>> You need to know what a multiplication table *is* in order to understand
>> long multiplication and long division. However, you absolutely do *not*
>> need to memorise the contents of said table to comprehend mathematics.
>>
>> I have no idea what the corresponding tables are for octal. But I still
>> understand how long division works in octal - i.e., THE EXACT SAME WAY
>> AS IN DECIMAL!
>
> My point exactly. Having learned it in one situation carries over to
> another. Proves how vital it was for you to learn at that point ;) See
> also my response to Rudy.
>
>> The rest of your argument seems to follow from this flawed premis.
>
> That you didn't think it through does not make it flawed ;)

You don't need to know the numerical value of pi to 40 decimal places in 
order to know how to use it. Similarly, you do not need to memorise 50 
figures of a multiplication table to understand how long division works.

>> I've often wondered how the hell we ended up in a society where being
>> stupid is considered a virtue.
>
> It is not stupidity, they appreciate other things, like... like...
> whatever.

 From what I can tell, "being rich enough to be able to afford stylists 
and makeup artists and photo editing staff to give you immaculate looks".

Either that or "being on TV".

-- 
http://blog.orphi.me.uk/
http://www.zazzle.com/MathematicalOrchid*

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