<p>Math could be taught at different levels. College level math, one really understands the concept, not just the mechanic of it. D1 could read very well, and could do all problem sets before a test, but there were often problems that was never discussed or shown in class before. By knowing how to read a text book, and able to understand a problem/solution shown in the book, doesn´t mean someone has a full understanding of the concept. </p>
<p>A good math student could often get what the instructor is saying in class right away, or even be able to solve a problem that´s not even thought of it by the instructor. But for other students, it may take a lot longer to get it, sometimes as hard as they try, they may never get it.</p>
<p>It is why I said in my up thread, even if a student is able to get a B in class, she may be getting it through doing homework and doing extra work to get extra credit, and getting 70s and 60s on her tests. It is not unusual in high school that teachers give homework 50%+ credit, and allow students to correct their tests to gain some points back. As D1 would say, “Yes, I get it as soon as someone shows me how to do it.” The difficulty is figuring it out by yourself.</p>
<p>As a math major, I would say it again, people could live a very happy life without knowing calculus.</p>