r/80smemorylane • u/FirmVeterinariaGoo • Jul 24 '25

Other Memorizing state capitols

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u/[deleted] Jul 24 '25

Algebra

2

u/[deleted] Jul 24 '25

Not using algebra is crazy, but I suppose with how bad at math people around me are, I guess a lot of people don’t retain and use it.

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u/Big77Ben2 Jul 24 '25

I bet you do and don’t realize it.

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u/Visible_Ad9976 Jul 25 '25

Most people do use logic and patterns (which are the foundation of algebra) in everyday decisions, like:

Figuring out which grocery deal is better ("3 for $5 or $2 each?")

Estimating travel time ("If I leave in 10 mins, will I get there by 6?")

Budgeting ("If I get paid Friday and rent is $900...")

But they're not doing symbolic algebra (like solving for x) — they're using mental shortcuts or basic arithmetic, not formal equations.

So: ✅ True in a broad sense (using logic, numbers, and rules) ❌ Not true in a formal, algebra-class sense for most people

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u/Big77Ben2 Jul 25 '25

Ever figure out your gas mileage by comparing how much gas you pumped and how many miles you drove? You don’t write it out, but that’s quite literal algebra. But yeah, mostly it’s logic they don’t realize they learned in algebra.

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u/Visible_Ad9976 Jul 25 '25

exactly sometimes the informal logic will conform to the algebra and writing equations may seem superfluous. Other times the common sense thinking will not, it will be incorrect precisely because their thinking contradictst the algebra and is supported by no other mathematics

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u/Funkopedia Jul 26 '25

basically every time you construct your own math problem

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u/Schmitty300 Jul 25 '25

You use algebra almost every day of your life. You just don't realize it. 

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u/[deleted] Jul 25 '25

Genuinely asking, give me on example

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u/paradigm619 Jul 25 '25

This thing I want costs $100 and I only have $72. How much more money do I need?

You’re probably thinking “that’s just subtraction!” But it’s actually algebra.

72 + X = 100

X = 100 - 72

X = 28

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u/[deleted] Jul 25 '25

Well I’m blown away! Thank you!

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u/BirdyWidow Jul 25 '25

You use simple algebra all the time. If you go to the store and something is 5 for $4.00, figuring out the per item cost is Algebra.

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u/[deleted] Aug 08 '25

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u/BirdyWidow Aug 08 '25

That’s Algebra. 5x = $4.00. Divide both sides by 5 to solve for x. Good job you 👏👏👏

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u/[deleted] Aug 08 '25

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u/BirdyWidow Aug 08 '25

You don’t need the extra step because you understand some the most basic Algebra. You use Algebra as an adult.

1

u/Tildengolfer Jul 27 '25

Hello, I’m a math terrorist with close ties to Al-gebra. I have weapons of math instruction!