Math is the language of measurements. We use it to measure all things from the simple math to count our money to measuring the distance from distant planets in a far away galaxy.
Many are overwhelmed by the prospects of understanding math because of its terminologies and formulas such as with Algebra. But unknown to those same people who are confused about the matter, they use Algebra while functioning through their lives every day. Oh really…
Let us take for example, you have $1.00 and you want to buy a piece of candy at a store. When you purchase it, the cashier hands you back 50¢ in change. How much did the candy cost you?
Though you didn't consider it, this is a simple algebraic equation. Replacing the letter "c" for candy you can look at this as an equation:
$1.00 - c = $0.50
Replacing "c" for candy is what is called in math a "variable". Can you see how you may use Algebra and you didn't realize you were?
Let's try another example…
One of your co-workers gives you $8.00 and another co-worker gives you some money to buy them lunch, when you count the total money it is $17.00. How much did the second co-worker give you?
You probably figured this out without even the use of paper and pencil, yet this too Algebra. Simplifying the use of the word co-worker and substituting it with the variable "w", the equation is:
$8.00 + w = $17.00
Can you imagine how many algebraic equations you work out in your head whenever you buy groceries at a supermarket or shop at a mall. The reality is you don't think about these activities as equations;; in fact you typically don't put much thought into making these evaluations at all.
Please note the above examples are illustrations of simple algebra, but they are algebra nonetheless. Hopefully, you can see this is not as confusing as you may have first believed.
Of course I must advise, if you desire to continue the study of mathematics, the journey would eventually lead you to more intense math principles such as Calculus, which is used to help measure those distant planets, genetic codes, and other complicated equations.
