Simviation Forums

Fifty Years of Math


1957 - 2007


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 1950's:



1. Teaching Math In 1950's



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's



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's



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's



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's



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 2007



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

Only in America.

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

That is soooo bad spelled.

Great one

First words I would mail that textbook company:

En ingles, por favor?  ::)

That does it....I'm moving to Canada!

My 90's math was more like the 50's...but then again some of the books were probably from that time frame

2007...about the d@mn truth :-/

Yeah, I had real math in the 90's too. I was never any good at it, but it wasn't for a lack of teaching.

Only in America.

I doubt that. I suspect it's much the same in my country. The only difference being that we work in

Only in America.

I doubt that. I suspect it's much the same in my country. The only difference being that we work in

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

That is soooo badly spelled.

That's their English -- we have no wish to see what their Spanish looks like.

[quote]I suspect it's much the same in my country. The only difference being that we work in

I'm not gonna add anything to this topic besides saying that Math sucks...If you don't agree with me, burn me

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

That is soooo bad spelled.

Great one

Spanish is not my most fluent language

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

That is soooo bad spelled.

Great one

Spanish is not my most fluint language

English isn't your most FLUENT language either I see.  ;D

It must be the 90's teaching, which seems to allow spelling mistakes as long as the content is in the general vicinity.

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

That is soooo bad spelled.

Great one

Spanish is not my most fluint language

English isn't your most FLUENT language either I see.

That's their English -- we have no wish to see what their Spanish looks like.

Amen, brother!!