Dhevay ( 12 years ago )
But why study Algebra? How about in order to exercise their minds. For many setutnds in the mid-range, even if they'll never use it, the study of it may make them smarter, at least within the limits of their innate intelligence.I'm not opposed to all algebra for average setutnds.  Obviously, a lot of elementary algebra is quite useful in solving real-world problems, but I think a significant portion of it is just a waste of time for the non-mathematically inclined student.For bright kids capable of learning at an accelerated pace on their own, I would recommend courses algebra, Euclidean geometry, trigonometry, statistics, probability theory, formal logic, calculus and, after calculus, perhaps a brief course or two in something more exotic like non-Euclidean geometry, graph theory, game theory, elementary number theory, or group theory.