Usage of Algebra in Everyday Life:

We use algebra quite frequently in our everyday lives, and without even realizing it! We not only use algebra, we actually need algebra, to solve most of our problems that involves calculations.

Examples of using algebra in everyday life

Here are some simple examples that demonstrate the relevance of algebra in the real world.

Example 1:

Going shopping

You purchased 10 items from a shopping plaza, and now you need plastic bags to carry them home. If each bag can hold only 3 items, how many plastic bags you will need to accommodate 10 items?

  10 items3 items/bag${\displaystyle \frac{\text{10 items}}{\text{3 items/bag}}}$ = 3.33${\displaystyle 3.33}$ bags ≈ 4bags${\displaystyle 4bags}$

Explanation :

The figure below illustrates the problem:
The different shapes inside the bags denote different items purchased. The number depicts the item number.

We use simple algebraic formula xy${\displaystyle \frac{x}{y}}$ to calculate the number of bags.

x = Number of items purchased = 10

y = Capacity of 1 bag = 3

Hence,

103${\displaystyle \frac{10}{3}}$ = 3.33${\displaystyle 3.33}$ bags ≈ 4${\displaystyle 4}$ bags

So,we need 4 shopping bags to put 10 items.

Example 2:

Calculating grocery expense

You have to buy two dozen eggs priced at $10, three breads (each bread is $5), and five bottles of juice (each bottle is $8). How much money you will need to take to the grocery store?

  $65

Explanation :

The figure below shows the three items in different shapes and colors.

This will help your mind to calculate faster.

We will use algebra to solve the problem easily and quickly.

The prices are

a = Price of two dozen eggs = $10

b = Price of one bread = $5

c = Price of one bottle of juice= $8

=> Money needed = a + 3b + 5c

=> Money needed = $10 + 3($5) + 5($8) = $10 + $15 + $40 = $65

Example 3:

Filling up the gas tank

You need to fill the gas tank but you have only $15 in your pocket. If the price of the gas is $3 a gallon, how many gallons can you buy?

  5${\displaystyle 5}$ gallons

Explanation :

In the below diagram, each block represents $1, and each row is a bundle of $3, which is used to buy 1 gallon of gas.

We use simple algebraic formula,xy${\displaystyle \frac{x}{y}}$ to calculate the total gallons that can be bought.

x = Money in your pocket= $15

y = Price of 1 gallon of gas= $3

Hence,

$15$3${\displaystyle \frac{\$15}{\$3}}$ = 5 gallon

So, with $15 we can buy 5 gallons of gas.