I am not a mathematics buff, however had to manage it upto high school as it was a compulsory subject. In Algebra upto grade 7, I was managing to find value for one variable (x), then it became two variables (x,y) in grade 9 by the time I reached grade 12 it became 3 variables (x,y,z) - I STOPPED with Algebra, it was getting too complicated for me as in University I have to work with more and more variables I better thought it is for more mathematical minds than me so I moved into accounting and business where "finding the unknown" was a bit less. This was way back in the 90s.
Scene change to 2026, I am forced to do what I did not want to in 90s, work with and find value for "n" number of variables in business. The Iran / Israel / US war with its typical back forth tweets (Truth Social), statements, Hormuz opening / closing, stand off has ensured prices of all raw materials into a huge variable mode. Material prices change by minute nowadays that too without a top and bottom. Business has been left with no clue on what to do, whatever we do is not right now, could have been better
- increase prices by 30% - not right, could have been better
- do not increase price - not right, could have been better
- increase price by 200% - not right, could have been better
- buy raw materials and store it to avoid price increase - not right, could have been better
- panic buying - not right, could have been better
- do not buy - not right, could have been better
- do nothing - not right, could have been better
Now I kick myself why I did not study Algebra in University!! I could have been better prepared.
