Algebra problems like this one are at the heart of a dispute over the level of math deemed necessary to earn an associate degree or transfer to a four-year college.

Queens College Professor Believes Algebra Is Unnecessary Stumbling Block Forcing Millions Of Students To Drop Out. March 27, 2016 / 1:27 PM EDT / CBS New York NEW YORK ...

College algebra, listed as a freshman-level math requirement at most major universities, is designed to prepare students for calculus. But only about 20% of majors require higher-level math.