be able to calculate how heavy you need to be in order to balance the saw. ([2] Jason Gibson, p.9) It also applies to sports and other regular activities you wouldn’t normally think about using it with. With the tools of Algebra, we could understand many things in our daily lives. ([2] Jason Gibson, p.11) The concept of that will apply to specific jobs, referring back to the usefulness of it for economic growth and income.
After fully understanding the concepts of Algebra, the ideas will be presented in other major areas, such as chemistry, physics, earth science, psychology, business, economics, and much more, writes the director of University of Chicago School of Mathematics, Zalman Usiskin.

([1] n.a., p.3) The skills are critical for the more advanced topics but all the same. It all comes down to one thing, which would obviously be Algebra. The required course is the foundation of higher level math, such as geometry, algebra II, trigonometry, and eventually calculus. ([3] GreatSchools Staff, p.5) Studies from the National Center for Educational Statistics state that more students that pass this math course are far more likely to go to college compared to those who don’t. ([1] n.a., p.4) Algebra is the foundation of many areas and a requirement for most. Although it may seem very difficult at times, do not give up on it. Keep in mind that it will play a factor later in life.
By reading this, hopefully I have opened up a new perspective. Algebra is definitely necessary to our society, useful in everyday life, and used in other areas that are needed. The math skills are a requirement to students as well as teachers, applying in different fields in jobs or just daily lives in general. Either way, remember that no matter what you do or where you’re going, Algebra will follow

you.