On a scale of one to dumb....

Quite recently, I received a comment on my blog from one of the coolest students that I ever taught. Ferney J. sent me a comment about my posting of the "top math jobs", and in her comment she asked if math was needed for a career in criminal justice.

At that moment, several things popped into my pea-sized brain. First, I really was happy to "hear" form Ferney. I have been wondering how life in Cally had been for her. So Ferney, if you read this, please send an email address (maybe a school email address).

Next, I realized how idiotic the list of top math jobs that I posted was. An actuary was listed as one of the top jobs. Be real. I think that should have been on the list of the "most dreaded" math jobs!

There are millions of careers that require a good math knowledge, and criminal justice is one of them. In fact, the FBI has several special units for folks that have great mathematical abilities. More importantly, everyday quality of life is improved with a good math schema!

So on a scale of one to dumb, my choice to post some random Internet math job statistics was DUMB!

Ferney, thanks for continuing to teach this old dog new tricks!

Fractions, Pizza, Percents, and More

Lately, the class has been involved in answering questions involving the addition and subtraction of fractional amounts.

Some of the typical equations might look like:

2 1/4 + (1 1/3 -5/6) or

4 3/10 - (2 3/5 + 7/10) or

(3 3/4 + 2 1/8) - 2 2/7

While you might expect for me to be interested in the correct answer as my primary goal, I am actually much more concerned that kids are looking at the amounts and using appropriate strategies based on each unique circumstance.

We have studied several models that allow students to quickly create common denominators by thinking of such things as equivalent fractions on a clock, equivalent percents, and/or a good old common denominator. The trick is to know when to use each model.

The first problem is a great opportunity to use a clock model as all of the fractional amounts can be expressed as twelfths. Students should be familiar with clock fractions from the game "Roll around the Clock". 2 3/12 + ( 1 4/12 - 10/12)

The second problem is perfect for using percents as all of the amounts are very easily converted into percents that are easily added and subtracted. 430% - (260% + 70%)

The third problem is probably best solved by finding a common denominator as the fraction 2/7 is not easily represented on a clock, because 12 hours and/or 60 minutes cannot evenly be split into seven whole number pieces. Also, without a calculator, finding and using the percent that is equivalent to 2/7 is not practical. (3 6/8 + 2 1/8) - 2 2/7.... 5 7/8 - 2 2/7... 5 49/56 - 2 16/56...= 3 33/56

Of course, this post leaves out many steps, but the most important step is choosing the best strategy with which to work.