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Laugh Out Loud Friday: 50 years of Math

Teaching Math, 1959-2009

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 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 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 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 Math In 2009
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80.

As a Mortgage guy I just cant resist some good Old Math combined with a touch of the political humor! Don't you just hate when someone doesn't know how to give you change when the computer doesn't tell them how????

Have a great weekend!

Rob

Robert Rauf

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Posted by Robert Rauf on 03/06/2009 09:02 AM

Comments (25)

friday laughs, just plain silly stuff, robert rauf, robertraufhomeloanscom, laugh out loud friday

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25 Comments on Laugh Out Loud Friday: 50 years of Math

MAR

2009

Have a great weekend! and don't forget to laugh!

Hey - I can sympathize. I'm Brilliant at math (if I do say so myself) but I remember working at the movie theater as a teenager, I HATED when people tried to make it "easier" by giving me a nickel or two pennies so that I'd be able to give them a quarter instead of assorted change.

Just let me do my job, man, and go see your movie!

Robert. thank you for the laughter. This is actually serious problem in this country. I was writing in my post that some schools are going to be closed. It is so sad that this country does not put education in first priority in the economy.

Math is a universal language and has no boundaries, but the way it is taught is another story.

That's very funny.....and sadly true. I gave some one a $20, a $1 and 13 cents in change....for a $11.13 tab...whew, THAT took a long time.

Frazier, The few retail jobs I have had (many moons ago) we never had the issue with change... just count backwards! Kids today just dont know how to!

I agree with Huiting, it is a serious problem in this country. Especially in certain areas. I went to a huge garage sale that was goes through several states last August. After going to several vendors I can't tell you how many of them could not give me the correct amount of change. That is just wrong.

That was funny. I had to email it to my wife...an elementary school teacher.

Robert - LOL! That is so funny and so true... It is, unfortunately, a serious problem.

Robert: This is so "politically incorrect". I love it! Hilarious! Thank you so much!

Featured on the Optimist Group for our LOL Friday.

I am re-blogging it, and with your blessing, I am posting it on my website as well.

It's just too good not to share...

Gene, where are you? You will love this!

Robert, that was funny and sad because education has really gotten pooer. Kids today can't add in their head. They can't make change at the counter unless they put in the exact amount and wait for the register to tell them the appropriate change. And last but not least, don't give them the change portion of the bill after you've handed them the $20.00 or you'll be there all day!

I also agree with Huiting. I had also heard that schools would be closing in some areas of CA. WHAT? That blows my mind.

Mirela, you always have my blessings to re blog

Thank you for your comments everyone! If you have kept up with my blogs you know that I point my finger at our schools for not teaching our kids the real world. They are too busy teaching "the test" that they forget the basics that our kids need to survive.

Robert: Please also post this to three more groups! It's too good not to share. Maybe the "Whacked", the AR Comedy Club and the AR Lounge might be some good ones...

Thanks for the chuckle! I remember "New" Math in the 70's...my parents complained about how they were teaching us back then, and honestly, it must not have been good...I'm still terrible at math (though I can make change!)

Thanks! Let me know if you edit it again, because every time a featured post is edited, it falls down from the top and I have to put it back up.

Mirela, the edit was just adding to the groups you suggested... wont be doing it again! Had to join them first!

As a former Math instructor this really made me laugh... My student hated the fact that they could not use a calculator in my class until they could prove to me they knew how to solve the problems without one via a weekly basics test... unbelievable how long it took most to pass ....

MAR

2009

so so funny. true and funny. thanks for the good belly laugh.

Hi Robert - Sad but true! Fortunately most kids who go through school tend to have a good grasp on math concepts. Unfortunately, those that we see in public places (fast food restaurants) are the ones they designed the "picture" cash register for.

Jon & Kathleen it is so true.. and John, you made me laugh with the "picture Cash Register"

MATH only way I can add if it has commissions attached. hope you have a great and successful weekend.

MAR

2009

OUCH, this happens to me ALL the time. Basic stuff, don't understand how kids can graduate high school without being able to do a simple math problem in their head?! Had to ask the manager - thats amazing!

APR

2009

I got an e mail forwarded to me with your blog post. I agree schools are teaching to stay in business (for the test) not to educate the children, but I also feel a lot of the blame lies with the kids and their parents. Very few children have any motivation to become something more than what is required of them. Too many young people look up to "role models" like Paris Hilton, George Clooney, Britney Spears, etc., when they should be striving to become more like the Bill Gates, local heroes, and/or successful family and friends. The downfall of this country is and will be the idolization of pop culture.

David, you and I are in the same boat! I wish I knew what my parents did ... some how I learned by osmosis!

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