Parents, we know you’ve heard this question. Students, we know you’ve asked this question. Math teachers, we know you’ve answered this question. School just started this week, but you’ve probably already had to answer:
“Why do we have to learn math in school?“
There are too many reasons to name, frankly. Let’s start with an easy one:
Reason to learn math in school #1: because the government says so
Uncle Sam has a vested interest in his citizens being able to count, add, subtract, and do other important math-related activities (hint, hint: taxes). Whether you like it or not, students, math is on the menu this year.
But if the government didn’t make you, would still have to learn math? Yes. Absolutely.
Reason to learn math in school #2: because your parents want you to get a job
And they don’t just want any job for you. They want you to get a job that allows you to live in your own house. An apartment or town home would work too. Basically they just want you to live… not “in a van, down by the river.”
You ask, “Does every job require that I be able to do math?” Yes. Yes, every job requires math.
Sure, not all of us are going to be rocket surgeons, but everyone does need the ability to do some standard math. Also, the vast majority of jobs (with the direction of the current economy, job market, etc. go) are heading the direction of more math, more science, more technology. That means you’re not likely to need less math in the future.
Which leads us to “why do we have to learn math in school?” reason number 3…
Reason to learn math in school #3: because your mind needs to think that way
Here’s the truth about math. Some of it you’ll learn once in school, and then never, ever, ever do that kind of problem again.
And it doesn’t matter.
Why? Because whether you can or cannot do differential calculus may not matter for your career, but your ability to reason in a mathematical way is vital. Math trains you to think effectively. And we all need to learn to think effectively.
Any other suggestions? We’d love to hear your input on social media, or to see you on one of our study skills courses.
