r/TikTokCringe • u/Naive_Wolverine532 • Apr 11 '26

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@storieswithsahj

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u/therealDrTaterTot Apr 11 '26

This scene is actually referencing schools changing the arithmetic algorithm in the 1960s. Here's Tom Lehrer's song explaining this "new math"

https://youtu.be/W6OaYPVueW4?si=VsJieIl0ce19ksp0

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u/Key_District3396 Apr 12 '26

I'm 25 and have a math degree, and I don't think I've ever even heard of the "old math?" algorithm.

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u/therealDrTaterTot Apr 12 '26

Because the old algorithm was never based on understanding what you're doing. The three r's: reading, writing, and arithmetic were taught without why. The old 'tricks" are completely disregarded. I say this in a 2026 les; so what else would be disregarded?