"When are we going to use this?" Part 2 - You need it for more sophisticated Mathematics

This is a cop-out answer, although very true in many circumstances. Students like to know the use of Algebra, and with much of the beginnings of Algebra the truthful answer is that it is useful for further Mathematics.

We do ask word questions, "I bought two pencils and have $5 remaining. If I had $25 to start with how much does each pencil cost?" (2x + 5 = 25). Despite the absurdity of some of these questions (not being realistic at all - each pencil costing $10) they are not how anyone would realistically complete this question! Everyone would just think 'take off 5' and then 'halve'.

Students are left unsatisfied with this response, but teachers can give this answer if they have developed a level of trust with the students.