Damn seems like children are learning math faster and faster.

[rocadelpunk]

Originally posted by: QueBert

Originally posted by: JMapleton
I think math is overrated. There is really no need to learn anything beyond Algebra unless you're going to the science professions.

If kids were taught more financial sense and taught social skills more we'd be a lot better off. But I'm sorry, most math is a waste of time.

I've never even learned Pre-Algebra, but the basic math I learned has served me just fine. Never had an interview where they asked "do you know Algebra or Calculus?" I understand it's important for a lot of job fields. But the average person will never need it. Math classes after fractions for me as a whole were a worthless waste of time. Gotta love the dude a few posts down who responded "have fun mopping the bathrooms" math won't factor in most jobs ever.

uh...right.

Has an interviewer ever asked what are your thoughts on Romeo & Juliet?

Probably not, but that doesn't mean they won't expect you to be able to read, interpret and analyze in a clear and concise manner. This line of thinking goes for every single subject taught in k-12.

Will you ever use any of the *facts/knowledge* that you learn in k-12? VERY little of it. What you will use are the skills/concepts gained from doing those tasks.

If you can't see the benefit of studying mathematics or any subject at a higher level than middle school than you should not be in an education thread.

 

[Inferno0032]

Originally posted by: njdevilsfan87
For me...

7th: Pre-Algebra
8th: Algebra
9th: Geometry
10th: Algebra II & Trig
11th: Pre-Calc
12th: AP Calc
1 Year college: Calc 2&3
2nd year: Calc 4&5

I think I "beat" math two years ago.

Math may not be "important" depending on what you do, but it does single out those who have brains, versus those who do not. (the engineer in me is now talking hehe).

Same.

 

[Madwand1]

Originally posted by: JMapleton
I think math is overrated. There is really no need to learn anything beyond Algebra unless you're going to the science professions.

If kids were taught more financial sense and taught social skills more we'd be a lot better off. But I'm sorry, most math is a waste of time.

It's OK to be bad at math and not really get it / into it, but don't go around giving such bad advice to others and discouraging them. Math is extremely important as a foundational skill. It gives you an idea of what a real proof is. It is used by several fields of study, including Computer Science, Economics and Finance, as a foundation and filter. You're able to type your comments here because of engineers and computer programmers, and writing to may people of that sort of background, and all of them had to go through a fair amount of math with success in order to do what they do, regardless of whether or not they still remember the deeper stuff and apply what they learned directly in their daily work.

 

[Madwand1]

Originally posted by: QueBert
I've never even learned Pre-Algebra, but the basic math I learned has served me just fine.

What did you study, how far, and what do you do for a living that gives you the judgment to know that basic math is just fine for "most jobs ever"?

 

[Eeezee]

We definitely started rudimentary algebra in 6th grade, but we didn't call it algebra. It was pretty much solving for x in very, very basic equations like the ones described in the OP.

Real algebra is a bit more complicated, learning how to foil and expand, graphing, solving systems of equations, etc. Solving for x is right on the border between arithmetic and algebra

 

[QueBert]

Originally posted by: Madwand1

Originally posted by: QueBert
I've never even learned Pre-Algebra, but the basic math I learned has served me just fine.

What did you study, how far, and what do you do for a living that gives you the judgment to know that basic math is just fine for "most jobs ever"?

The fact I've had dozens of different jobs and never needed more than basic math skills. There are plenty where yes you do need to know super high level math, but for the average job it's of little importance. Of course an Engineer or Programmer will need uber math skills, but even most high level IT people I know never touch the stuff. Math is important for very specific fields. I do basic IT monkey stuff and I can't even remember the last time I needed any type of math at all. The elite jobs that require college + math aren't the normal. Most jobs are either grunt jobs that go to the working class. Or paper pushing desk jobs, which go to people slightly higher up the food chain. I can't think of too many working class positions that require vast math knowledge. Algebra or higher is of little to no real world use for the majority of the work force.

 

[Minjin]

Most people could probably grunt their way through their daily jobs, too. That doesn't make it right, though.

Speaking of which, my local McDonald's is running at about 50% right now on percentage of visits where the person behind the counter will actually say anything to me without prompting. One time, I tried to wait the girl out and she just stared at me for about 10 seconds before I finally broke down and said "Hi, I'd like to get...."

 

[Kev]

Originally posted by: Minjin
Most people could probably grunt their way through their daily jobs, too. That doesn't make it right, though.

Speaking of which, my local McDonald's is running at about 50% right now on percentage of visits where the person behind the counter will actually say anything to me without prompting. One time, I tried to wait the girl out and she just stared at me for about 10 seconds before I finally broke down and said "Hi, I'd like to get...."

You had poor service at a McDonalds?

:Q