Algebra is Everywhere

August 25, 2008 by dave

In a nice change from the articles bemoaning the State Board of Education's decision to test all 8th graders in Algebra I, this San Francisco Chronicle story actually recognizes that Algebra exists in the real world.

Laptop computer. The computer is just an implementation in electrical circuits of a special form of algebra (called Boolean algebra) invented in the 19th century. Ordinary algebra is used to design and manufacture computers, and is at the heart of how to program them.

Cell phone. A cell phone is a particular kind of computer. An important feature of cell phones is that your phone receives all the signals sent to every cell phone in the region, but only responds to signals sent to your phone. This is achieved by using signal coding systems built on algebra.

Parking cop. Today's parking enforcement officers may carry equipment connecting them directly to a central vehicle database that registers your parking fine before you get back to the car and see the ticket on the windshield. Without algebra, such a system could not exist.

Hybrid car. Modern cars often come equipped with GPS, a highly sophisticated system that is designed using enormous amounts of mathematics that builds on algebra.

Delivery truck. Large retail chains use mathematical methods to determine the routing and scheduling of their delivery trucks; algebra is fundamental to those methods.

Stoplight. These days, stoplights are centrally controlled by computers, so there is even algebra involved in turning the light from red to green.

IPod. This is a math device in your hand. The iPod stores music using sophisticated mathematics built on algebra. And the iPod shuffle mechanism uses regular school algebra to order your songs randomly.

In real life Experts in science, computers, sports - even marijuana - use algebra in everyday work

• Brett Wingeier, San Francisco, 34
  Biomedical engineer working on brain implants for epilepsy
  Uses algebra and geometry to calculate the size of the hole to put in a skull to accommodate an electrode.
• Patrick Paulitz, Orangevale, 43
  Computer programmer
  Converts blocks to megabytes, calculates percent increase or decrease in disk space usage.
• Chris Conrad, El Cerrito, 55
  Court-qualified cannabis expert
  Calculates area, mass, bulk, weights, yields and dosages and compares against police findings.
• Marcia Benjamin, San Leandro, 51
  Swim coach
  Calculates a swimmer's lap pace to swim, for example, a 200-meter freestyle race in 2:28.
• Jim Hahn, San Jose, 47
  Corporate trainer, quilter
  Resizes quilt patterns.

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