Fifty Two Years of Math 1959 - 2011

Freightdawg

Expert Expediter
Fifty Two Years of math 1959 - 2011 (in the USA )

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.

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. Teachi ng Math In 1970s

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 2011
Un hachero vende una carretada de madera para $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?
 

Dabus1952

Seasoned Expediter
your story is so true, younger people today cant make change with out there computer.I once went in a Dunking Donuts the coffee was $1.88 I handed the girl $2.03 she in turn gave me back a dime and 5 pennies.I guess they didnt teach her 5 pennies is the same as a nickle. Also you rememember around the end of 1999 folks were worried,as the new milenium was coming .Oh my gosh how would we survive with out computers? Was the big question on nightly news back then. Me I smiled and in my mind I thanked my teachers in grade school for teaching us how to count.I knew this simple guy would survive.
 

EnglishLady

Veteran Expediter
LOL good post :D

Not sure about here in the USA, but in the UK, students can take into an exam .... calculators, formula's, everything that they need to help them pass.

How can the exams of today ever think they can match the exams that we took :confused:

I think the only thing we were allowed to take into a math exam was a book with Logarithm tables etc and a slide rule. The rest was memory power.
 

jansiemoo

Seasoned Expediter
I used to think it made me "old" to confuse the kids buy handing 'em $11.25 for a $6.25 purchase, but too frequently, middle-aged folks hand me back my change or give confused looks.
I must have gotten a "fancy" education.
She's called Grams.
 

cheri1122

Veteran Expediter
Driver
Sometimes it works to your advantage - like when you ask for a cup of ice at McD's, and the clerk doesn't find an icon for it on the register, they say "no charge" lol. :D
 
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