In deciding what mathematics should be taught at any grade level it is necessary to know the mathematical needs of the students. However, unless we subscribe to the doctrine that no one should learn more about anything than he will need to live at that particular age level, we must also consider the future needs of the students as well. I do not subscribe to this doctrine, hence in this discussion considerable weight will be given to the mathematical needs of adults in deciding what shall be taught to children. This seems especially necessary at the high school level, since, in the case of mathematics, the student is often taking his last course in the subject.
