A discussion arose about the educational system's failure to adequately prepare students in mathematics, specifically regarding a friend's struggle in chemistry due to a lack of foundational knowledge in algebra, particularly logarithms. The friend claimed to have received an A in Algebra 2, yet was unfamiliar with basic logarithmic concepts, prompting disbelief from the poster. This led to broader commentary on the quality of high school education and the validity of grades, with some participants arguing that students can achieve high marks without truly understanding the material. The conversation shifted to a critique of grammar and writing skills within the forum, highlighting the irony of criticizing others while exhibiting similar deficiencies. Participants debated the importance of clear communication in academic settings and the implications of poor educational standards, ultimately suggesting that both the friend and the poster may have been let down by their schooling. The thread concluded with calls for better adherence to writing standards in the forum, emphasizing that clarity is crucial in educational discussions.