[lincpimp]

I always got the importance of have a "basic knowledge" of math, so that a person could apply said knowledge to a wide range of problems. That being said, I always thought a lot more "real world" problems should have been thrown out for the benifit of the kids.

As for factions, well knowing how to divide and multiply will usually allow most to figure them out. Improprt fractions could just be taught as a theory.