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submitted 2 years ago by Kurtagag@lemmy.ca to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml
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[-] flicker@lemmy.dbzer0.com 141 points 2 years ago

"You need to learn this because you won't always have a calculator on you!"

[-] Moobythegoldensock@lemm.ee 44 points 2 years ago

That wasn’t so much a “fact” told in school as it was a prediction, and it was true for them. Some people carried pocket calculators, but most people didn’t. Some supermarkets has calculators built into their carts, but most didn’t.

Failing to predict society’s norms in 20 years isn’t the same as teaching a false fact.

[-] LouSlash@sh.itjust.works 10 points 2 years ago

Some supermarkets has calculators built into their carts

wat

[-] anomnom@sh.itjust.works 8 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Tiny photocell powered calculators used to be everywhere. There were “thin” ones to fit in your Costanza sized wallet, Mousepads with them built in, and my wristwatch in 6th grade had one with tiny rubber keys.

It was a magical time till be alive. 5318008

[-] Moobythegoldensock@lemm.ee 7 points 2 years ago

Yep, back in the 90s they were in some places. My local supermarket had one like this, except without the annoying ad on the left side.

[-] ThoGot@lemm.ee 9 points 2 years ago

The same was told to me even as everybody already had mobile phones with calculators in them or even iPhones

[-] itsworkthatwedo@sh.itjust.works 27 points 2 years ago

Basic mathematical literacy is a prerequisite to being able to use a calculator.

[-] StaticFalconar@lemmy.world 2 points 2 years ago

I feel have super power by being to calculate accurate tips without needing to crack out my phone.

this post was submitted on 14 Apr 2025
167 points (99.4% liked)

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