Arithmetic and geometry have real world uses for most, if not all. It is the algebra, trig, calculus, and all that shit which only a minority need (or will ever use). The one-size-fits-all approach of our shitty education system presupposes EVERYONE absolutely must know this stuff, just as it requires everyone know liberal arts, journalism, astronomy, and a host of other prerequisite timewasting classes...whose only purpose is 'make-work' to keep students occupied the whole day.