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The Math Problem: Exploring the Dire Ramifications of Compulsory Math in High School and How It Is a Tool for Control and Compliance, Not Empowerment
What If the Real Problem… Is Math Itself?
As a substitute teacher, homeschooling parent, and unapologetic cultural critic, Theo Rhising takes a blowtorch to the sacred cow of compulsory math—revealing how this outdated rite of passage crushes curiosity, squanders youth, and props up a system more concerned with compliance than critical thinking.
Why are teens still forced through years of abstract math they'll never use—trig, calculus, polynomials—while graduating clueless about taxes, budgeting, or building a life that actually works? Why is math treated as sacred when, for most, it’s irrelevant? And who really benefits from keeping it that way?
The Math Problem © doesn’t argue against learning math—it argues against forcing it. Especially at the cost of purpose, creativity, and mental health. With thorough research, candid student conversations, and personal battles with curriculum, The Math Problem peels back the layers of a system in denial.
If you’ve ever questioned the point of high school math—or watched your child struggle under its weight—this book is the permission slip you’ve been waiting for.
As a substitute teacher, homeschooling parent, and unapologetic cultural critic, Theo Rhising takes a blowtorch to the sacred cow of compulsory math—revealing how this outdated rite of passage crushes curiosity, squanders youth, and props up a system more concerned with compliance than critical thinking.
Why are teens still forced through years of abstract math they'll never use—trig, calculus, polynomials—while graduating clueless about taxes, budgeting, or building a life that actually works? Why is math treated as sacred when, for most, it’s irrelevant? And who really benefits from keeping it that way?
The Math Problem © doesn’t argue against learning math—it argues against forcing it. Especially at the cost of purpose, creativity, and mental health. With thorough research, candid student conversations, and personal battles with curriculum, The Math Problem peels back the layers of a system in denial.
If you’ve ever questioned the point of high school math—or watched your child struggle under its weight—this book is the permission slip you’ve been waiting for.
90 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2025
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June 17, 2025Nonsense
I’m not sure where to start on the ignorance represented is this book. 1. Advanced math is a very creative process. 2. Math teaches how to think exactly. 3. Math open doors. I can’t tell you how many people choose their major, or their college, around not having to take as much math. 4. Math is used in everyday life, but only by those who really understand it. The others end up making errors or doing things sub-optimally. Yes I’ve often been asked to help others solve their everyday problems because I can do math and they can’t. 5. Math isn’t just one thing any more than art or music are just one thing. It is a rich and beautiful field. 6. The argument that not having used it is an argument for not learning it is an example of the kind of inexact thinking that math teaches you to overcome. Do you use Beethoven in your every day life? If not, is the fault with Beethoven? Or is it that you haven’t learned to appreciate it?
-College Professor
I’m not sure where to start on the ignorance represented is this book. 1. Advanced math is a very creative process. 2. Math teaches how to think exactly. 3. Math open doors. I can’t tell you how many people choose their major, or their college, around not having to take as much math. 4. Math is used in everyday life, but only by those who really understand it. The others end up making errors or doing things sub-optimally. Yes I’ve often been asked to help others solve their everyday problems because I can do math and they can’t. 5. Math isn’t just one thing any more than art or music are just one thing. It is a rich and beautiful field. 6. The argument that not having used it is an argument for not learning it is an example of the kind of inexact thinking that math teaches you to overcome. Do you use Beethoven in your every day life? If not, is the fault with Beethoven? Or is it that you haven’t learned to appreciate it?
-College Professor
September 28, 2025
This may resonate!
I found this book to be quite refreshing! Rhising clearly explains why the way math is currently taught is one-sided and not at all in the best interests of the majority of students. I personally, came to a very similar conclusion when taking calculus many, many years ago. Without giving away too much, this book can open the eyes of many who felt less than perfect back in school. It was no fault of your own. An opportunity to embrace your unique intellect unjudged by limiting standards.
Very thorough, with fair and unbiased explanations!
I hope it resonates with You!
I found this book to be quite refreshing! Rhising clearly explains why the way math is currently taught is one-sided and not at all in the best interests of the majority of students. I personally, came to a very similar conclusion when taking calculus many, many years ago. Without giving away too much, this book can open the eyes of many who felt less than perfect back in school. It was no fault of your own. An opportunity to embrace your unique intellect unjudged by limiting standards.
Very thorough, with fair and unbiased explanations!
I hope it resonates with You!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews