[G8 Diplomat]

The Evolution of Teaching Math

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 old-growth hardwood 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? Remember, there are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it’s OK.

6. Teaching Math In 2007

Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

7. Teaching math in 2025
خشابة يبيع خشب منشور ﺑ 100 دولارات تكلفته الانتاج هي 5/4 السعر ماذا ربعه

(I used a translator for some of that...may not be accurate, but you get the jist)

[Tired of Taxes]

I love that joke, but, imho, the more accurate version is the one that describes 1970’s math this way:

1970s (new math):

A farmer exchanges a set P of potatoes with set M of money. The cardinality of the set M is equal to 10, and each element of M is worth $1. Draw ten big dots representing the elements of M. The set C of production costs is composed of two big dots less than the set M. Represent C as a subset of M and give the answer to the question: What is the cardinality of the set of profits?

I went to school in the ‘70’s, and the above is not far off at all. I have old math books from the ‘70’s to prove it, too... lol.

[BykrBayb]

...and if you feel like crying, it’s OK.

And if you don't, there's something wrong with you.

[Impy]

LOL.

You’re wrong though, in 2025 the answer to all math problems will be 84, because our savior Obama was born on August 4.