ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Jordan algebra

Jordan algebra is a type of math that is like playing with building blocks. Imagine you have a big pile of building blocks of different shapes and colors. Now, let's say you want to put them together to create something new. But instead of just stacking them, you can also multiply them!

But how do you multiply building blocks, you ask? Well, each building block has a special rule for how it can be multiplied with other blocks. These rules help us figure out how the blocks fit together to create new things.

Jordan algebra is like having a bunch of different types of building blocks with their own multiplication rules. Instead of just adding them together, we can also multiply them and create even more interesting shapes and structures.

Jordan algebra is used in many different areas of math and science, from geometry to quantum physics. So, even though it might seem like just playing with building blocks, it's actually a very important field of study!