Introduction
Essential Questions ->
- How may solving one-step equations help you make smarter choices in your day to day life?
- How can solving one-step equations help us make fair financial decisions in shared situations?
Learning Objectives (Florida State Standards) ->
MAFS.912.A-CED.1.1: Create equations to solve real-world problems.
MAFS.912.A-REI.2.3: Solve linear equations with one variable.
Bloom's Taxonomy
- Use equations to solve provlems
- Break down problems into math sentences
Example of real world applications
- Calculating discounts
- Calculating how you should spend your money
- Real World Challenge
A hoodie cost $45 after a 25% discount. What was the original price?
Why this is important?
- It can help you learn how to spend
- May help manage discounts
- Could help manage disputes over money between friends
Task
Financial detectives
Use one-step equations to solve financial situations and present your solutions in creative ways.
Teams of 4
2 classes to work on it
First you must choose 2 cases
Sharing with friends
- 3 friends split a $36 Uber. One friend only rode halfway, what is the fair way to split this?
- Create an equation
- Solve and send a message describing in detail to your friend why the ride must be split this way
Discount Scam
- A store says that everything that is $50 is 30% off but the total is $35. What is wrong?
- Create an equation
- Design a ticket or paper explaining the mistake/ exposing it
Phone Plan
- Plan A costs $25 a month and $3 per GB, Plan B simply costs $40. Which is cheaper for 5 GB?
-
Solve equation
-
Create a 2-slide comparison (Google Slides or poster)
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Roles - Solver, Designer, Speaker, Checker
Analyze -> Evaluate -> Apply -> Create
Day 1 - Solve problems and create visuals
Day 2 - Present and share with the class
Process
Financial Detectives
-> Day 1 - 45 mins to solve cases
-> Day 2 - 30 mins to present
Roles (4 Students)
-
Solver - Does the math
-
Designer - Makes visuals
-
Speaker - Presents to the class
-
Checker - Finds mistakes
Solve 2 cases
Case 1
-
Equation - (36/3)/2 =
-
Task - Text your friend why they should pay $6
Case 2
-
Equation - 50×0.70 =
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Task - Make a Scam Alert ticket
Case 3
-
Equation - 25 + (3×5) =
-
Task - Create a cost comparison
Tools to Use
-
Math - Desmos Calculator
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Design - Canva or paper
-
Present - Flipgrid or live
Present (Day 2)
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Show your equations
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Share your visual
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Explain your answer
Evaluation
| Criteria | Excellent (10pts) | Good (8pts) | Needs work (6pts) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | All equations are correct | 2-3 small errors | Major math mistakes |
| Visuals | Clear designs | Complete but simple | Messy or imcomplete |
| Explanation | Detailed and easy to follolw | Some details are missing | Unclear work |
| Teamwork (Independent) | Completed entire responsibillity | Did most of their work | Did not complete their part |
Total score:
- 36-40 pts = Great work
- 32-35 pts = Good work
- 28-31 pts = Needs improvement
Before you submit make sure:
- You solved the cases correcly
- The visuals show math work
- Every teammate does their part
Conclusion
That's it!
By solving these real-world money problems, you've learned:
- How to write and solve one-step equations (MAFS.912.A-CED.1.1)
- Why math matters in identifying scams and splitting costs in a fair way
Want to learn more?
Try this question:
- Your favorite game is 20% off. The discount saves you $12. What was the original price?
-> Use Desmos to check your answer
Reflection Question:
When else could you use equations to solve daily problems?