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Algebra Lessons of Life

For the Algebra-Shy

Confucius was believed to have said, "I hear, I forget; I read, I remember; I do, I understand." The secret to learning any math subject is in the performing of the exercises. It is by doing that we understand. Sure we commit errors, but it is through our errors that we learn. So it is with living and loving. If we only hear about life and love, all that we can do is forget it. If we only read about life and love, all we can do is remember them in our minds. But if we experience life and love to their fullest, then we understand them.

I also learned that self-motivation is possible and in fact, very potent. There were times within the semester when I just allowed my algebra books to gather dust on my bookshelf. But I told myself to get the books off the shelf. The dust can't learn anything, but I can. So I started off with renewed vigor from where I left off.

Moreover, I have learned never to give up on a problem. There were a few items in the problem sets that have given me puffy eyes from lack of sleep. I'd toss and turn on my bed. I'd think about the difficult item whether I'm under the shower, or drinking coffee in the malls. Many times I'd ask a shop clerk for some scratch paper to scribble possible solutions. Many times I've explained the difficulty to a listener (a technique that is not entirely self-serving because while the listener learns a few things from my explanation, I also help clarify it to myself). And most of the time, the answers to the items I have difficulty with come serendipitously.

I also learned that the TMAs (tutor-marked assignments) have a certain degree of difficulty and require an investment in time and effort, otherwise, they would not be called problem sets. There were times I regretted having allowed the UPOU Mathematics Department to add to my problems. But I later on realized that the algebra problem sets are incomparably easier than the real-life problems that I am experiencing.

Most of all, I learned that most, if not all, problems have solutions. All it takes is to know how to solve it.

All of the TMAs I submitted are my best works. I say they are my best works because, although they may not be perfect, I did my best in working through them. I tried to be scientific in my approach. First thing, of course, is to understand what the problem is asking for. The next thing, naturally, is to give what is asked for. I had some difficulty with absolute value inequalities, absolute value equations, and distinguishing a function from a relation. What I did was to read the boring text again (uh-huh, lovemaking can have boring moments). After rereading, I usually found "enlightenment." The good thing that I must congratulate myself for is my perseverance in looking for the part in the module that might shed light on my difficulty. Most of the time I did find what I needed to know. However, I hope that the UPOU OASIS (Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services) would include an index for each of the modules that they publish--to make looking up forgotten concepts easier. The intense heat of making love with algebra makes one forget where one's hands or head is.

However, I believe my midterm exam was my least effective work. Most of my mistakes were caused by carelessness. Besides, working on the problems sets were different from taking midterm exams. I can always consult my algebra book while working on the problem sets, but I cannot open even the bible when taking the midterms. Regarding the carelessness, I will be extra careful next time. I will review my solutions more than once and scrutinize each to the minutest detail. Regarding open-book exams, I don't think the faculty-in-charge would allow that. Hehehehe.

Although algebra is just a branch of mathematics, I would love to learn also its applications in the different fields of human life. I know that the applications of algebra extend beyond work, motion, mixture and investment problems. Can you incorporate a little bit of physics, chemistry or statistics (simple problems would suffice, and would stimulate a lot)? I'd find it easier to learn algebra using an applied approach. Maybe some games and tricks using algebra can also be incorporated to make its learning more enjoyable and fun. After all, making love with anything (such as College Algebra) or anyone ought to be enjoyable and fun.

And now when I open my algebra book, I see no longer Greek or hieroglyphics or cuneiform that I cannot understand. Instead, I see Cebuano; I see a friend; I see something that I can relate to and understand. Instead, I see a reflection of life and its beauty and wonder. A Buddhist monk once said that all we need to know about life is in a tree. All we need to do is to look at the tree, examine it, experience it, enjoy it. All is in all. I congratulate those who have taken time to make love with algebra. They have just made love with life itself.

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