I wondered why mesh analysis of circuits is so popular over other methods, because solving multivariable equations is painstaking! The secret I didn't know is that these guys aren't doing the heavy lifting, they use keystrokes and the answer pops out.
I wish I knew this in 8th grade... everything I’ve done in math was just to waste my time. I’ve been using the same calculator, but doing the same math problems just building up to me learning this in college.