Americans aren't the only innumerates!

Is it awful to be relieved that for once, it's not my country that is the source of embarrassment?

From loriel_eris: "Cool Cash Card Confusion".

I made Brilliant Husband read it. He finished and said, "Hey, [Small Child]! Which is bigger: -6, or -8?"

She immediately answered, "-6" with no help; I am a witness.

I should perhaps note that BH is a mathematician and has discussed negative numbers with Small Child before. (In fact, some of our friends now use "Let's get out our handy number line!" as a joke.)

I also note, however, that Small Child is six years old.

Americans aren't the only innumerates!

Is it awful to be relieved that for once, it's not my country that is the source of embarrassment?

From loriel_eris: "Cool Cash Card Confusion".

I made Brilliant Husband read it. He finished and said, "Hey, [Small Child]! Which is bigger: -6, or -8?"

She immediately answered, "-6" with no help; I am a witness.

I should perhaps note that BH is a mathematician and has discussed negative numbers with Small Child before. (In fact, some of our friends now use "Let's get out our handy number line!" as a joke.)

I also note, however, that Small Child is six years old.