Question

What is algebra useful for in real life?

Answer 1

Many times when we want to know "how much?" or "how many?" or "how long?", algebra is involved in determining the answer.

Explanation:

Some examples:

If a slice of cake costs `50` cents and a muffin costs `45` cents then is it cheaper to buy five slices of cake or six muffins?

If I drive at an average speed of `35` miles per hour, how long will it take me to go `120` miles?

If a stone dropped from the top of a well takes `3` seconds to reach the bottom, how deep is the well (assuming acceleration due to gravity of `9.8ms^(-2)`)?

If I have a sheet of plywood `1.8m` by `0.6m`, what's the largest volume of box I can construct with each side made from one piece of the plywood?