Simplifying Life
Exponents simplify an expression.
They eliminate needless repetition. Why say, “Two times two times two times two,” when you might say, “Two to the fourth power.” Like so:
2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 24
Yes, we might never use exponents in real life, but eliminating useless repetition is a skill everyone could use.
For Example:
I ask my child to do a job, and they whine.
I ask my child to do a job, and they whine.
I ask my child to do a job, and they whine.
I notice a pattern.
I attempt to employ a better method.
I create a chart of jobs, and assign a consequence for whining.
Here’s another example:
A church asks for volunteers to serve, but no one does.
A church asks for volunteers to serve, but no one does.
A church asks for volunteers to serve, but no one does.
The church notices a pattern of unwillingness.
They attempt a new method.
They pay someone to do it or close down that ministry or alter it so that it better fits the gifts of those who are willing to serve, etc.
Evaluating Life
Evaluating an expression means we take the problem apart to better understand what it means. Then we solve it. We come up with an answer. I like this part.
24 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 16
We may never have to evaluate an expression with an exponent in real life, but evaluating problems and finding a solution is a skill everyone can use.
For example:
The children are shouting in the other room.
I evaluate the situation and discover that one child has forced his way into the other child’s room to get back a book that was loaned and never returned.
We make peace, return the borrowed item, and learn to respect others’ rooms.
Here’s another example:
I’m feeling low energy these days.
I evaluate the situation and discover I’m doing the kids’ jobs, no one is listening to me, and because the kids don’t go to bed on time, neither do I.
I spank them all soundly and send them to bed.
See, Math is important. I sure wish my kids liked it more. Do you like Math?
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