Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

General Discussion

ItsjustMe

(11,230 posts) Tue Nov 3, 2020, 03:33 PM Nov 2020

How Numbers Work

4 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

How Numbers Work (Original Post) ItsjustMe Nov 2020 OP

In numbers there is quantity unc70 Nov 2020 #1

To be fair, most Americans don't know how numbers work. dawg Nov 2020 #2

Tell me about it! moose65 Nov 2020 #3

"I'm scared of getting a raise, 'cause it might move me to a higher tax bracket." dawg Nov 2020 #4

unc70

(6,113 posts)

1. In numbers there is quantity

Reply to ItsjustMe (Original post)

Tue Nov 3, 2020, 03:33 PM

Nov 2020

dawg

(10,624 posts)

2. To be fair, most Americans don't know how numbers work.

Reply to ItsjustMe (Original post)

Tue Nov 3, 2020, 03:36 PM

Nov 2020

Like I tell my sons, a good understanding of basic math - including fractions, decimals, and percentages - is like having a superpower in this country. (And if you can master statistics, you're basically Dr. Manhattan.)

moose65

(3,166 posts)

3. Tell me about it!

Reply to dawg (Reply #2)

Tue Nov 3, 2020, 03:42 PM

Nov 2020

I've been teaching math for 30 years, and believe me, I know! It's not just basic calculations that people can't do, it's more that they have no "number sense," that is, they don't understand how numbers work.

Most Americans also don't know how taxes work. They think that if you earn enough to get into the next tax bracket, that ALL of your income is now subject to the higher tax rate. I have almost given up trying to explain how marginal taxes work!

dawg

(10,624 posts)

4. "I'm scared of getting a raise, 'cause it might move me to a higher tax bracket."

Reply to moose65 (Reply #3)

Tue Nov 3, 2020, 03:47 PM

Nov 2020

"I borrowed $1,000 and I've made ten payments of $100 each. Why are you saying I still owe money ?!?!?"

"GDP fell by 32% in 2Q, but then it increased by 32% in 3Q. Why are you saying we're still under water?"

"If I say I'm using this truck 100% for business, then I can write it off and it's essentially free, right?"

Reply to this discussion