When I think back on all the crap I learned in highschool...

[PingSpike]

Originally posted by: yllus
A friend and I tried to calculate a tip using a pen and napkin using long division a few months ago. We failed horribly. Simply couldn't remember the process.

The irony is she's a nurse and calculates dosages all the time, and I've done pretty hardcore video and audio algorithms at my day job. Lousy computers.

I had to do a fucking math word problem for this aptitude test for a job I was interviewing for. It became clear that I needed to do long division. I got as far as drawing the division sign with the numbers, and then just stared blankly at it. I don't think I had done that since 5th grade, and I hadn't even considered trying since then. I actually wasn't that shocked.

I ended up estimating the various answers to get to the end.

I must have done ok since I passed the test and got the job.

 

[PingSpike]

Originally posted by: Anubis

Originally posted by: Linflas

Originally posted by: amjohns5
I haven't accomplished the feat of long division since middle school.

So when you have a calculation that involves division and there is no calculator in sight you skip it rather than figure it out with long division?

i dont recall a time in any recent memory where i ha dto do long Div and did not have a calc or a computer close by

Seriously, I just tried to think of a scenario where that would happen and thats why I haven't done it since 5th grade or something. There isn't one.

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: oboeguy
What's wrong with doing long division? I do it in my head all the time. Doesn't everybody?

Factoring polynomials, I can see that not being especially useful in day to day life, but learning how to factor them makes the learner, well, smarter. Learning state flags, meh, debatable value.

i can do it in my head to a dertian degree, however strange numbers into other strange numbers is more difficult, i however can not do it on paper, like ping said, i can draw the lil thing with the numbers around it but am lost after that

i have a degree in Physics and work as an engineer, theres always a calc, comp or a cheat sheet round me someplace

 

[herm0016]

wheres the " im an engineer" option?

 

[IronWing]

Originally posted by: herm0016
wheres the " im an engineer" option?

I never observed the engineers I've worked with (mostly civils and a few chemies) performing long division, factoring polynomials, or displaying profound knowledge of the textile vanities of the states. They seemed to spend most of their time copying and pasting reports and cranking out cost estimates.