Onion Article Published in a WaPo Column

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by KrazyHorse
Listen, if I'm hiring people to work at my hypothetical warehouse, both of whom have basic HS diplomas, but only one of whom can do some simple algebraic operations which would make him a lot more useful when it comes to keeping track of inventory

Please demonstrate an algebraic equation that would be useful in keeping track of warehouse inventories? Doing inventory requires fast fingers (for the calculator) and regular math skills. The truth is, most people do not need to know more than one algebraic equation (how to compound interest). I can count on no hands the amount of times in my life, so far, that I've needed to use a quadratic equation.

Algebra should not be required for graduation from high school.

[Lefty Scaevola]

Algebra has had many more useful and profitable applications in my life than fine writing has.

[chequita guevara]

So if we all use algebra, we can all be rich?

[civman2000]

Originally posted by Ramo


Galois Theory

[Asher]

Originally posted by chegitz guevara
Please demonstrate an algebraic equation that would be useful in keeping track of warehouse inventories?

You have 12214 boxes of dildos in your warehouse, each pallet can hold 200 boxes of dildos. How many pallets is that?

200x = 12214, solve for x.

or...

You've got hundreds of items of 10 models of different dimensions and weight. How do you store these in your warehouse most efficiently?

[Asher]

Unless of course you mean just "counting things" by "keeping track of warehouse inventories", which is pretty much a job that's as good as gone with the advent of RFID tags and even barcode scanners.

[loinburger]

Originally posted by Asher
Unless of course you mean just "counting things" by "keeping track of warehouse inventories", which is pretty much a job that's as good as gone with the advent of RFID tags and even barcode scanners.

Not to mention the fact that employers probably wouldn't really care if you had a H.S. diploma if you were just "counting things." You can count just fine with a (pre) 8th grade education.

[notyoueither]

Not really.

Doing well in math, no matter what level you go to indicates a head for numbers. That has an impact in a lot of jobs. Handling money, tracking inventory, doing quotes, etc.

You are correct that anyone who has completed elementary school should be able to do these jobs, but do they do them well, and how many errors do they make?

[Asher]

Originally posted by notyoueither
Not really.

Doing well in math, no matter what level you go to indicates a head for numbers. That has an impact in a lot of jobs. Handling money, tracking inventory, doing quotes, etc.

You are correct that anyone who has completed elementary school should be able to do these jobs, but do they do them well, and how many errors do they make?

That's why they're usually given an arithmetic test, no?

When I worked for a small carpentry company (making software, of course) I saw the job application process for the carpenters...they were given a ~grade 7 level math test. although it did have pythag. on it.

[notyoueither]

I usually fish for how well they did in whatever school math they did. Someone who barely got by isn't likely to be accurate with numbers. When it matters, I'm looking for aptitude.

[Vince278]

Originally posted by asleepathewheel
I believe there's a prohibition against mixing letters and numbers in Leviticus. Algebra=Devil Math

What about Kaballah?

[Drake Tungsten]

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 10/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?

[Sikander]

I agree with those who think that "tracking" students based on their aptitude / cultural expectation is the way to go. There's no reason that those who expect to go to a real college should be encumbered by those who are simply being looked after until they enter the labor market, and by the same token there is no reason to harrass those who are simply biding their time by giving them a lifelong antipathy toward education. Who knows, they might otherwise decide to return to school later in life.

[Az]

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 10/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?

ZOMFG!!11

Teh brilliance!

[KrazyHorse]

Originally posted by chegitz guevara


Please demonstrate an algebraic equation that would be useful in keeping track of warehouse inventories?

I have 100 dirtbikes. I ship 15 dirtbikes a month. It is unacceptable to have less than 8 dirtbikes in stock at any time. It takes 6 weeks from time of order to time of receipt for dirtbikes. When do I need to place my next order for dirtbikes?