Old Math Versus New Math

Old math versus new math is a phenomenon that is sweeping the world! Old math, or sometimes referred to as traditional math is math that was purely subjective which means that it is all formulated from straight facts. By facts I mean the math problems are done using things like equations that if the right numbers are plugged in the right places will give you the correct answer every time. For example y = mx+b, if the correct numbers are inserted for the variables will always give you a straight line of some sort. This is subjective because it is a known fact that it will always give you the right answer if done correctly. New math is taking the same ideas and principles of old or traditional math and using an objective view instead of subjective. When looking at something objectively a person can add some opinion to their statement or in math, the way they figure out the answer to their problem. For instance a person adding 2+2 could use the same traditional math way and use paper and pencil and write out the answer or they could use Popsicle sticks or pennies.
Some people say that new math is better than old or traditional math, but would agree that traditional math is a better way of learning. Some people have different learning strategies or learning disabilities and may find it difficult to learn traditional math because it is based entirely on facts. Those same people probably like new math better because it lets them throw a little of their own opinion in the way they learn and it also lets them use things that they can identify with better. I believe that new math is a great idea and should be used; however, it should be used for and by younger audiences. Using new math in an office that needs exact numbers to estimate things or plan ahead is not one of the places that new math should be found. In a situation like that traditional math should be used in order to find a more accurate answer. Although when using new math a person may get the same answer when using traditional math the room for error is much greater. A great example of a place for new math would be for lower level math in elementary and middle school where kids have the room for error and will not get fired from school from making a mistake.
In the First link provided, the article is written about the different aspects of the old math versus the new math and its looks at the two types of math with a more subjective lens. The article looks at how the change between the two types of math effect grades and other numerical values that determine ones future. In the second article, it looks at the topic of old math versus new math though an objective view. The author clearly states his opinion that new math is better for the youth of this day and age because they are more hands on but the change between old and new math can not happen to quickly or else there will be confusion and mayhem.

Links:
http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/education/20050929/6/1603
http://www.math.washington.edu/~warfield/news/news139.html
http://luceb.com/mathwiki/index.php?title=Old_Math_versus_New_Math

Social Questions

What are social questions?

Social questions are questions that usually ask the probability of something or refer to the relationship between two or more things that effect a community of people. Math can often answer any question because it is used in pretty much every situation. Social questions are often asked to find answers that are often looked at as statistics or facts. Three examples of what a social question would look like are:

1. How much longer will the sun last before it burns out?
2. What is the probability of seeing the same person twice in New York City?
3. What is the probability of getting married at thirty?