Evolution of Math

Just Curious

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 13, 2006
Messages
585
City & State/Province
Ronan, Montana
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?

________________________________



The evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:

________________________________

1. 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?

________________________________

2. 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?

________________________________

3. Teaching Math In 1970

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

________________________________

4. 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.

________________________________

5. 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.)

________________________________

6. Teaching Math In 2006

Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la
producciones es $80. Muchos gracias.
 
If you can read this thread thank a teacher.

If you can read this thread in English thank a soldier.

If you can read this thread in Spanish thank George W.
 
True story....

I was a shift manager at a fast food joint when I was 18.. Suffice it to say that we hired a lot of idiots, but the dumbest and/or weirdest were always assigned to clean tables, mop floors, etc.. Well, a particularly stupid one decided that she wanted to try working the register instead of mopping all the time, and one of my particularly stupid supervisors decided he'd give her a shot at it -- against pretty much everyone's wishes.. Looking back, I think he might just have been a sadist.

Anyhow, one day she found herself faced with a situation similar to the one described earlier.. A guy handed her a bill and then added some change to it after she'd punched the numbers into the register. She freaked. I mean, she just totally lost her mind.

In the time it took me to walk to the front, the guy had already told her what she owed him about four times, and as I was rounding the corner, she -- now, remember, this is a TRUE, FIRST PERSON STORY -- she backed away from the register with the till open, threw her hands in the air, and said to the customer "You do it. Just take whatever you think is right."

The guys eyes got big as saucers.. He was actually starting to back away from the counter, given that people were starting to stare at him as though he was robbing the place..

Needless to say, I quickened my pace a bit and worked it all out.. I also gave him a handful of "free meal" cards too, given that he was just as embarrassed as I was..

Needless to say, captain clueless didn't get to work the register anymore. :roll:
 
do you not find in a lot of shops/stores, that some of the people working there are just dip sticks, and their answer if asked is,
'if it aint on the shelf, we aint got none'
I have had a simular experiance while giving the odd change with a note.
 
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change.
Remember, these kids are on their first jobs. Never been outside the family. I've found a couple things that I wasn't suited for (organic chemist for one; horseman, for another) but that's just the learning process.
I admire the heck out of the girls at the local convenience store and gas station. They watch the pumps, make the coffee, mop the floor and sell lottery tickets; inventory the cigarettes and give the right change even if I throw in the "odd cents".
 
The problem with the math skills of young people today is not thier fault. They are not being taught the same way as ten, twenty, or more years ago. This is a result of mandated changes to the curiculum they are being taught. The people that dictate how they are to be instructed are at fault. These young people today have trouble with simple math, but many excell at complicated trig functions. Go figgure huh?
 

Latest posts

Back
Top