Math Tests, Then and Now
1960's ARITHMETIC TEST:
A logger cuts and sells a truckload of lumber for $100.00. 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 $100.00. His cost is $80.00, his profit is $20.00. Find and circle the number 20.
1990's VERSION:
An unenlightened logger cuts down a beautiful stand of trees in order to make a $20.00 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?
Originally published November 14, 2002.
