Last updated on October 6, 2020
Question:
A bunch of kids asked my math teacher, “When are we going to do these in life?” The teacher said, “Not at all. We are wasting your time.” I understand that he’s joking, but to think of it, are we going to really use some of the things we learn in math? Why do we have to learn some things that some of us won’t be using it? It’s just laying stress on us.
Just like when a kid has a dream, he dreams of doing different things from others, but school is preparing us as if we all have the same dream. We have no creativity, now I understand there are different job options, but simple things like a test or exam can make a kid feel like he’s not capable of anything, it’s like forcing a fish to climb trees. It’s really a hassle because we are under stress and we aren’t progressing toward what we need, what we want, but we are achieving what the school wants.
What do you think? I know it doesn’t make sense, but maybe if you can think of some reasons, let me know.
Answer:
Whether you use certain math formulas will depend on the careers each of you choose. Some careers may use one set regularly, another a different set, and a few none at all. But a part of learning these functions is not so much to prepare for a certain field but to learn how to solve problems. That is something I can guarantee that every one of you will face. You will all have problems in life. Knowing how to reason and come up with solutions is an essential skill in life. Learning to deal with stress and still be able to think and function is necessary for your success.
I have a degree in computer science, so I regularly use my algebraic and problem-solving skills when programming. But oddly, those same skills are what allows me to break down complex problems in life, point out what is really the core problem and show people in a step-by-step manner how to resolve their problems. It isn’t math, but the same basic skills are being used for preaching and teaching.
I remember doing some woodworking and I needed to cut a 45-degree angle. I used how to bisect an angle from geometry and made the cut. I surprised my father because the angle was exact. I used geometry a lot when I built my own house.
Knowing about local minimums and maximums is useful when looking at stock market trends. Smoothing curves and plotting points are useful in science and in the military.
The problem is that you don’t know what skills you might need in the future. Better to have an unused ability than realize you need a skill but don’t have time to develop it.