The Evolution of Math

(The following is an absolutely accurate picture of how the current mess evolved.)

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, which is $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

 

I've seen this somewhere before but it's still funny because it's true. Wait till Magician reads this

 

haha! I remember 90% of my teachers being tree huggers.

 

I, too, have read it before. It's still funny, and all too close to home.

I've never had a situation quite as bad as Raptor's, but darned near.

 

What is sad is how often I see your BK story repeated in during my lunch times. Stranger than fiction, of it wasn't for fast-food employment I'm convinced some people would be unemployed.

 

I guess our grade school math and science is trying to catch up to rest of the world. Countries we consider third world have much higher standards in Math, Physics, and Science. I know my wife, who is from South America, tells me everyone who graduates high school must complete Calculus. I didn't have to until college and that was only because I have a degree in Engineering. If not, I'd probably just need to go as far as trig.

Sam

 

It is unfortunate.

I hear how outsourcing and the like will kill the middle class in America and everything...

but 20 years from now there are going to be way way fewer competent people in the US anyway. What, is this BK girl going to luck into a job as a financial analyst or engineer with her skill set?

The fact that most of the US workforce in high paying jobs are skilled older people and will be retiring soon and the fact that younger people in this country are generally ignorant (to put it nice), there will very likely be a high demand for skilled workers soon, shooting wages up and further separating the classes.

 

It's sad but true, NO ONE knows how to count back change anymore. When the register gives them a number that's what they give you. Stop confusing the poor unknowing masses at the fast food joints (or whatever other store with less than 40 year olds at the cash register).

 

Remember how to give all the money at once, and they won't have to remember how to count back change.

 

^What fun is that?

I love to throw in an extra .13 so that I can get back a quarter with my change. Sometimes it is just priceless. Once I was even named a genius.