The Evolution of Math...........

rack'm

Jaded
Last week I purchased a burger and fries at McDonalds for $3.58.

The counter girl took my $4.00 and 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 1960s...

Teaching Math In 1960


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 1970

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 1980

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

Teaching Math In 1990

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 2000

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 2006

Un ranchero vende una carretera de madera para $100. El cuesto
de la produccion era $80. Cuantos tortillas se puede comprar?
 

Nanny Pam

************
Typical of today's education. When I went to school, we didn't use calculators in class.
Today's youth is screwed with out them.


Wait....were calculators even invented yet, when I was in school? :jet:
 

Lugnut

I'm Rick James #####!
Nanny Pam said:
Typical of today's education. When I went to school, we didn't use calculators in class.
Today's youth is screwed with out them.


Wait....were calculators even invented yet, when I was in school? :jet:

I've had single problem homework assignments that took 3 days to finish WITH a calculator. Believe me, some classes require a calculator for a reason.
 
S

StrwberryKisses

Guest
Math is just one of those things you are either good with it or you are not. I'm fairly good with math. The part that kills me is that first and second graders have harder math homework than some of the high schoolers I have helped. Where is the logic there?
 

Bustem' Down

Give Peas a Chance
Lugnut said:
I've had single problem homework assignments that took 3 days to finish WITH a calculator. Believe me, some classes require a calculator for a reason.
My little brother was using one of those graphing calculators for 9th grade algebra.
 

itsbob

I bowl overhand
Nanny Pam said:
Typical of today's education. When I went to school, we didn't use calculators in class.
Today's youth is screwed with out them.


Wait....were calculators even invented yet, when I was in school? :jet:
It was called an abacus..
 

SouthernMdRocks

R.I.P. Bobo, We miss you!
Nanny Pam said:
Typical of today's education. When I went to school, we didn't use calculators in class.
Today's youth is screwed with out them.


Wait....were calculators even invented yet, when I was in school? :jet:

:lmao:
 

maylinduplantis

gunslinger
i have problems with math because of a dyslexia issue but I still do long division with pencil and paper and multi lines of multiplication... I'll use a calculator in those rare occasions when I need a lot of math done quickly and hell, I may even use Excel just so I can see all my numbers in front of me... but, didn't the cashier have a register in front of her? being a clerk sucked without it... I feel bad for the people who have problems with simple change-making skills...
 

aps45819

24/7 Single Dad
maylinduplantis said:
I feel bad for the people who have problems with simple change-making skills...
They're fun to play with. I love the look when you hand then a couple of pennies after they're already touched the correct picture on the register.
 
S

somdebay

Guest
Bustem' Down said:
My little brother was using one of those graphing calculators for 9th grade algebra.

I had one too...but I was in Algebra 2 in 9th grade...and it was required by the school...but it was best used for games.
 

BuddyLee

Football addict
I'm ok with math, not brilliant just ok.

However, I always laugh when I ring up a customer and a similar situation occurs. They usually exclaim, "Wow, you can do math!" rather sarcastically.

Amazing some of the wetawds there are out there. Pete was correct yesterday when he mentioned that some folks don't even deserve minimum wage.
 
M

Mousebaby

Guest
Lugnut said:
Ack! Now THAT just ain't right.


Yep, had to purchase one for my son this year. I, unfortunately, am one of those that just don't get math. I am, however, clever enough to figure change out. This chick must have been a real wiener! :lmao: I thank God every day that I married a man that majored in math! Its his job to know numbers. I sometimes wish I could live vicariously through him so I could spend BILLIONS of the governments money on airplanes! :larry:
 

Beelzebaby666

Has confinement issues..
My math class is going well for me this time around.. I'm thinking that the teachers humorous approach and the fact that I have more time to do assignments is helping me out alot...

:yahoo:
 

hvp05

Methodically disorganized
:killingme Thanks, rack'm; I will definitely be passing that one around work tomorrow.

I think we all can agree that calculators are appropriate at certain times; when we need to get through a project quickly or doing some intense work.

The problem is when people (esp. kids) rely on them. Particularly when doing basic four-operation problems. There is a serious problem when kids say, "The answer is 1,480; I know because the calculator said so," or "I didn't feel like subtracting it in my head because the numbers are too big."

Higher level mathematics requires a strong analytical foundation. If people don't develop that foundation early - and expect the answer to magically be handed to them on a platter - they won't have a chance in hell of tackling the really tough stuff later.

Does anyone remember "Apollo 13" when the guys at Mission Control used their slide rules? They worked for 350 years... maybe we should bring them back. Kids may opt to do problems mentally after all. :lol:
 
Top