Very true.

Some math is vital, like the ability to do fast mental calculus for decision making, but pretty much all of that could just be handed over to Khan Academy.

The real complicated math is necessary only for those who already have a goal in mind.

AKA., to learn anything really complex, you have to know why you, specifically, want to learn it. It's pretty well observed that social and academic "because we told you so" only works for certain very limited subjects, and then only for certain very specific people who put the view of others above their own.

My personal opinion is that they should not teach kids these maths. They should show them the very basics, then show them exactly what these kinds of calculations are used for. Show them Mathamagic tricks, how actual professionals use it, maybe even some basic research in maths for those that are really curious...

I've seen a couple of 3D design studios while browsing the web that started out not knowing much computer or maths, having passed and then promptly forgotten about it during their education, and ending up experts in their narrow fields because they needed the maths for what they wanted to do.

To cut my semi-rant short: Education should be about asking what the person being educated wants to DO with the knowledge, then teach them exactly what they need to know, and where to find more comprehensive information, instead of trying to cram it down their throats regardless