PREFACE

THE author has had, during the last ten years, considerable experience in organizing and conducting intermediate and secondary technical schools. During this time he has noticed the inability of the regular teachers in mathematics to give the pupils the training in commercial and rule of thumb methods of solving mathematical problems that are so necessary in everyday life. A pupil graduates from the course in mathematics without being able to "commercialize" or apply his mathematical knowledge in such a way as to meet the needs of trade and industry.

It is to overcome this difficulty that the author has prepared this book on vocational mathematics. He does not believe in doing away with the regular course of mathematics but in supplementing it with a practical course. This course may take the place of the first year algebra and the first year geometry in vocational classes in which it is not desirable to give the traditional course in algebra and geometry.

This book may be used by the regular teacher in mathematics and by the shop teacher. It can be used in the shop in teaching mathematics and in providing drill problems upon the shop work. A course based upon the contents of the book should be provided before pupils finish their training, so that they may become skillful in applying the principles of mathematics to the daily needs of manufacturing life."

In revising the manuscript the author has had the assistance of his teachers in the Lawrence Industrial School, the Lowell Industrial School, the Fall River Technical High School, and