new math

English

Alternative forms

• New Math

Noun

new math (uncountable)

1. (US, education, historical) A dramatic and short-lived change in the teaching of mathematics in grade schools in the 1960s, focusing on abstract topics such as symbolic logic, to the detriment of simple arithmetic etc.
2. (derogatory, by extension) The methodology used to arrive at an unreasonably incorrect answer for a mathematical calculation.

   She quickly calculated the tip to be $45.00 on the restaurant tab of $110.50, apparently using new math.

See also

• reform mathematics

Anagrams

• went HAM, went ham