More deep thoughts ...

[Tony Eeds]

NEW MATH

Last week when purchasing 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 producción es $80.

 

[ChopperDave]

Wait, I'm still trying to figure out the first one! Where are the upside down answers???

 

[Green Horn]

Dave, did you just wake up again? Are you lounging in front of th computer in your boxers, a wife-beater, and eating fruity pebbles?

 

[ChopperDave]

Yes. Sorry.
:|

 

[Jamir]

the answer is purple

 

[Masterphil]

I wouldn't say that the problem is that kids nowadays don't know math, It's just that they don't do it in their heads often enough to be any good at it. Calculators have their place, like when you are doing long physics/chemistry/engine math equations, but everyone should be able to do simple addition and subtraction in their head.

 

[Jamir]

I wouldn't say that the problem is that kids nowadays don't know math, It's just that they don't do it in their heads often enough to be any good at it. Calculators have their place, like when you are doing long physics/chemistry/engine math equations, but everyone should be able to do simple addition and subtraction in their head.

counting in my head is easy. It is counting the voices in my head that is hard!

 

[bsmith]

That is priceless! :cool:

 

[SpDyKen]

the answer is purple

That would make the REAL answer red and blue!

BTW, I entertain myself for hours on end counting them! :) :nod: :yeehaw: