The GED is now fifty-five percent algebra? Why?
Yes, some people use algebra in their jobs. Great for them, that 0.1 percent.
But I’ve been doing cognitively demanding jobs for 15+ years. Know how many times I’ve used algebra in my daily work?
Zero.
I have never once used algebra or anything related to it – ever – in any job.
My partner is a programmer and has a computer science degree.
Guess how many times she’s used algebra or anything higher than basic math in her daily work?
Zero, again. She has a minor in math and has not once used any of those (poorly-taught, according to her) skills in the course of any job, and probably never will.
When I told my teachers that all the math I was learning in school would be completely irrelevant to my life, they scoffed.
Turns out I was right.
So why is the GED fifty-five percent algebra again?