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Re: Am I punctual?
Posted:
May 27, 2010 7:37 AM
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On Wed, 26 May 2010 23:28:07 -0400, Greg Neill wrote:
> musicgold wrote:
> > This is not a homework problem. It is a real life situation. I am
> > just trying to apply my math knowledge in day to day situations.
That's good practice, but it's equally important to know *how* to
apply it and when it does *not* apply.
You can answer "am I punctual" in different ways, depending on what
you mean by "punctual". Barb's definition is a common one, and by it
you are not punctual -- and you notice that there was no math
involved.
If you define "punctual" as "within ___ minutes of the correct time,
__% of the time", *then* it becomes a mathematical question.
> > There was a discussion among my collegues. If a person is usually on time
> > for work, but sometimes gets late, should we consider
> > him panctual or not?
This is not a mathematical question, period. Mathematics can compute
his average number of minutes late, or the variability in his number
of minutes late; it can guide you to how to make graphical
presentations. But "punctual" is a value judgment that has no place
in math. It belongs to the realms of language and ethics.
--
Stan Brown, Oak Road Systems, Tompkins County, New York, USA
http://OakRoadSystems.com
Shikata ga nai...
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