The mobile phone industry stuck a nerve among teachers in February 2009. An industry trade group argued that cell phones should be allowed in the classroom, saying they can be used as a teaching tool to help children with their math skills — in particular, algebra.
NPR avoided that debate; but it did examine: What exactly is algebra, and why do so many people find it hard to learn?
NPR's Scott Simon turns to Weekend Edition Math Guy Keith Devlin of Stanford University for help. Listen to the 6 minute recorded broadcast.
