Comment by bawolff

> But that's basic arithmetic, and we have calculators to do that.

I would disagree. How to minimize a function, how to calculate interest, first derrivative are all pretty useful in finance, and a bit beyond basic arithmatic.

> I think we're more talking about algebra

"Algebra" as a term covers a lot. Being able to solve for x is a very useful skill and often what people mean by algebra.

If you mean understanding groups, rings, fields, or whatever, then sure that is probably not very useful to the average person's day to day. However i dont think that is usually tought in high school.

> Does a solid knowledge of, e,g, Set Theory, give any benefit later in life?

Pretty sure nobody in high school is getting a solid understanding of set theory. That is more university level.

> And also, if we think that basic financial management is a good thing for kids to learn, why don't we teach that?

I guess it depends on where you live, but i had to take a class on that in high school.