The History of Math Problems Taught in Schools

  1. A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is four-fifths of this price. What is his profit?

  2. (traditional math) A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is four- fifths of this price, in other words $80. What is his profit?

  3. (new math) A logger exchanges set L of lumber for set M of money. The cardinality of set M is 100, and each element is worth $1. Make one hundred dots representing the elements of set M. The set C is the subset of M. What is the cardinality of the set P of profits?

  4. A logger sells a truckload of wood for $100. His cost of production is $80, and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

  5. (outcome based education) By cutting down beautiful forest trees, a logger person makes $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? In your group, discuss how the forest birds and squirrels feel and write an essay about it.