Evolution of a Mathematical Problem

This is hilarious

From the Feb. '96 Reader's Digest:


1960s arithmetic test:
"A logger cuts and sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is four-fifths of that amount. What is his profit?"

'70s math test:
"A logger cuts and sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is four-fifths of that amount or in other words $80. What is his profit?"

'80s version:
"A logger cuts and sells a truckload of lumber for $100. Her cost is $80, her profit is $20. Find and circle the number 20."

'90s version:
"An unenlightened logger cuts down a beautiful stand of 100 trees in order to make a $20 profit. Write an essay explaining how you feel about this as a way to make money. Topic for discussion: How did the forest birds and squirrels feel?"