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Algebra

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Water butt (UK) is what might otherwise be called a water barrel (USA and elsewhere)

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Whilst algebra for many is so poorly understood
At school I put the effort in and I became quite good
Three apples being equal to a carrot and two pears
Was obvious, for camels are a donkey and two hares

A bicycle without a wheel was equal to a boat
But take away an apple and you’ve got a mountain goat
Though if you multiply an orange by a seedless grape
The answer’s twenty six and a recurring hairy ape

Who knew that one banana added to a coconut
Might equate to seven minus half a water butt
But, hey, I passed exams that say I’m clever as can be
Two peaches plus an aubergine will not befuddle me

The usefulness of algebra is difficult to see
Unless you need to prove six plums are very nearly three
But what I learnt of algebra I never did forget
Though now I’m ninety seven… and I haven’t used it yet

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 5/7/2025 6:46:00 PM
This is precious, Terry. Laughing like crazy. Actually, I use algebra all the time esp. when I go scuba diving. ~ Al Jay Bra, gw
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Date: 5/7/2025 3:29:00 PM
Geezer! Sorry, couldn't help meself. Yeah I hated algebra and math in general. Boring stuff. Who knew that camels were donkey/hare hybrids? I sucked at science too
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Terry Flood
Date: 5/7/2025 3:33:00 PM
I kinda ‘got’ algebra…. Just couldn't see any situation ever arising where it might be useful… and I wasn’t wrong.
Date: 5/7/2025 2:25:00 PM
ha ha ha i never got algebra either but love your witty words! hugs Ja xx
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Terry Flood
Date: 5/7/2025 3:36:00 PM
I’m sure somebody, somewhere will have some ludicrous notion as to the value of algebra… but they’ll never convince me… or you, it seems ;-)
Date: 5/7/2025 1:26:00 PM
A water butt? LOL I think I'll substitute a water buffalo. No matter how you slice it, it's still a fruit salad! You humor is totally exposed in this one, Terry.
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Terry Flood
Date: 5/7/2025 1:38:00 PM
Ahh… there’s another discrepancy between our two versions of English. A ‘water butt’ is what might be called a ‘water barrel’ in America. Glad you enjoyed, Lin. Terry

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