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>1. Of course there are stupid people, almost regardless of the definition of stupidity. Not enough to explain the outcome, though. Stupid != ignorant Many fo

>1. Of course there are stupid people, almost regardless of the definition of stupidity. Not enough to explain the outcome, though. Stupid != ignorant Many folks who don't know math often have a significant level of skill in other areas. There are many folks who just didn't bother to learn math, and either just regurgitated the material to pass tests and promptly forgot it, or flat out cheated. It's sad, as math is extremely useful in many situations. I'm not even talking about algebra, trig or calculus. Just basic arithmetic, fractions and exponents. Algebra can also be quite useful in everyday life too, and not just WRT numerical problems. Algebra uses clearly defined rules to perform operations. If you can master that, more general problem solving becomes much easier. That many people don't have such skills is sad. But our education system seems to favor moving people up and out rather than ensuring competency in the elements of the curriculum. And more's the pity.

tgv 6y ago
I agree our education system is wrongly geared. I do not agree on the usefulness of algebra in daily life, nor on that of maths beyond primary school. I've been trying to use this as a motivation too, but it falls flat. Calling it extremely useful is almost taking the piss. And stupid people exist, really. If you take IQ, a considerable portion, almost one in six, of the population scores below 85, classified as intellectual disability, borderline functioning, or worse. These people do not know what's odd and even. It's not sad. Many can lead normal lives, and find joy in other things.
- nobody9999 6y ago
  >I do not agree on the usefulness of algebra in daily life, I didn't say "daily life" I said "everyday[0] life." The difference is that there are times (certainly not daily) in normal (which is the sense I used "everyday") life where not algebra specifically, but the idea that structuring a problem properly makes it easier to solve is extremely useful. >And stupid people exist, really. Not sure where I said there aren't stupid people. I said that being ignorant of something (in this case, math) didn't necessarily mean one is stupid. I'm getting the sense that I didn't communicate my points very well to you, or something was lost along the way. Sorry about that. [0] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/everyday https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/everyday

tgv 6y ago

I agree our education system is wrongly geared. I do not agree on the usefulness of algebra in daily life, nor on that of maths beyond primary school. I've been trying to use this as a motivation too, but it falls flat. Calling it extremely useful is almost taking the piss. And stupid people exist, really. If you take IQ, a considerable portion, almost one in six, of the population scores below 85, classified as intellectual disability, borderline functioning, or worse. These people do not know what's odd and even. It's not sad. Many can lead normal lives, and find joy in other things.

nobody9999 6y ago
>I do not agree on the usefulness of algebra in daily life, I didn't say "daily life" I said "everyday[0] life." The difference is that there are times (certainly not daily) in normal (which is the sense I used "everyday") life where not algebra specifically, but the idea that structuring a problem properly makes it easier to solve is extremely useful. >And stupid people exist, really. Not sure where I said there aren't stupid people. I said that being ignorant of something (in this case, math) didn't necessarily mean one is stupid. I'm getting the sense that I didn't communicate my points very well to you, or something was lost along the way. Sorry about that. [0] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/everyday https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/everyday