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History of Math
Unk

Posted on 02/27/2004 10:45:33 AM PST by jim macomber

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?

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?

Teaching Math In 1970: A logger exchanges a set "L" of lumber for a set of "M" of money. The cardinality of set "M" is 100. Each element is worth one dollar. Make 100 dots representing the elements of the set "M." The set "C," the cost of production, contains 20 fewer points than set "M." Represent the set "C" as a subset of set "M." Answer this question: What is the cardinality of the set "P" of profits?

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.

Teaching Math In 1990: By cutting down beautiful forest trees, the logger makes $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the forest birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down the trees. (There are no wrong answers)

Teaching Math In 2000: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $120. How does Arthur Anderson determine that his profit margin is $60?

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Not sure of the source but, if anyone knows, will be happy to give proper attribution and credit.


TOPICS: Education; Humor
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1 posted on 02/27/2004 10:45:34 AM PST by jim macomber
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To: jim macomber
Unfortunately, I think we are still stuck in the 1990's teaching of math. The 2000 verstion would actually take some creative thinking.
2 posted on 02/27/2004 8:31:39 PM PST by Always Right
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To: jim macomber
What is the answer to the 70's question?
3 posted on 02/28/2004 5:51:02 PM PST by bayourod ( Kerry's 1st wife: $250M; 2nd wife: $700M; Mistress: priceless.)
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To: bayourod
It's "wow, man"
4 posted on 02/28/2004 10:25:12 PM PST by thoughtomator ("What do I know? I'm just the President." - George W. Bush, Superbowl XXXVIII pregame statement)
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To: bayourod
M-C=P?
I had four years between high school and college. When I left high school, it was enough (for them and me) to know that 2+2=4. When I got to college, the new math had taken over and I never quite knew why it was so important for me to know WHY 2+2=4.
5 posted on 02/29/2004 8:20:40 AM PST by jim macomber (Author: "Bargained for Exchange", "Art & Part", "A Grave Breach" http://www.jamesmacomber.com)
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To: bayourod
It's in the tray under the sofa.
6 posted on 03/01/2004 12:34:36 AM PST by BykrBayb (Temporary tagline. Applied to State of New Jersey for permanent tagline (12/24/03).)
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