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Algebra Lessons of Life

Fondling the Polynomials

Then I moved on into the introductory discussion on polynomials. I learned that algebra, like any other science, operates on precise definitions. Further, I acknowledged that to be able to join algebra's "language game" (a term I borrowed from Wittgenstein), I must first learn its ABCs, its vocabulary, its definitions. The most important lesson in this part is this: Man is a polynomial. And since Man is a polynomial, his/her value will depend on the additions and subtractions that s/he does on his/her beliefs, on the multiplications and divisions that s/he performs on his/her deeds, on the degree that s/he raises him/herself to. In a sense, the value of any person depends on how true s/he is with her/his self-expression.

In the discussion on polynomials I reviewed a nifty technique in the division of polynomials. It is called synthetic division. Multiplication of polynomials also has clever ways of cutting short a long process. Ahhh, the Economic Man in us never fails to manifest itself. We always seek easier, shorter, less perilous routes towards our goals. In algebra, the shortcut is valid and admissible, but in real life, there are no shortcuts. In fact, there are no clearly paved ways for us to follow. We have to find our own way.

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