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 evoluti on 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 sell s 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 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 M ath In 2007

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

Hahahaha, ok now that was an awesome joke, and only someone who went to school in the 50's or 60's could really appreiciate the full extent of the humor. Good One!

thats about how it was when i was in elm!!!:)

HAHAHA... Yup! Im in my 40's and was NEVER required to learn Algebra in H.S. Boy am I screwed when my kid starts bringing home algebra!

Excellent...had a good laugh.

heh i was a kid in the 90s thats funny 4 me 2

I can relate. I drives me spare when the girls in the shops pull out their calculators to make up the change.

in elm

you mean there was still an elm tree there after

fifty years of cutting lumber for this math question