“Why do I need algebra? I’ll never use this in real life.”
Sound familiar? Every parent and teen says it. But the truth is—you’re already using algebra constantly. Let’s look at some everyday examples and write out the actual math.

1. Everyday Algebra

Budget Example

·       $500 total budget

·       $200 groceries + $120 gas + eating out (x)

·       Equation:

500=200+120+x

·       Solve:

x = 500 – 200 – 120

x=180

$180 left over after expenses.

Cooking Example

·       Recipe serves 4, you need 6.

·       Scale factor:

6/4 = 1.5

·       If flour = 2 cups for 4 servings in original recipe, then flour for 6 servings is:

2cups × 1.5 = 3 cups flour in scaled recipe

Travel Example

·       Travel Distance = 180 miles. Desired travel time = 3 hours. What rate do we need to travel?

·       Equation: d = rt (distance = rate x time)

180 miles =r × 3 hours

·       Solve:

r = 60 mph (miles per hour)

2. Algebra in Trades

Electricians: Ohm’s Law

V = I × R (voltage = current x resistance)

If V=120 and I=15:

R=120/15=8 Ω (Ω = ohms)

Construction: Roof slope

slope = rise/run

Rise = 6, Run = 12

Slope = 6/12 =0.5

Mechanics: Miles per gallon

MPG =360/12​ =30 miles per gallon

3. Everyday Decisions

Cell Phone Plan Example

Plan A: $30 + $10x (x represents data usage in GB)
Plan B: $50
Solve for when thee plans are equal:

30 + 10x =50

x = 2GB

So if you use more than 2 GB, Plan B is cheaper.

Closing

Algebra isn’t just school busywork. It’s a way of thinking, and it shows up everywhere: in your home, your budget, your work, even your conversations.

👉 Related posts:

·       How to Help with Word Problems

·       Why Math Isn’t Just Memorizing Rules

5 FREE Resources Just for You

📚 FREE Resources and Transcript Template