"I don't get why we teach rationalizing the denominator. It was originally introduced as a way to better estimate square roots without a calculator (Ex: it's easier to divide by 2 than divide by sqrt2). It doesn't seem like these estimations are necessary anymore, now that calculators will do this." --@veganmathbeagle
"I don't get why radicals need to be simplified in Algebra since calculators can give the approximate decimal value. "
"I don't get why we teach simplifying radicals. It does not have any reasonable applications and seems to be a waste of time for me. Calculators can do this (but that seems like it could be an answer to almost anything). I just don't understand the reasoning as to why people think it is important to include in curriculum these days." |