Meaning of new math | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A dramatic and short-lived change in the teaching of mathematics in grade schools in the 1960s, focusing on abstract topics such as symbolic logic, to the detriment of simple arithmetic etc.
   US, historical, uncountable
2. The methodology used to arrive at an unreasonably incorrect answer for a mathematical calculation.
   broadly, derogatory, uncountable

Examples

“She quickly calculated the tip to be $45.00 on the restaurant tab of $110.50, apparently using new math.”

“Hooray for New Math[!] / ... / It's so simple, / ... / That only a child can do it!”

CEFR level