Math, Why do we need it?
Some students have trouble understanding the purpose of mathematics.Why do you need it and where is it taking you?
Early Geometry and Algebra classes were taught only to the advanced/noble Classses in Ancient Greek and Roman times. It wasn't until the Renaissance that the idea of double entry bookkeepping came into practice. Even in early american Pioneer times education beyond an 8th grade understanding was considered superfluous. In reality if you have a solid 8th grade understanding of what we now call Pre-Algebra you can get by in your adult day to day decisions. But getting by is not what anyone who loves you wants for you. We want opportunity, we want chances, we want you to do well in math because it means more for you.
Pre-Algebra gets you a solid foundation of arithmetic, and prepares you for Algebra - which, only the smartest most fortunate students were able to acheive even a short 150 years ago.
Algebra 1 is your first step towards higher math. This is where you first meet brain gymnastics. You can begin to understand the difficulty in working with beginning equations.
There are two main points in Algebra everything you learn is to help you understand FACTORING and GRAPHING. Without a firm understanding of factoring you will have trouble in Algebra II and the importance of graphing is evident throughout Geometry and Algebra II. Algebra 1 is usually taken in 9th grade. Some students are able to learn it in 8th or even 7th grade.
Geometry is the beginning study of Logic. Using the rules you know about mathematics to prove new information. You must understand the difference between accepting a fact, and proving a fact. This is the main difference between Geometry and earlier math classes. Geoemtry is usually taken in 10th grade, but some districts do not offer it until 11th grade electing to have students take Algebra 2 after Algebra 1.
If you do not take Algebra 1 until 10th grade, and you plan/hope to take college level classes after high school you should try to complete Geometry and Algbera II concurrently.
Finally Algebra II is the last class you need to master to enter college without remediation. The SAT's test up to Algebra II though you still have hopes of doing well if you have managed most of Geometry. Often an Algebra II class will include a section in Trigonometry which most students find enjoyable. A good understanding of Algebra II will also prepare you for being capable of completing a Chemistry course and or Physics course. So completion of Algebra II is a stepping stone towards the more advanced math and sciences!!
