In Reply To:
re: "you can get an A in a math class for answering that question? in college???? even in high school . . ."
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The Evolution of Math: 1950-2006
Last week I purchased a PowerBar at the grocery store 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 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.)
The 2006 example could be construed as an ethnic slur, so I won't post it. The scenario was also edited for Slowtwitch correctness: the original involved purchasing a burger at Burger King for $1.58. And I consider myself an environmentalist before anyone jumps all over me for #5. I know how things go on Slowtwitch!
That's pretty good. True, also. I was teaching a freshmen (college) calculus class a few years ago. A student, using 9 steps of long division, on an exam, finally decided that 18000 divided by 6 was 3000. I wonder how long that calculation took?
-C
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Any run that doesn't include pooping in someone's front yard is a win.
