Can you pass 8th grade science?

[Bolshevik]

I think - given the choices - you can presume final velocity is at time of impact which is 100 m/s**2 (using their flawed GC). Assuming the stone was not pumice the final velocity would be zero since the stone would rapidly decelerate on water impact and then slowly come to zero as it hit the sea floor. The rate of descent between surface and sea floor will vary with salinity, etc (i.e. density) of the water itself.

they should have said, "ignoring air-resistance and assuming constant acc., what is the velocity at t=9 sec"

because time = 10 sec, one sig-fig. How do they know it took 10.0000000 seconds to drop? plus yes, you don't know exactly how far off g is from 9.81, so using one sig fig is the correct thing to do, therefore g must =10. It's not an oversimplification. it's sig figs. Although I think simplicity may have been the intent.

[doojable]

I do remember that when I had questions like this they were worded :

"a truck and a car fall in a vacuum..."

"For the purposes of calculation assume..."

"What is the speed at the point of impact?..."

In other words, I seem to remember the questions being worded to give the student the sense that there was more to learn on the subject.

But that was a long time ago...

[Rocky]

Didn't we do this just a couple of months ago too?

[Flow7]

Funny story received from e-mail

Fifty Years of Math 1957 - 2007

Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried.

Why do I tell you this?

Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:

1. Teaching Math In 1950s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit ?

2. Teaching Math In 1960s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100 His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

3. Teaching Math In 1970s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4. Teaching Math In 1980s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

5. Teaching Math In 1990s

A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it's ok. )

6. Teaching Math In 2007

Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

[rhino]

That's hilarious flow ... except that it is so sad ...

[Rocky]

That's hilarious flow ... except that it is so sad ...

And though it MIGHT be funny, and for SOME slackers, true... it's STILL simply a caricature (and as such, the sadness is in the distortion it presents of reality)... sorry to be a kiljoy. <_<

[Bolshevik]

My professor told me 100 years ago it was harder to get into high school than it is to graduate high school today.

[RainbowsGirl]

JustSayHi - Free Personals

[ex70sHouston]

I feel pretty good. A-

[Watered Garden]

I got an 80% which surprised me - I expected an F!

WG