[Always Right]

NO kidding. Sadly, though, most teachers want it done THEIR WAY, and will NOT accept even mathematically proper alternatives. I never understood that.

Actually it is pretty easy to understand. Most teachers math is their absolute worst subject, and if you don't follow their method they really don't know if it is a correct. Some people are actually terrified of math, even simple math. I had a third grade teacher who insisted that you could not subtract 5 from 3. I used the example of a thermometer with negative numbers but she kept insisting it was impossible.

[Tired_of_the_Lies]

I had a similar experience in fourth grade when I tried to discuss something about division with my teacher.

My parents, in addition to teaching me math, reading, and other helpful things, taught me not to waste my time arguing with a teacher, so I didn't press the point.

Nonetheless, I had an epiphany in her class the day I realized that I understood math better than she did.