Math Jokes: The Evolution of Teaching Math

We hope you enjoy our collection of favorite math jokes and jokes about the evolution of teaching math.You may want to check out our algebra math jokes, calculus math jokes, geometry math jokes etc. on our Math Trivia page.

Teaching Math in the 1960s:

"A logger cuts and sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is four-fifths of that amount. What is his profit?"

Teaching Math in the1970s (the new-math):

"A logger exchanges a set (L) of lumber for a set (M) of money. The cardinality of Set M is 100. The set C of production costs contains 20 fewer points. What is the cardinality of Set P of profits?"

Teaching Math in the 1980s ("dumbed-down" version):

"A logger cuts and sells a truckload of lumber for $100. Her cost is $80, her profit is $20. Find and circle the number 20."

Teaching Math in the 1990s:

"An unenlightened logger cuts down a beautiful stand of 100 trees in order to make a $20 profit. Write an essay explaining how you feel about this as a way to make money. Topic for discussion: How did the forest birds and squirrels feel?"

Teaching Math in 2000:

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $120. How does an Enron Accountant determine that his profit margin is $275?