I think that trendia already touched on a lot of these, but consider the typical every day problems that require algebra to solve: An item at the store is list

I think that trendia already touched on a lot of these, but consider the typical every day problems that require algebra to solve: An item at the store is listed for $4.99 each, but under a promotion, the item is buy two, get one free. What is the net cost of each item? If I am driving at 20 miles per hour, it takes my vehicle 20 feet to stop. If I am driving at 40 miles per hour, how much distance will it take my vehicle to stop? I have a 20 foot ladder. It is leaning against a wall such that the tip of the ladder is touching the top of the wall. The distance between the bottom of the ladder to the bottom of the wall measures 10 feet. What is the height of the wall? You and three office mates decide to purchase fast food for lunch. Each of you order the same item, and your three office mates give you $10 each. The cashier rings up $35.17 as the total. How much change do you owe each of your office mates? You are traveling by bus and wish to estimate your time of arrival. You notice that it takes one minute and 25 seconds for the bus to travel from one mile marker to the next. Your destination is fifty miles away. Assuming the bus stays at the same speed, how long until you reach your destination? If these seem contrived, then consider that just about every college educated adult, at one time or another, will need to know his or her way around a spreadsheet. Even basic spreadsheet formulas make little sense unless one can reason algebraically. Just trying to learn how to use a spreadsheet program without understanding algebra is a painful process.