Teaching Math 1950-2007
I just got this as a forward from my sister. I found it funny, and perhaps you will too:
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?
Answer: 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?
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2. Teaching Math In 1960
A logger sells a truck load of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?
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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?
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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.
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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?
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6. Teaching Math In 2007
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?
4 Responses to “Teaching Math 1950-2007”
December 9, 2007 at 1:51 am
Haha yeah I’ve had that happen and I told them how much change they should give me ^^; Then they whipped out the calculator. Luckily these days cash registers usually have the change calculated for them haha ^^;
December 9, 2007 at 10:17 pm
Ahh shoot, I do the exact same thing when I’m a cashier. Usually it’s kind of a rush so when something like that just comes and interrupts the whole system of thinking … my mind just stops and I have a hard time calculating the change, hahaha. :1
November 29, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Hah, it is amazing how many people don’t know simple math these days. I hate when people are confused at me, when i hand them a 5, 10, 20 etc. and when i find change to give them so i don’t get a whole ton of change back they get all confused and don’t know what to do.