content: The problem is that she's not complaining about advanced math... She's complaining about algebra... using variables. She doesn't know how to use variables.  So, how is she supposed to read and write if she can't use variables? If she can't put an input file into a variable, manipulate it in a meaningful way, and do the same with an output file, how is she supposed to know how to code? I know people who DO know algebra, and they still have problems passing variables between functions when they learn. How do you think this lady will fare, knowing the doesn't know how to use variables, and would rather give up coding than take the time to learn how to use variables?