Math should not be taught just for vocational reasons, or because it might come in handy for household calculations. It is part of the intellectual development and cultural history of mankind, and it helps train the mind to think logically and critically. Using the "we don't need higher math" rationalization we would also be justified in eliminating music, foreign languages, grammar, spelling, literature, basic science, civics, history, sports and art from the curriculum. None of these arts may help you turn a screwdriver or do retail sales, but some exposure to them is essential to make a good well-rounded citizen.

The basic math skills we all absolutely must have, converting fractions to decimals, ratio and proportions, etc., if mastered in school will be forgotten in just a few years unless we train all students past that point. We need to learn trigonometry and geometry just to guarantee we'll remember our fractions and how to calculate an average as an adult.