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Math Suks

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Wikipedia article




"'Math Suks'" is a song by Jimmy Buffett, from the album 'Beach House on the Moon' (1999).

Background



The lyrics tell of the author's frustration as a math student. The song's lyrics refer to hearing the phrase "Math sucks" on an interview on TV, though Buffet later noted that the inspiration actually came from graffiti on a bridge in Key West Florida. (updated link: https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/science.284.5421.1763b) Mathematical terms are used in a superficial way in the song, which drew criticism from mathematicians and mathematics teachers.Picker, S.H. and Berry, J.S. (2000): "Investigating pupils' images of mathematicians". 'Educational Studies in Mathematics', volume 43, pages 6594. The song was condemned by the US National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Education Association for its alleged negative effect on children's education.National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (1999): "A conversation with Jimmy Buffet shows math doesnt 'suk' after all". 'NCTM News Bulletin', volume 36, issue 1, pages 1 and 45. Jon Stewart performed a comedy segment on 'The Daily Show' referencing the song entitled "Math Is Quite Pleasant".

References





Category:Jimmy Buffett songs

Category:Mathematics and culture

Category:1999 songs

Category:Songs written by Jimmy Buffett

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