The thought of quadratic equations, cosines, square roots, exponents, proofs and all that other numeric nonsense makes me queasy. So does fifth grade math homework. I can’t remember how to find the common denominator let alone the median or the mean. If it weren’t for Google and a sister who does have a mathematical mind (she majored in accounting – the very thought of which gives me chills) my daughter would flounder with her math homework alone. Luckily her teacher also has a policy that if my daughter tries to do the homework and her parents aren’t able to help out (and my sister isn’t home!) all I have to do is sign next to the problem and all is good. I have to admit I’ve had to sign off a few times.
To be fair, I don’t think it’s all my fault. I mean the directions on those worksheets are pretty vague and I really think they’re changing the math rules on me somehow as I don’t remember solving problems the same way when I was a kid and definitely not in fifth grade. I shudder at the thought of high school math homework! If I had my way they’d ban math from schools along with physical education (but that’s another blog post).
OK, banning math may be going a little too far. After all certain mathematical knowledge is quite useful. So I propose that schools stop teaching all that high brow math (unless the kid wants to be a mathematician someday) that I have NEVER used since I learned it in high school and college and then promptly forgot as soon as I took the final exam and instead focus on real-life math.
Here’s an English major’s idea of a good, real-life math curriculum.
- Basic Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division – These are the foundations of math and I concede that we must know them inside and out.
- Percents – We also need to know how to figure out how much money you need if the cute shoes you want to buy are regularly $79.00 and are on sale for 20% off. To make it more complex, throw in figuring sales tax at 7.5%. Another good one is how to figure out the tip when you go out to eat or get your nails done. I use this math all the time!
- Basic Measurements – Accurate measurements are important so that when you order new carpet for the bedroom, there’s enough to cover the entire floor! It’s also important if you want to rearrange your furniture. You want to know the couch is going to fit on the opposite wall without blocking the door before you move it there!
- Time, Distance and Estimates – When my alarm clock rings, I need to know that if my office is 30 miles away from home and I drive an average of 60 miles per hour will I make it for an 8:00 AM meeting if I leave at 7:40 AM? Not when two trains going opposite directions are going to meet! Come on, that extra ten minutes of sleep is essential.
- Fractions and Decimals – While not my favorite mathematical concepts, I’ve found knowing about fractions to be very helpful especially when my recipe calls for 3/4 of a cup of flour and I can only find my 1/4 measuring cup.
- Money Matters – I wish I’d learned more about interest rates on loans and credit cards, how to budget and how to save and invest when I was in school instead of how to balance an equation. You could even include how to balance your check book for extra credit! My financial status today would be much better if I had.
I’m sure other math concepts are important and essential to our everyday life as well, but my word-based mind is starting to get weary thinking about all this numeric junk. If you can think of anymore, please share them in the comments below!
Undaunted 
There are countless local walks, runs, marathons, etc.
A Professional also shows loyalty, respect, and performs with a touch of
class. As the toning belts work by using electrical muscle stimulation on the chosen area(s) of the body (usually abs) instead of
the manual sit-ups, it seems vain.
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I completely agree, and I even had a math minor! When my fourth grader started telling me that I’m doing the “shortcut” way of long division and multiplication, I had no idea what he was talking about. I gave him a sample problem (to which I already knew the answer, just to be safe) and watched him do it. Woah woah woah, what is THAT???
Another example of math applying to every day life: Telling time. If I plan to go running for 30 minutes and I start when the clock says 5:27, it’s important to know that I am DONE at 5:57. If I round up and go to 6:00, I’ve put forth extra effort that wasn’t really necessary. Critical skills in today’s world.
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LOL – My daughter told me I was reducing fractions wrong. I like the telling time example – that is a good one. You don’t want to overdo it when you’re exercising:)
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We have given thought to adding another mouth to the family but unfortunately the scars from struggling through homework and subjects way beyond my ability make the prospect frightening.
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Just think though, you’ll already be prepared – the second time around is a breeze (at least I hope!)
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I tend to also struggle with anything to do mathematics and statistics… when my husband who is mathematically minded and uses this for work talks to me about trig and calculations I tend to go a little blank and phase out of the conversation! Glad I’m not alone.
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Yeah that statistical stuff would make my eyes glaze too
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I think you nailed it there. That’s a fine list. I’m not great at maths and I’ve always had a bit of a thing, almost a phobia about it. That was until I was forced to do a Maths course at university. Maths for Primary Educators. I like it now but I’m still not very good.
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I know what you mean about the phobia thing. It was until I had a really good teacher in 8th grade that math started to click a little better in my brain.
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