Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Math Problems


When your husband is in the border patrol and your friends' husbands are in the border patrol, you're bound to come across gems like this on a regular basis. Normally I'd forward something like this in an email, but this one bears posting on the almighty blog for the world to see...I love it! (thanks, Carly)

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 1950's:

1. 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?

2. 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?

3. Teaching Math In 1970:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4. 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.

5. Teaching Math In 1990:
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).

6. Teaching Math In 2007:
Un hachero vende una carretada
de madera para $100. El costo de la
producciones es $80. Cuanto
dinero ha hecho?

8 comments:

Jenna said...

Seriously, I have HAD it with mexicanizing America. It is so annoying when products at the grocery store have to have everything written in spanish on them because people that move here won't learn English. Phil doesn't understand my thing with Mexicans, but he didn't grow up in QC/Chandler Heights either. This is a very sensitive issue for me, don't get me started... On the other hand, I am glad you posted this on your blog for everyone to see. GRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

BossyMommy said...

My sister, ladies and gentlemen. She's a little intense sometimes, but we love 'er. (o:

The Epps Fam said...

Oh, don't even get me going with this topic, Jace!!! After living in QC/Chandler Heights for 3/4 of my lifetime, you know how I feel about this. Last week, I was at the mall and there were a bunch of them whistling and yelling as loud as they could through the whole place. So disrespectful. I thought I was going to pull my hair out!! They did that all the time in the hallways when I was in high school. Just shoot me. Okay, time for a primary song..."Jesus said love everyone, treat them kindly too...."

BossyMommy said...

My OTHER sister, ladies and gentlemen. Yes, one might say our family has some issues. Don't hold it against us. But if you feel you need to register a complaint, please do so in English. Gracias.

MJ From PA said...

Last year Pat's Steaks, the famous Philadelphia landmark establishment, caused an uproar by posting that only those who ordered in English would be served. It caused a real brew ha-ha around here but the general attitude was YOU GO Pat's Steaks!

Karen said...

You don't know me, and after you read my comment you are probably going to be so glad that you don't! I am Mel's sister-in-law ... so blame her for me being here. But our family has had an extreme change of heart over the past few years regarding this topic. Your husband being on the Border Patrol obviously has his hands full trying to solve a very difficult situation. However, the difficult situation that we've experienced is that of lazy caucasians. The only people we can find who want to work hard to earn their living are the people who have absolutely nothing and have literally crawled through deserts and risked their lives to find anything for their families. My husband actually took a trip this year to Mexico to bring his good friend back home to be buried next to his Father. When he saw firsthand how his family was living, he had no doubt that he would be crossing that border also. Thank heaven we've been blessed to live in this land ... so that we can all make controversial comments on blogs.

Michelle Bebe said...

two sides to everything right? :-) there are those who come to this country to make a difference for their families, work hard and are good upstanding citizens. like my neighboors for example.

then there are those who stand at the entrances to malls whistling at you calling you over and saying dirty things to you making you feel like a rotten piece of meat. not to mention spending the rest of their time in strip clubs and bars creating a bad name for the rest of their people.

i personally am very torn on this subject.

but i can say that i LOVED your post jacey. i was dying of laughter, especially how the math got easier and funnier as the decades progressed. that is my kind of math from the 90's. if only it were that easy!!

Alyssa said...

LOL! I especially liked the "underline the number 20" part. And I'll save the family name - I don't hate Mexicans, and I'm pretty sure I grew up in the same place as Jenna and Bethany...Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I lived with the Latinos for a year and a half?