Tricky Problem

I am a jar person and I actually started with J = P/4 + 1 = (p-1)/3

mpy by 12 and ended with P=16.

When trying to explain I decided to do it the other way.

I think a lot of (not so good in math) children are confused by attempting do do it in one line.

What is the preferred method used by schools?

What is the preferred method used by schools?

It's been nearly as long for me ! The version I used was just an expression of the mental picture I had - I was visualizing the jars on the desk. It comes out all the same, but it's interesting to hear how different people 'see' a problem, even a fairly straight-forward like this. If I had a bit more time (and drawing skill !) I'd post a picture to illustrate, but I think it's reasonably clear. I may try and return with a picture, but hopefully somebody a bit quicker will do it.

Yep, that's the way I did it too. I always try to figure out the answer before writing equations. I like math but ever since I found out it's also used by statisticians and accountants I just can't trust it.

LOL - It's a bit like giving sharp tools to monkeys !

What is the preferred method used by schools?

1) Bus children Across town.

2) search childrens bags to assure no firearms.

3) Underpay and demotivate teachers.

4) Have assembly to teach children to avoid drugs.

5) Have assembly to build self esteem of children.

6) Lunchtime! Give Children surplus government cheese.

7) Fight breaks out on playground.

8) teacher takes injured student to office for first aid.

9) teacher fills out many forms, gets angry phonecall from parent and parents lawyer.

10) Teacher sends worksheet home with the jars and pencils problem telling the kids to have their parents help them figure this out.

11) Kid asks parents who if they do not come to CR4, say "I don't know, why would you need to know this if you are going to be a lawyer?" kid goes to law school.

12) Law schools graduate a bumper crop of innumerate legal velociraptors, whose natural prey is teachers and engineers and medical doctors, most of whom can do math.

13) Teachers retire early, tired of being sued over playground voilence.

14) Doctors retire early, leaving their practice due to high malpractice insurance premiums.

15) Engineers get laid off in droves as companies try to come up with budget monies for legal defense

16) Work gets outsourced to countries where students are taught mathematics in school and lawyers are not a significant cultural force.

milo