Real-World Application in the Algebra

ClassroomJenna Maple and Juliet Han

Mayfield Woods Middle School

Common Core State StandardsStandard 1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving themStandard 4: Model with mathematics

Why are we here?

The Smith family is trying to decide between installing cable TV or purchasing a VCR and renting tapes. The Smith’s need to compare the cost of each option over several months in order to make an appropriate decision.Cable TV: one time installation charge of $45 and

$34 per monthVCR: purchase a VCR for $185 and rent 8 tapes per

month at $2.50 per tape which is $20 per month

(Holt, Algebra 1)

Stations

1. Characteristics of Graphing – gallery walk

2. Parallel and Perpendicular Slopes – transparency exploration

3. Graphing Systems of Linear Inequalities – transparency exploration

4. Patterns – Locker problem

5. Proportions and percents – Cloning project

6. Scatter plots – Olympic Scatter Plot Project

7. Equations for Lines – transformation chart

8. Carnegie text

Questions to Discuss

How is this activity helping to reach standards 1 and 4 of our common core state standards?Standard 1: Make sense of problems and persevere

in solving themStandard 4: Model with mathematics

How does this activity enhance students’ understanding of the given algebra objective?

How can you use or extend this activity in your classroom? Do you have a similar activity you used that you can share with your group?