3 ms·
We are talking about fractions, not crystaline structures. The problem is that people forget their high school math very quickly when they stop using it. Many o
by human 5y ago
We are talking about fractions, not crystaline structures. The problem is that people forget their high school math very quickly when they stop using it. Many of us keep using it everyday.
- tyingq 5y agoThe recent story about consumers perceiving a 1/3 lb burger to be smaller than a 1/4 lb burger suggests it's a lower level problem than remembering high school math :)
- Nadya 5y agoHad to check the calendar for the year because that story is from the 80's and the articles that circulated and were popular were mostly written in 2014-2016 and cycle back around every few years because factoids that let people laugh at how dumb Americans are seem to be popular clickbait. Seems to be making the rounds again because A&W is taking the piss by rebranding their "1/3 burger" to a "3/9 Burger". I also had to double-check that I wasn't reading an article from The Onion. I think it would be funny in a sad way if people are actually good at reducing fractions but still get confused by 1/3 > 1/4 after they've simplified 3/9. Least it'll make good clickbait in the 2050's.
- floatingatoll 5y agoPeople aren’t necessarily good at reducing fractions, either, in case that’s of any comfort.
- ChuckNorris89 5y ago>a 1/4 lb burger What is a "lb burger"?
- tyingq 5y agolb is a common abbreviation for "pound" (the weight measure, 16 ounces).
- ChuckNorris89 5y agoDamn, the US measurement system is complicated. In the metric system it's called a Royall :) Ok, I'll see myself out.
- deleted 5y ago[deleted]
- anon878656 5y agoThe mouseover/title text on that XKCD: How could anyone consider themselves a well-rounded adult without a basic understanding of silicate geochemistry? Silicates are everywhere! It's hard to throw a rock without throwing one!