Correct Math Operations: Putting The Cart Before The Horse

Are your children putting the cart before the horse? If so, I can help them to understand the importance of following the order of operations in math.

Have you ever heard the expression “putting the cart before the horse”? No? Then, let me explain what it implies and how it can be related to algebra, geometry, calculus, and even trig.

The proper way, if using a horse, to get a large cart or wagon to move from point A to point B is to hitch the animal in front of it and have him pull it. If you were to place the cart in front of the horse, the horse would not, ordinarily, push it with his head. Therefore, the cart will go nowhere on level ground. Similarly, there is an order of operation in math that one must follow to get the desired results. So many bad results and unfortunate circumstances occur in our lives because we unwittingly or thoughtlessly “put the cart before the horse”.

If you were seriously dressing for school or work, would you put on your shoes before putting on your socks? Of course, you would not. However, if you did, and if you walked on them, you could expect at the end of the day to return home with dirty, torn, and ragged socks.

Would you attempt to start your car before first putting the proper type of fuel in its tank? Could you grow your tree before planting the seed? Can you wash your hair before removing your hat? Do you really want to take a shower before removing your clothes? I could go on and on. But I’m sure you get the point. And as strange as it may seem, many of us do habitually “put the cart before the horse.” In our economic affairs this is common. How often do we use credit cards to purchase merchandise we desire without having the resources or expected funds to pay for them? OW! That forebodes a painful proposition for tomorrow.

Geometry is a function of math and it has been said that God geometrizes. There is a natural order that manifests itself in the world around us. When we proceed to accomplish any particular task and we fail to follow the proper “order of operations”, whether in ignorance or with malice of forethought, the outcome can be pretty messy.

I have learned these lessons from many years of experience and I have, as a math tutor, an uncanny ability to pass on this valuable knowledge and wisdom to my students. Find out how I can help your child to achieve success in school and ultimately in life through my online tutoring classes. Metaphorically, your child will return home with tidy and un-torn socks at the end of the day.

By: Jesus J McGill

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