http://consumerismcommentary.disqus.com/NoneenMon, 13 Nov 2006 13:53:41 -0000http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2006/11/07/solved-an-algebra-equation-at-work/#comment-21303732<p>It's been a while, but I have actually had to use algebra and calculous in real world applications before. This was even before I became an engineer.</p>Blaine Moore (First Time Home Mon, 13 Nov 2006 13:53:41 -0000http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2006/11/07/solved-an-algebra-equation-at-work/#comment-21303731<p>I posted a problem on my blog a few days ago..nothing fancy, just basic algebra stuff and it took people between 10 seconds to 8 minutes to figure it out. :)</p><p>People should oil their math-wheels more often. I am going to try and post some similar problems often..just to remind people to use algebra.</p>GolbguruThu, 09 Nov 2006 07:20:05 -0000http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2006/11/07/solved-an-algebra-equation-at-work/#comment-21303730<p>The statistics course I took to fulfill my college math requirement paid a dividend more than a decade later when I took up poker. I must thank that professor the next time I am in that region for a Foxwoods run.</p>SchizohedronWed, 08 Nov 2006 11:56:23 -0000http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2006/11/07/solved-an-algebra-equation-at-work/#comment-21303729<p>I'm always saying that a college degree is just a piece of paper that grants you a better job. I'll stand by that.</p>John WilksTue, 07 Nov 2006 22:37:52 -0000http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2006/11/07/solved-an-algebra-equation-at-work/#comment-21303728<p>I'm an engineer, but I haven't had a need for calculus since, well, I took calculus (15 years ago). Likewise differential equations. Linear Algebra is the closest thing to "useful" in my work, and I keep a copy of "Numerical Recipes in C" handy for when I need to remember how to manipulate matrices (maybe once every few years).</p><p>I think the real advantage of having had the math background is konwing what kind of problems can be solved with math. For the actual solving, well, that's what interns are for.</p>samerwriterTue, 07 Nov 2006 12:49:45 -0000http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2006/11/07/solved-an-algebra-equation-at-work/#comment-21303727<p>It's funny, but they say word problems, i.e. real world sitations/applications, don't actually lead to an understanding of math.</p><p>Now the question is, can you still name the quadratic function? I can't. But I can do the Pythagorean Theorem and Fibonacci Series.</p><p>Your post is really sad. I mean, honestly, this is why I tell people the killer app on their cell phones is actually the calculator and not being able to call people.</p>mapgirlTue, 07 Nov 2006 12:27:27 -0000http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2006/11/07/solved-an-algebra-equation-at-work/#comment-21303726<p>Ha! I should show this post to my son, who always wants real-life examples of why he should learn algebra.</p>bluntmoneyTue, 07 Nov 2006 12:20:07 -0000http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2006/11/07/solved-an-algebra-equation-at-work/#comment-21303725<p>I constantly amaze my coworkers when I break out the old three variable three function matrix. :-)</p>kurtTue, 07 Nov 2006 11:28:57 -0000http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2006/11/07/solved-an-algebra-equation-at-work/#comment-21303724<p>funny....</p>ibTue, 07 Nov 2006 11:09:43 -0000