Evolution Of Math - Damned - So True!
 

The Evolution of Math
Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The
counter girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8
cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the
nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed
her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but
she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried.

Why do I tell you this?
Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:

Teaching Math In 1950
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production
is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?



Teaching Math In 1960
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100 His cost of production
Is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?



Teaching Math In 1970
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of
production is $80. Did he make a profit?



Teaching Math In 1980
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of
production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the
number 20.



Teaching Math In 1990
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and
inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the
preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit
of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for
class participation after answering the question: How did the birds
and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no
Wrong answers.)



Teaching Math In 2005
Un hachero vende una carretada de madera para $100. El costo de la
producci?n es $80

There are still some good schools. Just not sure where they are.

:1orglaugh

too true, I love throwing the 8 cents or whatever to the clerk to see if they can manage the deep fried brain power to do some basic math. As amusing as it is to me to see these people struggle, it really tells me a LOT about the state of education in this country.

I've never seen anything like that in Canada and I do that type of thing everyday.

Bama,

You were in a Burger King for crying out loud.

It's because kids rely on calculators. Higher level math such as calc 2 doesn't work that way. I've always excelled at it, but there have been times where I just draw a blank.

It happens.

As a former mathematics teacher, I agree with your point. The state of mathematics education in this country (U.S.) is a fucking joke. Especially down here in the state of Florida where we have a bullshit acheivement test by which teachers and schools are graded. They even started school extra early this year to prepare. All they do is teach to the test. We are raising a nation of math illiterates. :2 cents:

LOL Anthony

Have it your way baby!

ROFL!!
Fuckin made me laff at this part :1orglaugh :thumbsup :1orglaugh

How's things going Ole Buddy?! Haven't seen you forever! :)

We had a retail business when I was growing up... I've known how to make change since I was 5 or 6 lol.

I actually used to love when customers gave me change that made their change back easier. 3 cents here, nickel there... smarter people :thumbsup

I do agree about the evolution of math. No matter how you teach it though, our schools are still outdated and need to teach useful things for this millennium.

god its so easy to make change, gotta love the BK youth :)

:1orglaugh :1orglaugh

Get the computers and calculators out of the schools! Teach the 3 Rs for fuck sake!