Algebra
- Thread starter Alex_B
- Start date
Derek_S
New Member
I'm no airline pilot, but from being almost a Private Pilot I do know we use basic algebra for all kinds of things. But just because we don't use it a lot while flying doesn't mean it's not valuable. In the real world I know that I have used it a lot, it's pretty much the base/basics of math and you will need to know it to figure out everyday situations, you probably already do use it but just don't realize it. So learn it good, after you get used to it, it's cake. Don't ignore educational things just because it doesn't deal with flying, because that's not all you'll be doing in life.
Sprint100
Well-Known Member
Just for other sake's in life if your doing something give it your best. That would include everything in life. Algebra and problem solving can go hand in hand most times. Piloting involves alot of problem solving. For instance, flight planning is one of the many problems. I would at least go through Algebra I. Some may say they didn't go that far, but they learned some form of algebra in life.
IndianaPilot
Well-Known Member
I feel your pain Alex lol...i HATED algebra, and i sucked at it. Had a D also. But just like you, i did well in history and science. Math was never my thing though !!! Just try to do your best and get through it. Get help if you need to
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I'm no airline pilot, but from being almost a Private Pilot I do know we use basic algebra for all kinds of things. But just because we don't use it a lot while flying doesn't mean it's not valuable. In the real world I know that I have used it a lot, it's pretty much the base/basics of math and you will need to know it to figure out everyday situations, you probably already do use it but just don't realize it. So learn it good, after you get used to it, it's cake. Don't ignore educational things just because it doesn't deal with flying, because that's not all you'll be doing in life.
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Really? Because I'm (almost) a private pilot and I have never used algebra in anything aviation related. In fact, I have never used algebra at all outside the classroom. Still, it's important to know because you'll be tested on it and will need it to graduate high school and college.
I'm no airline pilot, but from being almost a Private Pilot I do know we use basic algebra for all kinds of things. But just because we don't use it a lot while flying doesn't mean it's not valuable. In the real world I know that I have used it a lot, it's pretty much the base/basics of math and you will need to know it to figure out everyday situations, you probably already do use it but just don't realize it. So learn it good, after you get used to it, it's cake. Don't ignore educational things just because it doesn't deal with flying, because that's not all you'll be doing in life.
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Really? Because I'm (almost) a private pilot and I have never used algebra in anything aviation related. In fact, I have never used algebra at all outside the classroom. Still, it's important to know because you'll be tested on it and will need it to graduate high school and college.
IndianaPilot
Well-Known Member
I would consider some of the time/speed/distance and fuel calculations Algebra. Taking known figures to solve for an unknown.....but the flight calculator does that very nicely for me
Derek_S
New Member
[ QUOTE ]
Really? Because I'm (almost) a private pilot and I have never used algebra in anything aviation related. In fact, I have never used algebra at all outside the classroom. Still, it's important to know because you'll be tested on it and will need it to graduate high school and college.
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If you almost have your PPL then how have you not used algebra? Havn't you ever used an E6B? Algebra can be something even as simple as x+2=4. No matter how easy or hard it is, just as IndianaPilot put it: algebra is using known figures to find an unknown. One example, taking your time and distance to find your ground speed.
Really? Because I'm (almost) a private pilot and I have never used algebra in anything aviation related. In fact, I have never used algebra at all outside the classroom. Still, it's important to know because you'll be tested on it and will need it to graduate high school and college.
[/ QUOTE ]
If you almost have your PPL then how have you not used algebra? Havn't you ever used an E6B? Algebra can be something even as simple as x+2=4. No matter how easy or hard it is, just as IndianaPilot put it: algebra is using known figures to find an unknown. One example, taking your time and distance to find your ground speed.
IndianaPilot
Well-Known Member
Another algebra equation i've been using a LOT in flying lately..is the Key Bank Loan Theory of missing funds. A problem/scenario would look like this kind of :
Indianapilot needs $38,000 for the career program at ATP
Key bank only authorizes $25,000, because his co-signer isnt good enough.
How much does Indianapilot still need to start the program at ATP ???
gotta try to use humor
Indianapilot needs $38,000 for the career program at ATP
Key bank only authorizes $25,000, because his co-signer isnt good enough.
How much does Indianapilot still need to start the program at ATP ???
Cherokee_Cruiser
Bronteroc
It's times like these when doing Aerosp. engineering is cool. After you take Calc 1, 2, 3, Diff Eqs, Linear Algebra, Matrix Theory...
...you realize that this math sh*t just can't get any harder.
But okay, you're in 8th grade. I realize algebra can be overwhelming, but try and get help from either tutors, the math teacher himself, from other students, etc.
I remember in 8th grade I used to go to a high school senior for math help (he would come down to the middle school to tutor students).
Do whatever it takes, though. I hate to say it, but algebra is important. You'll use the basic skills you learn there once you grow up and enter the 'real world.' For example, when you're shopping and you have 20 bucks worth of stuff you just bought, you wonder, how much sales tax do I gotta pay on it, if the rate is 6% ? That's when algebra helps.
Once you get to high school, I would take algebra 2 and geometry, at the very least. If you understand that, then proceed to algebra 3.
If you don't like math, don't take calculus. But for all practical purposes, you'll never really use calculus in the real world unless you're engineering or something.
...you realize that this math sh*t just can't get any harder.
But okay, you're in 8th grade. I realize algebra can be overwhelming, but try and get help from either tutors, the math teacher himself, from other students, etc.
I remember in 8th grade I used to go to a high school senior for math help (he would come down to the middle school to tutor students).
Do whatever it takes, though. I hate to say it, but algebra is important. You'll use the basic skills you learn there once you grow up and enter the 'real world.' For example, when you're shopping and you have 20 bucks worth of stuff you just bought, you wonder, how much sales tax do I gotta pay on it, if the rate is 6% ? That's when algebra helps.
Once you get to high school, I would take algebra 2 and geometry, at the very least. If you understand that, then proceed to algebra 3.
If you don't like math, don't take calculus. But for all practical purposes, you'll never really use calculus in the real world unless you're engineering or something.
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Really? Because I'm (almost) a private pilot and I have never used algebra in anything aviation related. In fact, I have never used algebra at all outside the classroom. Still, it's important to know because you'll be tested on it and will need it to graduate high school and college.
[/ QUOTE ]
If you almost have your PPL then how have you not used algebra? Havn't you ever used an E6B? Algebra can be something even as simple as x+2=4. No matter how easy or hard it is, just as IndianaPilot put it: algebra is using known figures to find an unknown.
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Yeah, I have used an E6B. I was thinking of the more complicated "x+31(6-j)-15=3(2)+d" kind of algebra that you learn in school.
[ QUOTE ]
Really? Because I'm (almost) a private pilot and I have never used algebra in anything aviation related. In fact, I have never used algebra at all outside the classroom. Still, it's important to know because you'll be tested on it and will need it to graduate high school and college.
[/ QUOTE ]
If you almost have your PPL then how have you not used algebra? Havn't you ever used an E6B? Algebra can be something even as simple as x+2=4. No matter how easy or hard it is, just as IndianaPilot put it: algebra is using known figures to find an unknown.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, I have used an E6B. I was thinking of the more complicated "x+31(6-j)-15=3(2)+d" kind of algebra that you learn in school.
[ QUOTE ]
I would consider some of the time/speed/distance and fuel calculations Algebra. Taking known figures to solve for an unknown.....but the flight calculator does that very nicely for me
[/ QUOTE ]I would say that as well - fuel, time, speed, distance, interpolation etc are very needed algebraic definitions/formula's that you really do use in everyday life... and just when you need to calculate your fuel, doh! you forgot your calculator - double doh!
I'd say learn it the long way anyways just in case you actually have to apply it - do not EVER depend on your calculator cuz sometimes, calculator's can be wrong!
I remember doug saying many times when he was FE on the 727 about having to take out a sheet of paper and do the calc's by hand because he never trusts a calculator more than his own brain (esp in the air)!
it's true that you probably won't use calculus much unless your an enginerd like me..but algebra - geez, you'll use that more than geometry or trigonometry.. sometimes more often that just basic addition/subtraction math!!
if you need help with it, definatley get a tutor.. but LEARN your algebra, it's important and you'll feel better for taking the challenge head on!!
I would consider some of the time/speed/distance and fuel calculations Algebra. Taking known figures to solve for an unknown.....but the flight calculator does that very nicely for me
[/ QUOTE ]I would say that as well - fuel, time, speed, distance, interpolation etc are very needed algebraic definitions/formula's that you really do use in everyday life... and just when you need to calculate your fuel, doh! you forgot your calculator - double doh!
I'd say learn it the long way anyways just in case you actually have to apply it - do not EVER depend on your calculator cuz sometimes, calculator's can be wrong!
I remember doug saying many times when he was FE on the 727 about having to take out a sheet of paper and do the calc's by hand because he never trusts a calculator more than his own brain (esp in the air)!
it's true that you probably won't use calculus much unless your an enginerd like me..but algebra - geez, you'll use that more than geometry or trigonometry.. sometimes more often that just basic addition/subtraction math!!
if you need help with it, definatley get a tutor.. but LEARN your algebra, it's important and you'll feel better for taking the challenge head on!!
IndianaPilot
Well-Known Member
true true good point. i do have a lot of faiths in calculators and computers though....maybe to much !!
pscraig
Well-Known Member
I use algebra every day I fly. Let's say I am cruising at 35000 feet and cleared to descend to 10000. There is a formula to calculate how far away to begin descent, in algebraic form it is d=3x+10, where x is the thousands of feet to lose and d is how many miles you will need to get down. Like most airline pilots I do this in my head, but it's important stuff.
If you are flying an ILS approach, you need to be descending at 5 times your speed over the ground. In algebra that's y=5x, and works for any aircraft. When I was an instructor I always taught my students these formulas, because I knew how important they are.
If you are flying an ILS approach, you need to be descending at 5 times your speed over the ground. In algebra that's y=5x, and works for any aircraft. When I was an instructor I always taught my students these formulas, because I knew how important they are.
cmsuav8r
Well-Known Member
I'd say take some of the more complex math classes later in high school. I struggled with basic algebra when I first learned it, but now that I have taken a limited amount of calc; basic algebra is a piece of cake. Plus its good to know algebra for things like interest on loans and bank accounts. Its always good to know things related to money!
chris6387
New Member
If you want to go to a good college, or go to college cheap for that matter, you should try and do your absolute best in school (no matter how pointless you may think the material is). Also, my high school AP Calc teacher says that the students that are successful in her class are the ones that did well in algebra and have a good foundation of knowlege in it. Colleges like to see you taking advanced level courses (like AP). Anyway, just some food for thought, take it for what it's worth.
Let us put it this way - being in 8th grade you are not old enough to make decisions about what is and what is not important. Yes algebra is important, most everything you learn in school has some relevance later on in life.
You are always going to run into obstacles in life, if you always try to dance your way around them you’ll find you won’t end up going very far.
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You are always going to run into obstacles in life, if you always try to dance your way around them you’ll find you won’t end up going very far.
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Aaron_Kearney
New Member
I would highly recommend learning algebra no matter what it takes ... should you fail to do so, you could very well be in a world of hurt when you get into algebra II in high school.
I've never really had a problem in math before, but my algebra II this year absolutely stunk. She came into teaching from being an engineer, and even though she knew the material, she couldn't teach it for beans. The school ended up pulling her out and replacing her with not one but TWO teachers for the last quarter of the year (one of them is a college professor as well). I think I've learned more about algebra in the last 4 weeks than I have for the rest of the year combined. Had the school not done that, I think my entire class would've been in trouble come pre-calc next year.
I've never really had a problem in math before, but my algebra II this year absolutely stunk. She came into teaching from being an engineer, and even though she knew the material, she couldn't teach it for beans. The school ended up pulling her out and replacing her with not one but TWO teachers for the last quarter of the year (one of them is a college professor as well). I think I've learned more about algebra in the last 4 weeks than I have for the rest of the year combined. Had the school not done that, I think my entire class would've been in trouble come pre-calc next year.