Made a purchase at McDonalds

[Niner]

Last week I purchased a burger and fries at

McDonalds for $3.58.

The counter girl took my $4.00 and 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

1950s:

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 sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His

cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

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

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.)

Teaching Math In 2006

Un ranchero vende una carretera de madera para $100.

El cuesto de la produccion era $80 . Cuantos

tortillas

se puede comprar?

--

SgtMike