Descartes died in 1650, and since then, what we now consider elementary algebra or Algebra 1 was pretty much in place. Today, a typical elementary or first-year algebra text is not much different from Euler's text, although graphing was added toward the beginning of the 20th century, Katz said. During the last couple of hundred years, vast changes have taken place in the world of mathematics. Brilliant minds have developed more and more abstract layers of algebra that are taught at the university level. The field of calculus took shape over a fairly short period in the late 1600s as a way to answer deep questions about the nature of motion and curves.
Computers continue to take the curious on to new mathematical frontiers.
But when it comes to math, nothing quite compares to basic algebra in terms of staying power and usefulness. Without it, you can't do anything else. Farrand of CSUS agreed. He will tell you solemnly that he loves algebra as much as he likes to climb mountains and nearly as much as teaching. That should not be surprising, Farrand said.