Evolution Of Arithmetic Test
1960’s arithmetic test:
A logger cuts and sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is four fifths of that amount. What is his profit?
1970’s new-math test:
A logger exchanges a set (L) of lumber for a set (M) of money. The cardinality of set M is 100. The set C of production costs contains 20 fewer points. What is the cardinality of set P of profits?
1980’s “dumbed down” version:
A logger cuts and sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost is $80, his profit is $20. Find and circle the number 20.
1990’s version:
An unenlightened logger cuts down a beautiful stand of 100 trees in order to make a $20 profit. Write an essay explaining how you feel about this as a way to make money. Topic for discussion: How did the forest birds and squirrels feel?