# one divided by none just isn't fucking done

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-divided-by-none-just-isnt-fucking-done/571413>\
**Category:** The BBQ Pit\
**Created:** [February 15, 2011, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-divided-by-none-just-isnt-fucking-done/571413 "2011-02-15T04:24:32Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 5

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**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 7:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-divided-by-none-just-isnt-fucking-done/571413/81 "2011-02-17T07:30:46Z")

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> [@The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](#):
>
> As a result I’ve never had to develop effective study habits. I read the text and bam it’s known now.

Ahh, there’s the rub. Math is a practical skill, it’s not about memorizing someone else’s work. My first algebra teacher when I went back to school said if you want to do well in this class there’s 3 things you have to do, practice, practice, and…wait for it, practice. Ahh, good times.

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**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-divided-by-none-just-isnt-fucking-done/571413/82 "2011-02-17T07:51:43Z")

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> [@Norse](#):
>
> So, what you’re really saying is that since _you_ don’t understand algebra, real world people _in general_ have no use for algebra? OK… :dubious:

No-one- and I’m not exaggerating or using hyperbole here, I really mean _no-one_- that I know IRL uses Algebra (in it’s “complicated technical-looking equations” format) for anything. So no, it’s not just “Since I don’t understand it, neither does anyone else”, since clearly lots of people do. They just all happen to be on the SDMB, which is why “Actually using algebraic equations in non-specialist tasks” is the latest addition to my “Stuff you only see on the SDMB and not in the real world” list.

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**Author:** ![Jragon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e19b73/32.png) [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2011, 8:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-divided-by-none-just-isnt-fucking-done/571413/83 "2011-02-17T08:05:08Z")

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> [@The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](#):
>
> Look I’m not flaming math. I was trying to explain to another poster why _i_ is cool. Someone who is into music but doesn’t get math might connect with it better if it’s shown how it can affect music such is in the design of guitar amps.

I hear graph theory can be used to model a reasonable bit of music theory (i.e. chord progression, tonal quality, non-chord tones). Graph Theory certainly involves algebra (at least in a formal, proof-writing context). But I’m not certain about this, I heard it from a group at my school who are making a music game.

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