I love math until it gets in to polynomials that add on top of each other, from slope intercept to the quadratic formula to Trig. It's usually in Trig that the "what's the point of it all" instinct kicks in, and it ends horribly. The basis is in polynomials and formulas using them, which starts in Algebra.
How does one get to enjoy polynomial equations? How does one feel good about doing them? I have no love for polynomials. No love at all.
Name:
Anonymous2005-08-31 23:32
Newtonian (aka easy) physics involves a lot of polynomials. They're useful if you're considering how long it will take that bullet you just fired to hit the ground, for example.
More importantly, though, I think you're missing the point of mathematical education. Many direct aspects of your math education will never be used again, but that's not where the value lies (unless you end up in a career where you need it. Engineering, accounting, research of all kinds, etc).
The real value of math lies in your learning to approach a problem analytically and solve it. This is an *extremely* valuable skill, and surprisingly few people develop it. It allows you to understand how to approach real-life problems such as paying as little as legally possible in taxes, or figuring out what angle to cut the board on for your new deck.
I took 4 semesters of calculus in college. I've used the actual mathematical principles of integrals and differential equations only *very* rarely, but the techniques I learned for proving and experimentation have been useful time and again in my Software Engineering career.
Don't ever dismiss math as "useless". Remember, it's the *mode of thought* that you're learning, and that's a very difficult thing to learn when you get older.
Algebra is when math first starts becoming an abstract exercise. You're no longer dealing in trivial arithmetic, but rather with abstract concepts. Bend your brain around it, it's *way* worthwhile. Don't fall into the trap of "I'll never use this". Trig et al is some pretty basic, important stuff.