For the first time, I’m participating in the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge! The concept is simple: Each day in April I’ll be blogging on a topic starting with the letter of the day, beginning with A and progressing to Z by the end of the month. Posts will be short and will relate to my chosen theme: my new coming of age story, Rightfully Ours, released April 1.
A is for Algebra
Can I tell you a secret? Quick – cover the ears of the tweens and teens! I like algebra. I’ve come to realize I’m somewhat of an anomaly among writers, who by and large seem to abhor math. But let’s cut algebra some mathematical slack since it does have letters.
While writing novels and solving algebraic equations may seem worlds apart, they both offer the satisfaction of a solution in which all of the pieces fit. There is order.
A is for Algebra. #atozchallenge #rightfullyours Share on XIn Rightfully Ours, Paul and Rachel first establish a connection at her kitchen table as he helps her straighten her tangled thoughts on algebra, eventually helping her move her C grade to an A. Their study time also provides an opportunity for more physical proximity than they’d ever enjoyed, a fact not missed by Rachel’s father, who discovers them working side by side.
In a quick internet search, I stumbled across the perfect algebra/pirate humor, appropriate for Rightfully Ours (see Letter P).
Why do we need algebra?
Finding X is only useful if you’re a pirate!
Algebra: love it or hate it?
When I was in high school I enjoyed algebra and geometry both. I thought it was like solving puzzles–which it is in a way.
In my senior year I had a terrible trigonometry teacher who really ruined math for me. He was such a bad teacher that later he went on into administration eventually becoming Superintendent of Schools. Thank goodness he got out of the classroom!
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Puzzle solving – exactly! That’s what I enjoyed too.
Maths and I were never great friends. It doesn’t mean I didn’t respect maths; we just hung out in different circles.
Lots of circles to choose from. Math isn’t everyone’s fave. And not my favorite either, but I did like it.
I didn’t like algebra very much, I think it had to do with boring teachers. I loved geometry. I’ve been playing a lot of Dominos lately and my ability to add quickly is improving.
Finding Eliza
Amazing how much the quality of the teacher has to do with it, isn’t it?
I’m a fellow math-loving writer. Maybe we’re not such a rare breed after all? Seems like some degree of logical thinking is needed for each. 🙂
You’d think so!
I’ve always loved math, but I didn’t love school. I dropped out when I was young and always regretted all the years I missed of math, but I’ve recently discovered Khan Academy and every day I teach myself something new. I feel like I’m getting something back from the years I lost. Great post, thanks for sharing 🙂
Lisa // Zen and Pi
Visiting from the A to Z Challenge 🙂
Teaching yourself something new every day – what a great way to learn!
Great post. I cannot add and subtract well, but I loved algebra. I also love puzzles. There’s a definite connection.
Funny how different sorts of math require different sorts of skills. Puzzles too!
I completely hate the subject of Maths but thankfully Dad has infused some love for Algebra in me 🙂
Cheers,
Kiran
kiranashraf.blogspot.com
Sometimes dads succeed where other teachers do not!
Algebra! Cute! LOL I’m a homeschool mom, and when my son got to Algebra in his math class, I had to re-learn everything I’d forgotten from my high school days. Ouch!
Nice theme tie-in with your book. 🙂
Oh, I have an Algebra joke for you! “And then Satan said, ‘Let’s put the alphabet in Math!'” 😉
Ha ha! I don’t homeschool, but I still feel like I get to relearn it all either helping my kids or checking over their work. We’ll see what happens when they get to calculus!