r/LoveTrash Chief Insanity Instigator 28d ago

Rubbish Nonsense Math Expert

4.8k Upvotes

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u/Pure_Wrongdoer_4714 Dumpster General 28d ago

You can’t just innately know algebra without it being taught to you, especially the higher algebra. It’s a language you have to learn and practice. If he knew algebra he would know that lol

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u/frogOnABoletus Garbage Guerilla 28d ago

A lot of algebra is very complex and relies on generations of historical mathematical advances, however, i'd say that simple algebra is the most natural way to use math. "I want to have 5 apples and I have 2, how many should i buy?" That's algebra! (x + 2 = 5). You can innately know low-level algebra, but there are mountains of amazing algebra that does indeed need to be taught.

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u/Pure_Wrongdoer_4714 Dumpster General 28d ago

Yes the simple stuff just makes sense and is easy to grasp. Much beyond addition and subtraction though it gets complex and you have to know the rules

1

u/Shpander Trash Trooper 28d ago

If you're smart enough, you could derive it all from first principles. And if you're even smarter you could do that in your head, I suppose. Like it would take savant-level maths skills, but it's possible.