Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter girl took my $2 and I dug in my pocket for 8 cents 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 as she stood there and cried.

Hence the evolution of teaching math:

1. Teaching Math In 1960

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 1970

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 1980

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4. Teaching Math In 1990

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 2000

A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is white, selfish, and inconsiderate. He cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of
$20 to spend at Wal-Mart. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How do birds and squirrels feel as the logger cuts down their homes?

6. Teaching Math In 2010

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

AllOfMP3.com [wikipedia] is a Moscow based MP3 online store that sells songs for about 1/10th of what other “normal” services (like iTunes) charges. Yes, that is one tenth… a factor of zero point one. So if you were to take 99 cents and multiply it by 0.1 you’d get about 9 cents. For one song. Not bad! Albums for about $1.50 USD or maybe $2.50 if it’s a double-CD compilation.

Unfortunately the RIAA (a terrorist organization of litigious sorts) and other recording industry cells are trying to crack down on them. Word on the street is that you need to download all you can by September… so start heating up those cable modems.