Math Over The Ages....

This was hilariously funny! (and sad but true all at the same time).

I received this funny story from a friend.

Just a commentary on "counting out change".....when I worked as a waiter, a very sharp waitress taught me how to count back change with exact precision (and with no calculator what so ever). I can still do it to this day to the exact penny regardless of how much the bill is, how much someone hands me or how complicated I have to be in giving them cash back. My customers get a kick out of it these days).

And now we present Math Through The Ages....

FIFTY YEARS OF MATH:
2009 (in the USA )

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. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

OK, now a joke on #5.
When I served a mission in the 90's in Oregon, I served in the logging town of Astoria, Oregon. One of the mission leaders had a bumper sticker on the back of his truck that summed up the whole logging situation at that time quite pointedly.

It went like this:
"Due to the lack of wood & paper products, wipe your ass on a spotted owl!" I still laugh every time I see the picture I took of it.