Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $4.58.
The counter girl took my $5 and I was digging for my change
when I pulled out 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
was almost crying. Why do I tell you this? Because of the
evolution in teaching math since the 1950s....read on:
1. Teaching Math in the 1950â?Ts -- 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 the 1960â?Ts -- 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 the 1970â?Ts -- A logger sells a
truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is
$80. Did he make a profit?
4. Teaching Math in the 1980â?Ts -- 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 the 1990â?Ts -- 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 they
logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers,
and if you feel like crying, it's okay.)
6. Teaching Math in 2010 -- Un hachero vende una
carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones
es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?