They put me in advanced classes, and I had about three years of algebra. That mostly involved "factoring quadratic equations" - THOUSANDS of them.

(X2 + 2XY + Y2) = (X + Y)(X + Y)

Now, I've done a lot of work in many fields since then - and I can't imagine why anyone would ever have to factor a quadratic equation in the real world (except a H.S. math teacher teaching kids to do it).

I miss all the hours and brain cells I was forced to waste on that useless crap. Bottom line - schools are babysitters that keep the kids penned up some of the time, so they don't wreak havoc on the community while the parents are at work.