Modern Math

Last week I purchased a burger at a fast food restaurant 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:

1. Teaching Math In 1950s

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

2. Teaching Math In 1960s

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?

3. Teaching Math In1970s

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

4. Teaching Math In 1980s

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.

5. Teaching Math In 1990s

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, and if you feel like crying, it's ok. )

6. Teaching Math In 2009

Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la
producciones es $80. Cuanto
dinero ha hecho?

7. Teaching Math In 2013
Who cares, just steal the lumber from your rich neighbor's property. He
won't have a gun to stop you, and it's OK anyway cuz it's redistributing
the wealth.

I would say yes that this is correct, but Elora (3rd grader) brought me her math homework last Thursday and asked me if it was right......I didn't even understand the questions!!!!

I looked at Butch, who was a math major in college and he wasn't even sure of the answers. It was geometry and I think I slept through most of that - it was my 10th grade class!! So, no they don't teach straight addition and subtraction in elementary school, but they should be able to do calculus by the time they are in the 6th grade now.

I dread her getting into higher math because she will see how much of a real math dummy I am. Oh well, I can write her some great term papers!!!

Ahhhh, Donna, you touched on the other lost art: writing.

Really funny story Chuck.

About the math part...
I noticed this when my kids were growing up. I believe it is because kids are not taught to "think" about "how to do the math", they get to use calculators instead...

Donna, I feel ya on the higher math thing. but it's sad when someone can't subtract 8 cents to figure out the change.

IMHO...