Unfortunately, I was not surprised to learn yesterday that only 25% of high school seniors are proficient at math- it was my cross to know that I would have been one of the 75% that was not. 

I took  a math quiz this morning with the following question included.

Use the equation an = n + 3/3 to complete the following table.  Then, of course there was the laundry list beginning with an- and the number starting with 1 to 5.  Now, I have been taught this little exercise in the past and been told to pick a number -any number-to begin this exercise.  

 That's where I begin to lose the logic in algebra.  But, I have a lot of problems with logic in a lot of places.  Like, where is the logic in a roomful of Republicans spouting off inane talking points to a President whose knows they are full of crap?  And, doing it in front of the whole world, no less?  

No logic there!

Back to my math challenge?   I am finding myself with a lazy mind and an unmotivated heart when it comes to math-but I also believe that I need this discipline and I want to be able to help my grandsons learn this stuff too.  Hell, they will probably know more than I do about it in a couple years.  

There was no algebra in fourth grade classes in the 60's- perhaps that is why we have such poor instructors today- and why only 25% of high school seniors are proficient in math.