Sunday, March 29, 2009

New Math AGAIN










My wife and I had lunch at a Burger King yesterday and the new math has struck again. The young lady was having difficulties with her register, her manager, and a customer and along I come wanting to order lunch. My bill was $10.25 and I gave her a $20 bill. She took the change out of the drawer looked at it - made a feeble attempt to count it back - gave up and wadded up the cash and put it in my hand. I simply stuck it in my pocket. This morning I was sorting my pockets and counted out the money in my pocket and it was $14.75. Burger King was the only place I went and according to my math I should have had $9.75 in my pocket. I often wonder if they have any "change counting back" training any more. I can't tell you the last time someone actually counted change back, "25, 50, 75, makes eleven, twelve, thirteen fourteen, fifteen and five makes twenty."

I will put my $5.00 windfall in the collection plate this morning - thank you Burger King.

3 comments:

Dave said...

Hi Robert. Kids today sure don't seem to learn mental maths skills, her in NZ either. - Dave

photowannabe said...

You have hit upon one of my biggest annoyances. I absolutely hate being handed a wad of crunched up money. You know the kids have no clue how to do it or if they actually have the right amount. Its a sad statement on how math is being taught today.
I remember when I was very young, my Dad and I practiced giving and receiving change. He was in the retail business and felt this was a necessary part of life learning.
Whew, thanks for letting me vent a little. Sue

Debbie said...

Hi Robert. I came from your funny coment over at Tanya's :)

My 22 year old son can count back change, but can't even think about fractions!