They told you, 'You'll never use this.' They lied. Here are 7 jaw-dropping ways you use algebra every day.

Example 1: Your GPS. It uses a system of equations from satellites to pinpoint your exact location.

Example 2: Online Gaming. The physics engine that calculates a perfect jump shot is pure algebraic functions.

Example 3: Your Netflix Queue. Recommendation algorithms use linear algebra to predict what you'll love.

Example 4: Your Retirement Account. That magical compound interest is an exponential algebraic formula at work.

Example 5: A Perfect Recipe. Doubling a recipe or converting units is a simple exercise in ratios and proportions.

Example 6: Interior Design. Calculating the area for paint or carpet is a fundamental algebraic problem.

Example 7: Your Sleep Schedule. Figuring out 'If I need 8 hours of sleep, when must I go to bed?' is solving for x.

Algebra isn't a subject in a book. It is the invisible operating system of the modern world.

You don't just use it. You live inside it. Now, you can finally see it.