There was a time when it was important to know how to use interpolating polynomials. Rationalizing the denominator was only useful before calculator became ubi

There was a time when it was important to know how to use interpolating polynomials. Rationalizing the denominator was only useful before calculator became ubiquitous. Being able to make fire was without use of matches or flint used to be essential. There are plenty of ways to teach algorithms without using arithmetic. Maybe a knowledge of doing basic arithmetic by hand is essential to understanding higher math. I don't know. It's worth exploring though.