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MATH FROM THE 1950's UNTIL NOW

Auggie56

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New Math
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 1960s:
1. Teaching Math In 1950s(when I was in school)
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 1970s
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 1980s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit ?Yes or No
4. Teaching Math In 1990s
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 2000s
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 2016
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?
ANSWER: His profit was $375,000 because his logging business is just a front for his pot farm.
 
I love adding a few coins to simplify the change and get a baffled look so I tell them the answer
then they pull out a calculator to check it
 
Here's a look at my take on this subject; In 1974 we were ordered by the high school principal to NOT bring Texas Instruments desktop calculators to school because we would not be allowed to use them, we had to do it in our heads. In 2016 kids are REQUIRED to bring a device to school because they would not only be unable to do it in their heads, they would not be asked to do so. Mind you, asked, not told. We are screwed.
 
I asked my 24 yr old son, he's a physicist, what his library card number was today, I wanted to borrow some e-books, he replied that he not only didn't have one but had no idea at all where the library was.
 
Here's a look at my take on this subject; In 1974 we were ordered by the high school principal to NOT bring Texas Instruments desktop calculators to school because we would not be allowed to use them, we had to do it in our heads. In 2016 kids are REQUIRED to bring a device to school because they would not only be unable to do it in their heads, they would not be asked to do so. Mind you, asked, not told. We are screwed.
How were you going to get that thing to school in 1974? A bit big to stick in your pocket. A slide ruler was way more practical to carry.
I know I am old but I will keep my calcultor. I can carry it in my front pocket when needed but most of the time my smart phone has even replaced it.
 
Ask them to write a letter, in cursive.
Double whammy!
Why would anyone want to write a letter alone in cursive? Have you tried reading cursive from 200 years ago when it was common? Every thing has been in print for way to long.
 
What the hell are all these non letter things the lumber Jack has?
 
So true!

Ask them to tell you what time it is with a wall clock!

Just two days ago, a girl asked me what time it was. I held my wrist watch up for her...she replied "I can't read those".

Why would anyone want to write a letter alone in cursive? Have you tried reading cursive from 200 years ago when it was common? Every thing has been in print for way to long.

I admire elegant writing, like this old ledger page-
penmanship-10-850x1133.jpg
 
I got the cane(6 of the best ) in 1972 for having my older sisters calculator IN MY BAG . the cane was for bringing the "devils machinations " to school
 
I've had that situation in the grocery store several times. You're right they look at you dumb as a stump - and can't give change without a machine telling them what it is. It's just the way it is. Machines are more plentiful than a pen and paper these days. Writing and editing is atrocious. You find mistakes in every form of written media. Books, newspapers, internet is littered with illiterate writing. I find that more sad...
 
I've had that situation in the grocery store several times. You're right they look at you dumb as a stump - and can't give change without a machine telling them what it is. It's just the way it is. Machines are more plentiful than a pen and paper these days. Writing and editing is atrocious. You find mistakes in every form of written media. Books, newspapers, internet is littered with illiterate writing. I find that more sad...
all of the above. but most aren`t that bad around here, and we`re supposed to have some of the worst ed., and teachers pay in the nation !
 
How were you going to get that thing to school in 1974? A bit big to stick in your pocket. A slide ruler was way more practical to carry.
I know I am old but I will keep my calcultor. I can carry it in my front pocket when needed but most of the time my smart phone has even replaced it.
They were brand new thing then, big 1 inch square buttons, it was about 8x8 inchs in size.

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I always use advance change coins to keep my change more in bills.

And as I get older, it has become enjoyable to see the young debit card people panic at the idea of adding and subtracting when that suddenly happens to them.....
Whoa! Math rears its ugly head at work! Whodathunkit?
 
Wife and me were in grocery store with my 15 years kid and I said I'll unload the cart so I could add up how much it was going to cost (back when they put prices on every item). Kid you can't do that you'll be way off, the cart was full. I told him I'd be within $5. No way! Well I was within $2.
 
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