A variable value, x, represents the number of people who can be fed with an 18 pound turkey if we assume that 1.5 lbs are needed for each person. What you have just performed is one of the most basic, real-life uses for algebra. You pull out a piece of paper and a pen and write down the following algebraic equation: How can you determine how many people this turkey will feed so that nobody goes hungry at dinner?Īs a general rule of thumb, you need approximately 1.5 lbs of turkey for each person. The weight on the package says that the turkey weighs 18 lbs. As you look around the supermarket to choose a turkey, you are disappointed to find only one remains. You have decided that the main course for the meal will be a nice juicy turkey. Imagine that you’re going to a big holiday feast, and you’re in charge of buying the groceries and cooking the meal. Now that we have the definition out of the way let’s look at some practical uses for algebra in real life.Ī Deliciously Simple Application of Algebra in Real Life These rules are nothing but simple algebraic statements. While we humans are conditioned to naturally perform basic math such as – “2 teaspoons of sugar for 1 person implies 4 teaspoons, for 2 people” machines need a more defined version of such “rules”. Even for computers today, which run a lot of everything, basics of algebra is what powers them. There may be other variables involved as well, which will be the variables that alter the value of the target variable as they are changed. They allow one or more input values to be changed, altering the answer to the problem based on the inputs.Įach equation that you solve will have at least one target variable, which is the value for which you are trying to solve the problem. These unknown values represented by letters are called variables. However, the difference is that some numbers are represented by letters because their values are unknown or may be changed. Simply put, algebra is still only arithmetic. “…a generalization of arithmetic in which letters representing numbers are combined according to the rules of arithmetic.” A Deliciously Simple Application of Algebra in Real Lifeīefore we get into some practical uses of algebra, let’s define it.Learn more or request a personalised quote for your school to speak to us about your school’s needs and how we can help. Since 2013 we’ve helped over 150,000 primary and secondary students become more confident, able mathematicians. If you’re also looking for other topics, try our GCSE maths questions blog! Looking for more KS3 and KS4 maths questions?ĭo you have students who need extra support in maths?Įvery week Third Space Learning’s maths specialist tutors support thousands of students across hundreds of schools with weekly online 1-to-1 lessons and maths interventions designed to address learning gaps and boost progress. Take a look at the Ratio lessons today – more are added every week. Third Space Learning’s free GCSE maths resource library contains detailed lessons with step-by-step instructions on how to solve ratio problems, as well as worksheets with ratio and proportion practice questions and more GCSE exam questions. Looking for more ratio questions and resources? The ratio of red counters:blue counters is 3:4.įor every 3 red counters there are four blue counters. Take the example of a box containing 7 counters 3 red counters and 4 blue counters: Given a ratio, we can find a proportion and vice versa. Whereas ratio compares the size of different parts of a whole, proportion compares the size of one part with the whole. Ratio often appears alongside proportion and the two topics are related. In KS4 these skills are recapped and the focus will be more on problem solving questions using your knowledge of ratio. In KS3, ratio questions will involve writing and simplifying ratios, using equivalent ratios, dividing quantities into a given ratio and will begin to look at solving problems involving ratio. Visual representations are a really useful way in. When Third Space tutors work through ratio in the one to one online lessons, An example of this might be the area of two shapes being in a given ratio or the angles of a shape being in a given ratio. Ratio will be seen as a topic in its own right as well as appearing within other topics. You might see ratios written on maps to show the scale of the map or telling you the currency exchange rate if you are going on holiday. For example, in a whole class of 30 students there are 10 girls and 20 boys. Ratio is used to compare the size of different parts of a whole. Free GCSE maths revision resources for schoolsĪs part of the Third Space Learning offer to schools, the personalised online GCSE maths tuition can be supplemented by hundreds of free GCSE maths revision resources from the secondary maths resources library including:
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