Math Made Easy
Math 1950-2007
> 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 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?
> -------------------------------------------
> 2. Teaching Math In 1960:
> 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:
> 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:
> 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:
> 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 .)
> ------------------------------------------
> 6. Teaching Math In 2007:
> Un hachero vende una carretada de madera para $100.
> El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero
> ha hecho.
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7. Teaching Math in Ashtabula County 2007:
What is Math?