[Blindmath] Division of Polynomials

[Susan Jolly]

Hi Sabra,

I do unfortunately understand what you mean about some math classes teaching 
how to use software and calculators rather than how to do the math manually 
by using the correct algorithms although I'm shocked to learn that this 
happens at a college level.

A few years ago I was taking an exercise class where a high school student 
was the receptionist. However, she wasn't very busy so she spent a lot of 
time doing her homework.  One day she seemed upset and when I asked why she 
said she was studying for her math test but couldn't do one of the practice 
problems so I offered to help.  Boy was that a big mistake! It turned out 
the test was on how to use a brand of calculator that I'd never used to 
manipulate certain kinds of tables and she was having trouble following the 
instructions in the book. As far as I could tell there wasn't any need for 
her to understand anything I'd call math.

I hope some other people on this list have some helpful ideas.  I guess my 
experience is out-of-date.

Good luck!

SusanJ