Algebra and up

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.

>>5
Assuming you're dealing with just simple polynomials involving only two variables (eg x & y), just think of a polynomial equation as a constraint.  OK, not a good choice of words but if I have something like x^2 + y^2 - 1 = 0, only certain pairs of x and y will satisfy the equation.  Basically, the equation just describes a relation between certain x points and certain y points.

Obviously, if I give you a random equation with x and y variables, it'll be hard to visualise the shape the points make.  So we tend to categorise polynomial equations into lines, ellipsoids, etc.  You're expected to memorise these forms so when you see something that looks like a line, you can say, it's a line!  And has slope m!

If you're talking about ploynomials with only one variable but with increasing power, then it's a bit different...