Ask A Scientist Mathematics Archive

Author:      doug moe
Recently I returned too school, and at the present I am taking Algebra.  I
am comprehending most of the rules, and stuff, but it has been a long time
since I last learned it.  Could someone please tell me how they use Algebra
in they are job or whatever, so that I will know what to do with this stuff
when I learn it too.  Sort of like getting the big picture, if you know what
I mean.  Like how a tool and die maker or a machinist use trigonometry. 
What is Algebra mainly used for?

Response #:  1 of 2
Author:      gregory r bradburn
Algebra is used so much that we do not even realize it.  Then, when someone
tells us they have an algebra problem we think it is something new and
incomprehensible.  For instance, if you have $5.00 to buy lunch for yourself
and a friend at McWendie's you have to decide how much you can afford to buy
before you place your order.  You check the prices of the items you are
interested in and make sure the total (with tax if you want to be complete)
is less than $5.00.  Hopefully others will post business types of uses but I
challenge you to evaluate what you do every day -- I bet you find a signifi-
cant amount of algebra!
(How much time do I have before I MUST leave if I want to meet my friend at
McWendie's at 12:00.  How much money do I need.  Should I buy the SuperFries
and a Hamburger or the Superburger and a drink, -- can I afford either one
-- It is all algebra!)

Response #:  2 of 2
Author:      rtopper
Machinists use geometry and trigonometry all the time.  Mostly this is in
the planning stages.  The machinist either comes up with a design for what
he/she is building, or an engineer gives a design to the machinist.  The
machinist has to be able to calculate all of the angles and lengths for each
piece and cut them on the appropriate machine (lathe, press, or whatever) to
within the specified tolerance.  Without algebra, it is pretty hard to do
trigonometry.  after all, c^2 = a^2 + b^2 is the equation to solve for right
triangles, and to solve this equation for a (for example), you need algebra.

I have done a bit of machine-shop work myself, so this comes from my
personal experience.

Any technical profession (like machining) involves some math, especially if
you want to be at the top of your field.