In 10th grade I was barely scraping by with a D in algebra. The subject might as well have been taught in Russian; I was lost. Then the chapter on quadratic equations appeared as if sent to me for my salvation. I had no idea what it meant and looking at it now I draw a blank, but I somehow understood how to plug figures into the model and get the correct answer. Looks simple right?
My teacher had an interesting method of grading: 10% showing up and participating; 10% completing homework: 40% chapter tests; 30% final exam and 10% on what grade you thought you deserved. Long story short by putting down an “A” as my projected grade I crossed a toe over the line and raised my pre-quadratic D into a life-affirming B!
My Teacher felt I was a bit over-zealous with my grade prediction, but I explained while perhaps not deserving of The Noble Prize in Math for my mastery of the equation, it was my most exalted A-like accomplishment. True to his word he gave me the A points.
I credit this unexpected educational triumph as the impetus for me to get my college degree in English Lit, an undergrad degree without a career path other than pursuing an advanced degree. I needed money and was able to land a horrible job as a freight salesman, trading excellent seats for LA Dodger games for truckloads of freight at regulated exorbitant rates. All was fine until 1980 when President Jimmy Carter saved consumers millions of dollars by deregulating freight rates.
I seem to have drifted off topic. I’ll end with “Yaay Algebra!”