Before you can learn calculus or physics, you'll need to learn algebra, and pursuits such as chemistry and statistics have heavy algebra components. You might not be excited about taking these math and science classes, but they're necessary for a wide variety of careers. Doctors rely on algebra to read and understand medical studies and determine medication dosages, while engineers may use algebra while building design models. Computer scientists may rely on calculus and algebra when programming computers, while architects have to use algebra to calculate the dimensions of their designs.
A calculation as simple as figuring out how much money you need to make to cover your expenses relies on algebra. For example, if you have $100, but need $700 to pay your mortgage, you can determine how many hours you need to work to achieve your goal. If you make $15 an hour, the equation would be represented as 100+15x=700, where x is the number of hours you'll have to work. More complex financial calculations, such as mortgage and credit card interest, also rely on algebra. Algebra can also help you make simple financial decisions, such as whether it's better to buy in bulk or purchase a single item.
In your daily life, algebra can make basic tasks easier. For example, if you need to double a recipe, algebra gives you a quick and easy way to do so, and can even account for ingredients that need to be added proportionally instead of doubled. You can use algebra to determine how much farther you have to drive to get to a destination and how many more electoral votes a presidential candidate needs to win the election.
Knowing the basics of algebra -- especially when you can combine your algebra knowledge with geometry -- can make basic household tasks easier. For example, if you want to re-carpet your home, you can use a geometric formula to figure out how much carpet you'll need, but you'll need to know basic algebra to figure out how to solve the equation. For example, if you're not sure how much carpet you need, first determine the area of the room to figure out how much more carpet you'll need. For a rectangle-shaped room, you'll multiple the width by the length. For example, a 10 foot by 20 foot room, the equation would be (10*20) - x = y, where x is the amount of carpet you've already laid, and y is the amount of carpet you still need. Tasks such as painting, laying sod, remodeling your home and determining if your clothing organizer will fit in your closet also rely on a combination of algebra and geometry.
If you're pursuing a career in a field unrelated to math, you might be surprised to learn that algebra can still be an important skill. Musicians, for example, may use algebra to figure out the right rhythms for their songs. Fashion designers rely on basic algebra to determine how to cut fabric, order supplies and predict costs. There's algebra behind shooting a basketball or scoring a soccer goal, and understanding the combination of algebra, geometry and physics that goes into these feats can make it easier for you to do them well.